207. Our One Family 'Rule': Simplify Your Family Life with This Guiding Principle

Hey Family Brand! It's Chris and Melissa here, and today we're talking about something that has brought clarity and connection to our family: our one family "rule." Now, we're not talking about a strict rule you have to follow, but more like a guiding principle—something simple that keeps us grounded, connected, and focused on what matters most. In this episode, we'll walk you through how we discovered ours, why it's been so impactful, and how you can find your own one family rule.

We started this concept through our work with The Psblty Co, where we help businesses simplify their growth by focusing on one core principle. That got us thinking: Why not apply the same idea to our family? So, we gathered our kids, reflected on our family's mission, vision, and values, and asked, "If we could only remember one thing, what would make the biggest impact?" The answer for us was clear: Elevate and Inspire.

These three words capture how we want to treat each other and show up as a family. They remind us to lift each other up, speak possibility into each other's lives, and strive for connection. Since adopting this rule, it's become a touchstone for all of us. Even the kids use it as a gentle check-in, asking, "Was that elevate and inspire?" It's been a game-changer for how we approach our relationships at home.

If you're wondering how to create your own one family rule, we recommend starting with your existing family mission or values. Is there a phrase or principle that stands out as the cornerstone? If you don't have a mission or values yet, that's okay! Just ask yourself: How do we want to treat each other? What's most important in how we show up as a family? Keep it simple—five words or less—and make it memorable.

The beauty of this concept is its simplicity. In the busyness of life, it's easy to forget the grand mission statements or big goals. But a short, actionable rule is something you can come back to daily. It's a lens for making decisions, a reminder to align your actions with your values, and a foundation for building strong, lasting relationships.

If you're inspired to find your family's one rule, let us know! We'd love to hear what you come up with and how it transforms your family dynamic.

LINKS:

All Links Family Brand!

• stan.store/familybrand
  

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 0:00 – Reflecting on 20 years of marriage and family life
• 2:00 – What is the "one rule" concept?
• 4:00 – How we discovered our one rule: Elevate and Inspire
• 7:00 – Why simplicity matters in creating family values
• 10:00 – Steps to finding your family's guiding principle
• 13:00 – How one rule can transform your family culture

We hope this episode inspires you to explore what matters most to your family. Remember, it's not about perfection—it's about intention. Let us know your one family rule, and let's continue growing together as families!