There are lots of different Rules for a Good Life. Here’s one of my favorites. My tongue in cheek comments are in red.
Note: Type A personality is defined as one who is an impatient, ambitious, workaholic multi-tasker.
1. Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness or misery. Too bad we don’t understand this until we’re older and/or have experienced a harrowing divorce.
2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent. Ah, if we could be sooo lucky and make money at the same time!
3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully. This sounds like a Type A personality—maybe not the cheerful part.
4. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Others, OK. Myself? Not so much.
5. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know. Maybe if I had some meds….or an extra tall double shot espresso and a brownie.
6. Be generous. My children’s reminder at Christmas.
7. Persistence, persistence, persistence. If you’re a parent, you don’t have a choice!
8. Have a grateful heart. I try, but its tough when tasks at home and office keep piling up.
9. Discipline yourself to save money on even a modest salary. This is my least favorite “rule.” I didn’t even want to include it. Think of it more as a “guideline.” In addition, it conflicts with #6 (be generous). Good thing this rule will help me practice #4 (forgiving myself).
10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated. I could write pages on this one—but I usually keep my blogs short.
11. Commit yourself to constant improvement. Type A personality strikes again! Hubby uses a more unflattering term “perfectionist.” The word “commit” carries some serious baggage, as well. But oh! if I could only instill this in my students!( especially with regard to their essays)
12. Commit yourself to quality. This conflicts with # 9 (saving money), be it chocolate or automobiles.
13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power, or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect. If this were remotely possible there would be no great literature and the world would be perfect
14. Be loyal. To what? This also may conflict with #1. And what would happen to all the reality TV shows if everyone obeyed this rule?
15. Be honest. With yourself—yes , but see rule #10 for the all too frequent, “Honey, do I look fat in this?” question. Lie to me!
16. Be a self-starter. This is a biggie; in fact, this rule is so important it should be re-assigned to the # 2 or #3 spot. Think about it: If you’re not a self-starter all the rules are for naught!
17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong. Once again, this rule may be at odds with # 9 (saving $) “Yes, charge it!” And I’m never wrong.
18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life. Ah, but where’s the fun in that? With whom would I argue? Unless I’m arguing with myself—see rule #17.
19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did. WARNING: Do not show this rule to teenagers!
20. Take good care of those you love. Yet again, this may require breaking rule # 9. Unless they’re referring to hugs, kisses, sympathy, compassion, yada yada
21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make Mom or Dad proud. Depending on generation, ethnicity, or culture, I fully understand this may be more of a challenge for some of us than others.
What rules do you have the most difficulty with? OR better still, please share your Rules for Life! I would love to compile a new list!
