My 'Rules of 3'...

In the Bible, the number 7 is a sign of completion... 

Of perfection. 

In my experience, the number 7 has had little or no significant meaning in terms of predicting future events or providing actionable information. 

But the number 3.... 

Now that's another story. 

Based on repeated experiences over the last 30 years...

I have developed 3 Rules of 3...

Ok. Maybe they're not real Rules but more like... 

Rules of Thumb.... 

Guidelines.... 

Good Things to Know. 

Anyway, here they are:

Rule 1.  If you have no idea what the answer is, say 3. You'll be amazed how many times you are right. 

Rule 2.  When faced with uncertainty, question or a difficult decision, ask or present to 3 independent, informed sources the same question or problem.  If they give you the same answer or recommendation, there is a 90% probability that the common answer from the 3 different sources is the correct or best answer or decision. 

Rule 3. Trouble, Bad News or Negative Events tend to come in Clusters of 3 and typically within 3 days of each other. 

This last week was a perfect testament to Rule 3. 

The first event was my 25 year old Maytag dryer went out last Wednesday. So there goes x hundred $ to replace that. 

As soon as I learned about the dryer going out, I told my wife - "Better look out.  I can feel it.  Trouble always comes in Threes.  There's gonna be at least 2 other bad things that'll happen in the next few days."

Then the next day, I learned about a legal matter involving a family member that will have significant negative time and cost ramifications for that person.

Then on Saturday, I learned of another negative event that will likely cost me some moolah. 

I could feel the stress starting to eat at me and cause me to focus on things that were out of my control.  That is my natural tendency. I am a Worrier. 

In the past, I've let it get the best of me. 

This time, I backed off, thought through what I needed to do, put the plans into action and then focused on stress relief. 

Intense Exercise and Good Food. 

One of the things I've decided, especially given the frequency and intensity of my workouts,  is that I'm not eating enough protein to build lean muscle mass and gain strength. 

Randall's had a special on Pork Chops so I bought a package of those and treated them with my standard meat tenderizer - dry rub. 

I bought some more veggies and focused on treating myself right with a combo of pork chops, tofu, boiled eggs, squash, zucchini, peppers, tomato, arugula and alfalfa sprouts. 

Nice morning temps. 

So I fixed a light, vegetable rich breakfast with a small piece of pork before my Body Pump workout. 

And then followed that with a full blown post workout recovery meal. 

Things are already looking up. 

Just got word...

Negative event 3 may end up being a non-event. 

Remaining calm and controlling emotions during negative times has not always been my strong point....

But I'm working on it and I'm getting better at it. 

So the next time a Rule of 3 situation rears its ugly head....

Keep your head, consult reliable resources, act on what you can control...

And then go get a good workout and a healthy meal. 

Things may not get better, but at least you'll be in a better state to handle it.