So this law works pretty well in the USA. If you fuck up three times, then it’s off to do some hard time. It takes in to account the fact that we all make mistakes. And gives people a chance to redeem themselves.

So, I figure if this rule is good enough for the American judicial system, then it sure as hell is good enough for me. It seems to have worked for the game of baseball for many years also. So I have started to implement it in various parts of my life. And so far it seems to be working really well.

The first instance is dating. Now, I’m sure you are all reading this thinking Howie is such a stud I bet he never gets turned down. At this risk of ruining this myth, it’s not true. I enjoy going on dates with women. I love meeting new people and discussing interesting and new topics.

But they don’t always work out. I don’t always get that second interview. If I try for a date and I get a “Sorry I can’t do Thursday” with no offer of an alternate  time, that is strike one. Sometimes I don’t even get to the third strike, ill cut it after two. Once you put your ego aside, you realise that it is not going anywhere and you move on. Too often your ego gets in the way and you keep trying. God forbid someone doesn’t want you! So three strikes keeps me from making a complete dick of myself.

The second instance is with friends. Friendships need that 50/50 balance. If you make three attempts to catch up with someone and they cancel, time to shelf that relationship. Doesn’t mean it is over. It just means until that balance is back, you should focus your energies in other areas. I often promote this idea to friends of mine who seem to be putting in a lot of effort with someone for no return.

It is just a simple little rule that I have started to use and you can apply it to anything you do in life really.

I suggest you don’t apply it to sky diving though.