strategy

I Cut You Choose Rule in Relationships

I Cut You Choose Rule in Relationships

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Fairness is very important in protecting relationships whether it be family, work or in the community. It is about respecting, recognising and giving importance to the other person. It enables cooperation between individuals and fosters a positive and genuine relationship with others. On the contrary, when we feel that something is unfair, it can stir unwanted emotions like sadness, anger, frustration and sometimes even vengeance. The I Cut You Choose Rule ensures fairness thus following the rules protects relationships.

To be fair means to be impartial. We must always treat people equally regardless of social class, race, gender or age. Unfortunately, to practice fairness is easier said than done. It is always a challenge because fairness is often based on perceptions not intentions. 

I Cut You Choose Rule

The good news is that there is one life rule that we can use as guide when it comes to fair division – the I Cut, You Choose Rule. The rule simply states that if you have to divide a resource equally between two parties; the  cutter will receive the last piece.

Let’s take for example, your children are fighting over their toys. Instead of reprimanding both of them, what you do is assign one child to divide the toys into two piles while the other child gets to choose first. In this case, both parties win. In addition, you are teaching your children the principle of fairness.  You can use this strategy in your everyday lives.

This strategy is widely use when it comes to business dealings because it gives power to both parties. It ensures equality. The one assigned to divide the resource will always make sure that the division was done fairly. This strategy protects not just yourself but your business partner as well. It shows respect to the other person.

If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.

J.K. Rowling

The I Cut You Choose Principle was first introduced in the bible in the Book of Genesis from the Old Testament. Abram journeyed out of Egypt with his wife and his nephew, Lot. Both Abram and Lot were wealthy men with abundant supply of gold, silver and livestock. However, their servants kept on arguing. To avoid further strife among their servants, the two decided to separate. Abram was the one who divided the land into the western and eastern parts but he allowed Lot to choose which part he wanted first. 

Although there are instances wherein it is impossible to to divide something perfectly equal, it is still up to the individuals involved if they think something is fair or not. An example of this is an inheritance issue where heirs need to divide properties such as artworks, antiques and jewelries.

Fairness does not mean everyone gets the same. Fairness means everyone gets what they need. –

Rick Riordan

This is also true when it comes to business relationships. In business, it is very difficult to measure fairness because partners don’t usually contribute the same thing. Some partners contribute money while others contribute their time and effort. That is why, it is very hard to evaluate. By using this principle, partners would be very careful to ensure that the division of resources is as fair as possible. At the end of it all, it’s not about a mathematical formula or something; what is important is how the other party felt during the division.


Feature Image by Ria Algra from Pixabay Images

Posted by A.L. Jonas in Social, 1 comment
Redefine your Life Through the 5/25 Rule Challenge

Redefine your Life Through the 5/25 Rule Challenge

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Are you ready for a fresh start in your life? Then, it’s time to take those goals into action. A good strategy to use to achieve your goals and redefine your life is through the 5/25 rule challenge of Warren Buffet.

Warren Buffet is the most successful investor in the 20th century and one of the richest man in the world. His 5/25 rule on productivity gives importance to focus.

According to the story, Mike Flint, the personal airplane pilot of Warren Buffet for over a decade was having a conversation with his boss about his dreams and goals. Buffet told him to write down 25 of his career goals. Out of these 25, he was asked to identify his top 5. He was then instructed to focus all his time and energy in accomplishing those 5 items on the list. The other items that did not make it on the top 5 would fall under the “avoid-at-all-cost” category.

This kind of strategy is highly effective because if you don’t have focus, it is so easy to get distracted in life especially in this day and age. With focus, you will know exactly what you want and what direction you are supposed to go.

Here is the challenge if you are determined to change your life for the better. Try applying the 5/25 Rule in your life by following these steps:

1. Write Down your Goals

If you still don’t have a bucket list, now is the perfect time to start writing them down. Just list down all the things that you want to have and accomplish in life, even if it feels like impossible. There are no restrictions. After all, they are your dreams. Write as many as you can. To make it easier, label your dreams and goals under the following categories:

  • Health and Beauty
  • Home and Living
  • Wealth
  • People and Relationships
  • Travel and Recreation
  • Work and Career
  • Spiritual

Make sure that you put at least more than 10 entries in each category. To help you with your list, you can check out some of the A Fresh start articles on the different categories and use them as guide.

2. Choose your Priorities

The 5/25 Rule states that you choose your focus. Instead of merely choosing just 5 items in your work and career, it is better to choose at least one from each of the category. The important thing is to have a well-balanced life. Your life is not just about your career, it is also about your health, your relationships and your overall well-being.

The elimination process won’t be easy. However, it is something that you have so that you can focus all your energy, resources and attention on just a few. You can choose to prioritise the urgent ones or you can opt for the easiest one to accomplish first. It is all up to you. Don’t worry about the “Avoid-at-all-cost” list, you can still go back to that list later on once you have accomplished your initial goals.

3. Start Working on Your Goals

The best time to start working on your goals is now. Start doing them one-by-one. There is nothing sweeter than to experience the feeling of accomplishment once you start fulfilling your goals. As you crossed out one item every now and then, you will surprised how your life is slowly starting to change.

Infographic Credit: Piktochart

Best of luck!


Image Credit: photosforyou from Pixabay Images

Posted by A.L. Jonas in Intellectual, 1 comment