The 24-Hour Rule... I've been practicing the 24-Hour Rule for decades and it works beautifully. For the most part, it has saved me from the embarrassment of saying or doing something that I might regret in an emotionally charged situation.
Here's how the 24-Hour Rule works: If someone pisses in your cheerios, don't respond directly to that person for 24-Hours. It's okay to rant to a neutral 3rd party, but not to anyone who is closely tied to the situation... and especially refrain from any online rants (as these become a permanent record).
Typically, you won't feel as emotionally charged the next day. However, in rare cases (after applying the 24-Hour Rule), you still feel exceptionally passionate about your position, then I recommend the 48-72 Hour Rule. You'll be amazed at the clarity you receive after waiting an additional period of time to respond to the person/situation.
Call me Pollyanna... but if everyone practiced the 24-Hour Rule, we'd have a lot less pissing matches, bickering, politicking, bantering, positioning and the like. The world would be a better place... in only 24 Hours! Try The 24-Hour Rule. It works every time!
