72 Hours

72 Hour Rule

Over the years, I have consumed hundreds of TED talks. These 10-15 minute monologues that are typically from someone I have never heard of before… have left me with dozens of fun facts that are honestly pretty useless. Except for one that has directly impacted the depth of my relationships. That is the 72-Hour Rule.

Maintaining Friendships

The 72-Hour Rule states that for someone to be inside of your inner circle (your best friend), you have to spend at least 72 hours with them in a year. This rule is an attempt to quantify friendship to help you intentionally pursue the people that mean the most to you. As we get older and life goes on it becomes increasingly harder to establish and maintain deep friendships. With the 72-Hour Rule, you can continue to build on the relationship you have established.

Breaking It Down

The 72-Hour Rule works for friends who are close by and for friends who live across the country. For friends nearby, these 72 hours can happen without you even noticing. Through dinners, coffees, and fun evening activities, you can accumulate the 72-hours with ease. For friends across the country, it might take more intentionality. My friends and I have committed to spending one long weekend together every year to help us knock out a large portion of our 72 hours. The remainder of the hours are filled with phone calls and couch crashes when we are in town.

Why It Matters

I believe relationships are one of the most important aspects of life. It is our Tribe that we rely on for strength, wisdom, correction, love, and care. At the end of my life, I want to gauge my success not on my accomplishments but on my relationships. The only way to do that is by being intentional with the people that mean the most to you.

Take A Step

If you want to implement this rule inside of your friendship, then share this with your friend. It takes two for a relationship to thrive. Be intentional and set a goal for your friendship. You will not regret it.

Go out. Make a Difference.