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That's a Problem for Future Peter
Rule 2: Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping
A big takeaway for me, from Rule 2 in Jordan Peterson’s 12 Rules for Life, is that taking care of ourselves—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—is not a luxury. It’s a duty. That seems pretty extreme, but it is what enables us to care for those around us more effectively in the long term.
Peterson walks us through a compelling journey of why it’s important to treat ourselves with dignity and how doing so benefits everyone around us. He even backs it up with data. For instance, did you know that only one-third of people take their prescriptions properly? He cites that one third of patients don’t fill their prescriptions at all, and half of those who do, either take them incorrectly or inconsistently. That means only a third of prescribed treatments are followed for maximum benefit!
Maybe people don’t see the value, prescriptions are expensive, or they don’t agree with their doctor but don’t want the hassle of a debate. Whatever the reason, that’s a startlingly low proportion for the time, effort, and suffering that went into acquire the prespription in the first place. He then contrasts this with how we treat our pets. People are far more likely to ensure their pets get the care they need. At first, I thought, “Is that really true?” But then I thought about my dog. If he gets a little overweight or needs more exercise, we put him on a diet; we take him for walks—rain or shine—and carve out time for the dog park, even when life is hectic. We always seem to be sure he's happy and healthy, whether he likes it, or not!
If only I had someone to manage me like that! It’s hard to hold yourself to the same standard, and that’s part of Peterson’s point.
The Case for Self-Care
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Most of us don’t care for ourselves as diligently as we should. We don’t recognize that we have the same intrinsic value as those we care for—our family, friends, and even our pets.
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We have intrinsic value. Neglecting our own well-being reflects a lack of acknowledgment of our worth.
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Self-care allows us to care for others. If we’re not functioning well, we won’t be able to give our best to others -- and especially for the long term.
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Self-care is hard. It’s about balancing the chaos (challenges and variability) in our lives with the order (stability and discipline) we need. Ignoring the important things invites chaos. Think of a car or a house—skip the maintenance, and sooner or later, you’ll face big problems.
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Compassion is key. Proper self-care means recognizing that while discipline is crucial, you also deserve grace. You wouldn’t berate a friend or loved one for every misstep; don’t do it to yourself either.
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It’s forward-looking. Self-care isn’t just about the present; it’s about setting up your future self for success. Peterson frames this in a way that really resonated with me: Homer Simpson, about to knowingly make a bad decision, “That’s a problem for Future Homer—man, I don't envy that guy!”
I want to flip that mindset. I want to live in a way that sets up my future self to say, “Future Peter? I want to be that guy!”
Connecting with the Present
Of course, this needs to balance with another idea I’ve been reflecting on: “Be where your feet are.”
In that previous post, I explored how living in the present and enjoying the journey is just as important as having a destination. It’s not about obsessively planning every step or ignoring the present for future gains. Instead, it’s about walking that delicate line—being present while building a future you’re excited to step into.
My Takeaway from Rule 2:
Treating yourself with dignity isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When we take care of ourselves, we’re better able to care for those we love, contribute meaningfully to the world, and create a future worth looking forward to.
If I was looking at my life like someone who cared about me, what would I want Present Me to do to help Future Me? I encourage you to do the ask yourself the same question — because Future You deserves it.
