This was originally written with college graduates in mind, but it could apply to any stage of life. Most of these I had to learn the hard way. But learn them I did, and I want to share in the hopes maybe one or two of them make a difference in whatever stage of life you are in right now:
- Never settle for a job or a career you don’t love. It doesn’t matter if you’ve just spent the last four years getting a degree to do it, if you hate it, it will eventually destroy you.
- You are the sum total of the five people you are with the most—choose your friends wisely.
- Remember the Golden Rule.
- Remember not everyone obeys the Golden Rule.
- It doesn’t matter what the world thinks—the only opinion of you that matters is yours.
- Stay humble. Always remember where you came from and what it took to get where you are.
- Not everyone has your best interest at heart. Sadly, most people have their own agendas.
- Don’t lie…ever—to yourself or anyone else.
- Do whatever it takes to keep your dreams alive. When you allow your dreams to die, a little piece of you dies with them.
- Don’t let the world make you bitter. There will be trials and disappointments as you go through life. Accept them for what they are. Let the experience make you a better person, not a bitter one.
- You will make plenty of mistakes—learn from them and they will no longer be mistakes.
- Go with your gut instinct. If it feels wrong, it probably is.
- Make a difference in someone’s life. We never know what others are going through and what a difference a simple, genuine smile can make.