We all make excuses. We’ve all been guilty of dodging commitments or taking shortcuts when things get tough. I’ve developed a simple but powerful mental framework that helps me stay accountable to myself and my goals. I call it the “Michael Jordan Rule,” and it’s transformed how I approach my commitments and priorities.
The concept is straightforward: When faced with a decision to show up or slack off, I ask myself, “What would I do if Michael Jordan were going to be there?” Suddenly, all my excuses disappear.
How the Michael Jordan Rule Works
Think about it – have you ever noticed how quickly people’s excuses evaporate when something truly exciting is on the line? I see this pattern play out constantly in both business and personal interactions.
When I invite someone to a meetup, the conversation often goes like this:
- Me: “Would you like to come to my meetup?”
- Them: “No, I can’t make it. I’m busy that day.”
- Me: “You sure? Michael Jordan will be there.”
- Them: “Well, in that case, I can definitely make it!”
The same person who couldn’t possibly attend suddenly finds a way to clear their schedule when something they truly value is at stake. This reveals an important truth: most of our “can’ts” are actually “won’t’s” in disguise.
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Applying This to Your Own Life
I’ve internalized this principle for my own daily habits and commitments. When my alarm goes off early in the morning and I’m tempted to hit snooze, thinking “I can’t get up, I need more sleep,” I reframe the situation: “What if Michael Jordan was waiting to meet me for breakfast?”
Suddenly, getting out of bed isn’t so impossible.
This mental trick works because it forces us to confront the truth about our priorities. It strips away the comfortable lies we tell ourselves and reveals what we’re really willing to do when something matters enough to us.
That’s my non-negotiable.
The power of this rule isn’t about Michael Jordan specifically – it’s about identifying what truly matters to you and making those things your non-negotiables. For some, it might be family time. For others, it might be their health or creative pursuits.
Creating Your Own Non-Negotiables
To implement this in your life, try these steps:
- Identify the commitments you frequently make excuses to avoid
- Be honest about what would make those same commitments suddenly unmissable
- Use that insight to recognize which excuses are legitimate and which are just convenient lies
The beauty of this approach is that it helps you align your actions with your true values. If something is genuinely important to you, treat it as if Michael Jordan will be there – make it non-negotiable.
I’ve found that the most successful people aren’t necessarily the most talented or privileged – they’re the ones who show up consistently for their priorities. They don’t let temporary discomfort or minor inconveniences derail them from their commitments.
Next time you catch yourself making an excuse, try applying the Michael Jordan Rule. Ask yourself: “Would this excuse still stand if something I truly valued was at stake?” If not, perhaps it’s time to reconsider your commitment to showing up.
By establishing clear non-negotiables in your life, you create a foundation for consistent growth and achievement. You stop letting excuses dictate your actions and start aligning your behavior with your true priorities.
The Michael Jordan Rule isn’t just about getting things done – it’s about living with integrity and purpose. It’s about becoming the kind of person who shows up, not just when it’s convenient, but when it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Michael Jordan Rule only work for professional commitments?
Not at all. The Michael Jordan Rule can be applied to any area of your life where you find yourself making excuses – whether it’s exercise, family time, personal projects, or professional obligations. The key is identifying what would make that commitment unmissable for you personally.
Q: What if I genuinely can’t make a commitment due to legitimate reasons?
The Michael Jordan Rule isn’t about ignoring legitimate constraints or emergencies. It’s about being honest with yourself about which excuses are real limitations versus which are simply a lack of prioritization. If you truly cannot do something, that’s different from choosing not to do it.
Q: How do I identify my personal “Michael Jordan” equivalent?
Think about what would make you drop everything and show up no matter what. For some people, it might be a celebrity they admire; for others, it might be a rare opportunity or a significant reward. Your “Michael Jordan” is whatever represents maximum value and excitement to you personally.
Q: Can this approach lead to burnout if I make too many things non-negotiable?
The point isn’t to make everything non-negotiable, but rather to be honest about your true priorities. In fact, using this framework should help you better distinguish between what truly matters to you and what doesn’t, allowing you to focus your energy more effectively.
Q: How can I use the Michael Jordan Rule when motivating my team or family?
When working with others, help them connect to their own version of the Michael Jordan Rule. Instead of imposing your priorities, ask questions that help them discover what would make a commitment unmissable for them personally. This creates intrinsic motivation rather than external pressure.