Life's Little Rules - Part One

Rules. Whether we know it or not, we all live by them. Some may simply call them “guidelines”. How we develop our personal rules may be the topic for a new post, but for now, here are the rules that I live by.

The First Commandment (Exodus 20:3) – “You shall have NO other gods before me”. Simply stated remember God and keep Him #1 in your life. ALL things come after this. I could go into much more detail about this, but won’t. And yes, the other 9 Commandments are important too.
The Golden Rule- “Do unto others as you’d have done unto you”. – This is another easy one. Treat other people the way you would like to be treated. You are not better than anyone else. Nor are they better than you. Treat everyone you meet as equals and give them that respect.
Never Lie. Be Honest. – Honesty is the best policy and it will do you far more good than harm. Be honest in your relationships, with your business ethics and with your personal morals. There will be times when a small little white lie could really spare someone’s feelings. Don’t do it. In the end it sacrifices your integrity and destroys your character. It’s also hard to remember them in the future.
Admit when you’re wrong and apologize. – Nobody is perfect and everyone makes mistakes from time to time. It’s perfectly okay. Even if you screw up and waste money, or time, or hurt people’s feelings. Admit you were wrong and offer a sincere apology. You’ll be amazed at how understanding people are when you’re humble and modest enough to admit that you made a mistake.
Your handshake is a promise. Consider it a contract. Don’t break it! – Remember the days when they said “a man’s word is his bond”? I miss those days. Back then, when Andy Griffith was still in Mayberry, people still had integrity. Where did that go? What Happened? When you say you’re going to do something, do it. If it helps, re-read rules #2 & #3.
Listen before speaking. – My Dad always said, “God gave you two ears and one mouth. That’s not a coincidence”. Using that rationale, if you listen twice as much as you talk you will usually be in good shape.
Never commit a family member to anything! First off, it avoids fights. It’s also rude. How would you like it if they committed YOU to do something? I’m not saying don’t ask that person to help, just don’t say “so and so” will do something without first asking their permission.
Never Gossip! Also remember that those who gossip to you will usually gossip about you.
Have a checklist every day. Your day isn’t done until it’s complete. – When I get up every morning I make a list of everything that needs to get done that day. Don’t stop until that list is complete. Don’t put it off to another day, don’t procrastinate. TIP- Do the harder or most time consuming things first and the rest of the day will run smoother.
Improve 1%…Everyday – Strive to be better, just a little bit every day. Think of a bank. Small gains compounded daily = a big gain down the road.
Get in some form of exercise every day!
Brush Your Teeth. Brush Often. – This is a no brainer, aside from people having to smell your stinky breath, it helps prevent tooth decay, tooth loss, and gum disease.
Always brush your teeth right before leaving the house– Again, no one wants to smell your nasty breath. No one wants to kiss that mouth either.
Always keep your car clean on the inside. – A messy car is usually a good indicator as to the mental health of a person. I know of an employer who, as part of the interview process, looks at the interior of your car. If it is a mess they are usually an immediate “no hire”. Clean car, clean mind.
Always make your bed and tidy your room before leaving the house. – Similar concept as #12. Trust me, it helps. You also never know when you are going to have people at your house.
Button down shirts should ALWAYS be ironed. – You’re a grown person! Be presentable when in public. It’s just bad form when you’re not.
Guys should NEVER wear white underwear – of any kind. Guys know what I’m talking about.