Woman Shares Rule of 3 She Says Helps Achieve Her Goals—'Transformative'

You've heard of girl math, but one TikTok poster has shared how "girl science" has helped her be more patient when making important decisions—and it all comes down to the magic number three.

In a video posted on TikTok (@skyfishingforskyfish), the 22-year-old who goes by the alias Sky Fishing, said that following the rule of three has been transformative for her. If there is ever anything she really wants, or she's struggling in a new environment, her mantra is always the same: give it three months.

Speaking to Newsweek about how this theory has helped her over the years, Sky Fishing, from Los Angeles, California, says it has been "massively helpful" to cope with big changes and to have clarity when making important decisions. "If I can't do it in three months, it can't or shouldn't be done," she said.

The rule of three can be applied to anything from moving to a new place, love life, wanting a tattoo, trying out a diet, or even buying a new product. If she doesn't want it after waiting three months, it probably wasn't worth it.

"As a kid, I moved every two years or so until I was 15. I learned quickly that the gestation period required for a stranger to be welcomed in is three months," Sky Fishing told Newsweek.

"As I got older, I realized it wasn't just true in social dynamics; it's a universal code for determining if something is truly to your liking. Big life alterations need time, and I firmly believe that is three months."

Some people might think it's absurd to wait three months for something, but Sky Fishing said that is because today's society needs everything instantaneously. She added that growing up in a world of constant connectivity and influencer culture is part of the problem because there is a whole world at our fingertips.

Sky Fishing said: "While many things can change in a moment, I maintain that the human psyche needs longer. This explains a large part of the micro trend cycles. Almost all of them fall out of fashion after three months because they are fads that have been marketed as lifestyles.

"We want everything now, or tomorrow at the latest. We expect our minds, bodies, and lives to be altered with the swiftness of an Amazon delivery," she added.

After this "transformative experience" changed her mindset for the better, Sky Fishing now encourages her friends and family to adopt this mantra, too. If ever they are struggling to make a decision, she utters those precious four words again: give it three months.

Sky Fishing shared the theory in the TikTok video, which has gained over 5,600 views and more than 700 likes at the time of writing. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the video, as Sky Fishing even said that it's rare "to see that many people agree" on something.

Now, she hopes more people will take a step back and give themselves time before deciding anything major.

"I hope the rule of three can be helpful to everyone, but especially the early twentysomethings who are facing seemingly impossible life decisions and goals," Sky Fishing said. "I am standing at the same cliff edge, but instead of trying to make myself jump, I'm taking a ladder. Try it; and remember, you have time."

Among the comments on the TikTok post, one social-media user wrote: "Absolutely agree wholeheartedly."

Another person responded: "Big fan of this."

A separate comment reads: "Literally had a moment like this today and I really appreciate you reminding me that oh yeah. I'm only a third of the way there."

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