# The Wednesday Rule

Source: https://www.theminimalists.com/wednesday/
Published: 2026-01-22
Updated: 2026-02-02
Author: Joshua Fields Millburn

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A few months ago, I turned down a lucrative publishing deal from a giant audiobook publisher. Not because I didn’t believe in the project—but because I did.

I wanted [*Very, Very Simple: 12 Tools for a Simpler Life*](https://www.theminimalists.com/vvs/) to be immediately useful, frictionless, and free for the people who already support my work.

That audiobook is out now—and I’m making it **free for a limited time on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/posts/147644814)** (you just need a free account). You can also download the free [ebook](https://www.theminimalists.com/vvs/) if you prefer to read.

*Very, Very Simple* is a clear, compassionate guide to living with less—and finally feeling better about what you own. (T.K. Coleman recorded the audiobook with me; his wisdom may be the best part.)

When I wrote the book for the publisher, I included 12 practical tools—flexible rules, not rigid dogma—designed to help you decide what’s no longer acceptable in your life and let it go.

After I declined the publisher’s offer—because I believed their terms would limit the reach of this project—I decided to release the audiobook myself. And I added one more tool.

I call it the Wednesday Rule.

It’s the rule I’ve been using more than any other lately—because it helps me make better decisions *now*.

I apply it to purchases, health, relationships, finances, commitments, and material clutter. And fittingly, it’s very, very simple.

Here’s how it works…

Before you make a decision, simply ask yourself one question:

*Will I be delighted with this decision next Wednesday?*

It’s that simple.

Next Wednesday, when I’m looking back on my decision:

- Will my future self be happy that I bought those pants?
- Will my future self be satisfied that I ate those potato chips?
- Will my future self be glad I got frustrated with my daughter?
- Will my future self be excited by that meeting I scheduled?
- Will my future self be thrilled that he didn’t clean out the junk drawer?
- Will my future self be grateful he wasted that money on a lottery ticket?

If the answer is *yes*, then it’s probably a good decision:

- Yes, I’m relieved I purchased this new dress shirt for my job interview.
- Yes, I’m thankful I ordered the smoothie instead of the milkshake.
- Yes, I’m pleased I acknowledged my coworker’s achievement.
- Yes, I’m overjoyed I scheduled a coffee date with my best friend.
- Yes, I’m pleased as punch that I cleared out that storage locker.
- Yes, I’m grateful I invested my extra $100 in index funds.

However, if the answer is *No, I will not be delighted by this decision*, then the decision is already made for you:

*When in doubt, opt out.*

I like to think of it as “letting go in advance.”

*[Very, Very Simple](https://www.theminimalists.com/vvs/) isn’t about owning fewer things for the sake of minimalism. It’s about removing the excess that’s keeping you overwhelmed. Download it for free as an ebook or audiobook.*

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