Advice

These are some words of advice that I have compiled for the last few years, with intentions to hand them down to my son. Some are original, some stolen, some more important than others, all from the heart.

Know all the rules before you try to break any of them.

When all else fails, go with your gut.

Read the book.

Don't forget about what's really important in life.

There's always room for ice cream.

Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes.

Be proactive.

Prioritize.

Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Integrity is everything.

Like it or not, you will be judged by the company you keep, the clothes you wear, and the words you say.

Pay your bills on time. (Always)

Nothing good can come from smoking.

Learn to speak confidently in front of an audience.

Keep a travel journal.
(Don't write anything in it that would embarrass you.)

Exercise.

Maintain perspective.

Plan to be spontaneous.

Believe in something.

Savor the moment.

Listen.

There is no courage without fear.

Conquer your fears.

Your parents are smarter than you think.

Laugh.

Visit Venice, Italy with someone you love.

Do what you love; money will follow.

Confidence is encouraged; arrogance is annoying.

Learn how to drive a stick-shift.

Rely on no-one but yourself.

Ride the big rides.

Be nice.

Remember: love is also a verb.

Read the fine print.

Begin with the end in mind.

Invest a portion of your money as soon as you get it.

Never stop learning.

Warm apple pie up before eating it.

Share.

Treat old people with kindness.

Treat all people with respect.

Defend those who need defending.

Be on time.

Ask.

Know how to change a flat tire.

Expect the best; plan for the worst.

Confront problems immediately.

Write "Thank You" notes.

Make criticism constructive.

Follow the assignment.

If you don't like the taste of something - try adding cheese or chocolate.

Take pictures.

Keep records.

Put it in writing.

Don't believe everything you read.

Vote.

Donate time and/or money.

Pray.

Give blood.

Prepare.

Be spontaneous.

Hug your mom. Frequently.

Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right.

Consider your options carefully before making a decision; then, once you make a decision, make it the right decision.

Stand up for yourself, but don't be a bully.

Put the toilet seat down.

Give up your seat to women and old people.

Don't drink alcohol while doing business.

Wear your seatbelt.

Ask why.

Exude confidence.

Overtip good service.

Drink a lot of water.

Avoid lawsuits - on either side.

Don't gossip.

Smile.

Nothing is fair. Accept it.

Don't blame traffic. Plan for traffic.

Maintain contact with friends even after they move.

Have a dictionary handy.

After receiving particularly good or particularly bad service, tell a supervisor.

Be an organ donor.

Make a list of things you want to do before you die.

Carry it with you.

Remember that people like to do business with people who are doing business.

Remove your sunglasses indoors.

Put your keys, wallet, and watch in the same place everyday.

The first person who loses their temper, loses the argument.

Learn to sew on a button.

Keep a flashlight handy.

Learn a couple of good card tricks.

If a restaurant or cafe has an outdoor patio, eat on the patio.

Read the directions.

Don't react; Respond.

Carry your business card.

Buy things from kids raising money.

Have a hero.

Be a hero.

Take family vacations. The memories are priceless.

When complimented, simply say "Thank you."

Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

Have a firm handshake.

Take care of your teeth.

If possible, talk your way out of a fight. Otherwise, hit harder than the other guy.

Return anything you borrow.

Treat people the way they would like to be treated.

Know how to change a flat tire.

Remember people's names. Use them a lot.

Visit Washington D.C.

Don't quit a job until you've lined up another.

Do business with people who do business with you.

Carry jumper cables and a flashlight in your car.

Avoid approaching horses and restaurants from the rear.

Only loan something to a friend if you're okay to not get it back. Even money.

Check for toilet paper before sitting down.

Learn to juggle.

Watch the movie, "Regarding Henry.

"Work, Live, Dance, Love. Work like you own the company. Live like there's no tomorrow. Dance like there's nobody watching. Love like you've never been hurt.

Walk it off.

Keep your promises.

Remember that winners make it a habit of doing things that failures don't like to do. (The winners don't like doing them either, but their disliking is subordinate to the strength of their purpose.)

If a test question includes the word "always" or "never," the answer is usually "false."

Actively participate in classes and meetings.

If you never fail, you're not trying hard enough.

Understand the difference between respect and fear. (Stay away from people who don't undertand that difference.)

Invest in Real Estate.

When you take a document to someone to be signed, bring a pen.

Two foes will come together to defeat a common enemy.

Take walks.

Stand for something.

Take pride in your work.

When dressing up, choose socks to match your pants or your shoes, not your shirt.

You can't win if you don't play.

Create long-term and short-term goals. They should be SMART. Specific, measureable, attainable, realistic, timely.

Write down all of your goals, refer back to them daily.

Always have enough money in the bank to cover three months expenses.

Put money away for later.

Learn another language.

Learn to play an instrument.

Backpack thru Europe.

Ask her to dance.

Hold things so that your hand won't be in the way if the knife slips.

Your word is your bond.But where the other guy is concerned, get it in writing.

Don't swing if it's not in the strike zone. If it is, swing hard.

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

If you're young and not liberal, you don't have a heart.If you're old and not conservative, you don't have a brain.

It's better to want something you don't have, than to have something you don't want.

If, by Rudyard Kipling -
If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look to good, nor talk to wise.
If you can dream -- and not make dreams your master,
If you can think --- and not make your thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same,
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken
And stoop and build them up with worn-out tools,
If you can make one heap of all your winnings,
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss,
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the will which says to them: "Hold On!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
Or walk with Kings nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes are loving fiends can hurt you,
If all men count with you but none too much;
If you can fill in the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds worth of distance run
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And which is more --- you'll be Man, my son!