The Two-Day Rule

# The Two-Day Rule

About five years ago, YouTuber and documentary filmmaker Matt D'Avella shared a simple tip to help us improve and avoid the moments of suffering that come from failure. It is the "two-day rule." This rule can help us form habits and avoid procrastination in carrying out a plan. Habits are formed when we perform an action enough times that it becomes second nature. The principle is to do something consciously so many times that eventually we begin doing it unconsciously.

The beauty of habit is that it helps eliminate energy and stress, even when we must behave in a certain way. As author and podcast host Gretchen Rubin told Big Think, "The most important thing about a habit is that you don't have to make a decision. You don't have to decide whether to brush your teeth. You don't have to decide whether to wear a seatbelt. You don't have to decide whether to go to the gym first thing in the morning. You've already decided, and the advantage of habit is that when something has been done automatically, the brain doesn't need to use any energy or willpower to make a decision."

Therefore, if we want to avoid failure from the start, we must turn an action into a habit. To do this, we must repeat it. This is where the "two-day rule" helps create habits. The "two-day rule" advises that you should never let two days pass without taking action toward your goal. If you missed reading the Bible yesterday, do your best to read the Bible today. If you did not pray today, make sure you will pray tomorrow morning.

On the path of following Jesus, we need positive change, becoming increasingly like God's "image of goodness." We must truly strive with all our heart to follow God's will, keeping far from every temptation and sin that separates us from God. We need to apply the "two-day rule" in all things, especially those that affect our spiritual life, so that we grow each day. Begin the New Year with good spiritual habits! Do not let even one day pass without reading God's Word, without praying, without examining your heart, without confessing to Him; but do these things regularly, so that we may develop good habits and live in a way that pleases God! Let us have a heart like the psalmist: "My God, I delight to do your will; your law is within my heart" (Psalm 40:8), "I do not hesitate but obey your commandments" (Psalm 119:60). We pray that the Holy Spirit will teach us to make good use of the time to read God's Word, to commune closely with Him, to serve God diligently, and to intercede for one another; so that our lives may be a living testimony to those around us, that they may know His miraculous power and open their hearts to turn and receive Jesus as the Savior of their lives! Amen!

Time swiftly flies away, With all your strength, with reverent fear, Scripture and Commands hold dear, Pray and watch vigilantly each day!

Joyfully live the faith, follow God's way, Eagerly and diligently serve Him with care, The New Year brings contentment and blessing fair, Praise the Holy One, whose power holds all sway!

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