Mikhail Litvak's Rules of Life: A Guide to Self-Development with MriyaRun
Mikhail Litvak, a renowned psychologist, writer, and creator of the "Psychological Aikido" method, passed away in 2020, but his legacy endures. Having written over 30 books on practical psychology, he formulated 22 rules for a happy and successful life.
Litvak's philosophy aligns perfectly with the mission of MriyaRun. While rules provide direction, true transformation requires daily practice. Our self-reflection diaries and metaphorical associative cards are designed to help you implement this wisdom in real life.
Here are Litvak's key rules, interpreted through the lens of conscious self-development:
- Happiness is not a goal, but a side effect. Do not chase happiness. It comes from within when you master new skills and achieve your goals. Reflecting on your achievements daily creates this state of well-being.
- Stop depending on others' opinions. When you are confident and satisfied with yourself, you don't need external validation. Build your internal core.
- Do not wait or ask. If you want to achieve something, take control. Do not seek permission to live your own life.
- Don't be a theorist. Knowledge without action is useless. Mature people turn insights into actions—something effectively done through structured journaling and planning.
- Planning is the key to success. Organize your life according to your priorities. A well-structured plan, like those in MriyaRun diaries, is a map to happiness.
- Your biggest enemy is yourself. The battle with your own limitations is the toughest one. Face it with courage.
- You are not a dollar bill to be liked by everyone. Trying to please everyone leads to failure and exhaustion. Be authentic.
- Pay your bills. Don't let others make you feel guilty or overly indebted. Clear exchanges foster healthy relationships.
- Dream about the real. Focus on goals that are achievable. Realistic planning fuels motivation; fantasies drain it.
- Depression is not just darkness. It is an opportunity to look inward. Don't suppress it. Tools like metaphorical cards can help you explore your subconscious and understand what is holding you back.
- Talk to your enemies. You can learn more about yourself from enemies than from friends. Listen to gain perspective.
- A book is the best advisor. Reading a good book is far better than socializing with superficial people.
- Spend your time wisely. Focus on science, philosophy, or your craft—things that bring real value to your personality.
- Relationships are for growth. If a relationship (personal or professional) hinders your development, reconsider it.
- Don't be afraid of people. Assume positive intent. Openness can open doors.
- Logic is universal. There is no "male" or "female" logic. There is only intelligence or the lack thereof.
- Don't fear solitude. Loneliness is a sign of spiritual maturity. When alone, you can be most productive and creative.
- Share your joy. Happiness multiplies when shared with friends, but only with those who truly wish you well.
- No one is pushing you. Live at your own pace.
- Ignore insults and criticism. On the day you achieve your goal, none of the criticism will matter.
- Learn to praise yourself. If you can't praise yourself, you will inevitably criticize others. Acknowledge your wins.
- Learn to live for yourself. As long as you try to prove something to others, you are living for them. Reclaim your life.
Achieving these goals requires patience, persistence, and the right tools. MriyaRun supports this journey by providing the psychological instruments needed to navigate the path of self-discovery and personal effectiveness.
- Mriya.run: Space for Conscious Change. Learning, Practice & Tools
- Tools & Resources
- Mikhail Litvak's Rules of Life and the Art of Self-Development