Years ago, I was watching an interview with comedian Craig Ferguson. He made a funny joke that also proved to be remarkably insightful:

“There are three things you must always ask yourself before you say anything,” Ferguson said.

• Does this need to be said?
• Does this need to be said by me?
• Does this need to be said by me, now?

Ferguson quipped that it took him three marriages to learn this lesson.

All jokes aside, I use this rule every day, and it’s saved my marriage, my business, and my relationships more times than I can count.