self-imposed rule
nounUK /ˌself ɪmˈpəʊzd ruːl/
US /ˌself ɪmˈpoʊzd ruːl/
A rule you make for yourself that you choose to follow.
Waking up early every day is a self-imposed rule she never breaks.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A guideline someone creates for their own behavior without outside pressure.
His self-imposed rule of no phone after dinner helped him sleep better.
3. A restriction a person places on themselves to stay focused or safe.
The writer's self-imposed rule was to finish one page before checking email.
4. A personal standard adopted by choice rather than by law or authority.
Recycling every week became a self-imposed rule in their household.