The "Godfather" Trilogy (1972, 1974, 1990), directed by Francis Ford Coppola, follows the business of the Corleones, a powerful Italian-American family living in New York. The movies came to the big screen as adaptations of the novel by Mario Puzo. While the films are packed with members and associates of The Five Families being "whacked," the heart of the movies and the novel centers around the importance of family. Growing up watching these movies definitely gave me a stronger appreciation for my family and more selective of the people who I surround myself with. Here are 18 ways the mafia mentality can be applied to the average person's life.

1. "Never tell anyone outside the family what you're thinking," Don Corleone.

Other than being my senior yearbook quote in high school, this piece of advice from the Don teaches us about trust. It is always wise to only tell your plans, secrets, and thoughts to your family, because they will never betray you.

2. "A man who doesn't spend time with his family can never be a real man," Don Corleone.

In a society driven by overworked people, it is important to not forget about what matters the most; family. When you look back on your life, you are not going to remember the long nights at the office or conference calls. You are going to remember the trips you took and nights watching movies with the people you love.

3. "Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family," Don Corleone.

Friends are the family we choose and, if we are lucky, those friendships pass the test of time. Their parents become our parents and vice versa. Without building friendships a person can feel truly alone in the world. At school, we build friendships and form small surrogate families to make it through each passing semester and build support systems to fill in where our families cannot.

4. "Great men are not born great, they grow great," Mario Puzo.

Nothing is guaranteed in life and life is what you make it. Even though this is the only quote on this list that only appears in the novel, it holds great truth and probably the most important lesson. You must take charge of your own life and mold it into what you want. Find a passion and chase it, because passion is what will keep you moving through the good and the bad days you will face. Ask questions. Learn. Evolve into someone you are proud to be.

5. "Confidence is silent. Insecurities are loud," Don Corleone.

Attitude is everything. Being a calm, cool, collected individual will get you noticed in a more positive way than your insecurities. Your insecurities shout out more to you than they do to the public. If you do not feel good about yourself it will affect how you come off to those around you. They will see you as unsure and vulnerable. Growing a thick skin will allow you to stand up against the world.

6. "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Michael Corleone.

Well, enemies seems like such a harsh word; maybe competition applies better in today's society. We are constantly in competition with one another, whether it be in academics or athletics. Knowing who you are up against can better prepare yourself as well as allow you to push yourself and improve your skills and abilities.

7. "Don't ever take sides with anyone against the family, ever," Micheal Corleone.

Trust your family and never betray them. If you have known someone for a long time, believe what they tell you, or go to them directly if another person tells you something about them.

8. "Good health is the most important thing. More than success, more than money, more than power," Hyman Roth.

Without good health you cannot operate at your fullest potential. I know if I even have a head cold I have trouble concentrating.

9. "Never get angry. Never make a threat. Reason with people," Don Corleone.

We've all been guilty of losing our temper and saying things that we do not mean. It is important to keep a level head and do our best to remain calm in stressful situations.

10. "Blood is a big expense," Sollozo.

I'm not saying you should go have your back-stabbing ex-bff whacked off. Avoid pointless fights and drama, because you do not need that in your life and nothing good ever comes from them.

11. "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse," Michael Corleone.

Be the person everyone wants to be, or have! Go above and beyond in the classroom or the office, because it can only open doors to bigger and better things.

12. "It makes no difference to me what a man does for a living, understand," Don Corleone.

Never judge someone based on what they do for a living. Everyone has a story you do not know. They could be working their way through school, or helping send their kid to one.

13. "Your father did business with Hyman Roth; your father respected Hyman Roth; but your father never trusted Hyman Roth," Pentangelli.

Whether it's a school project or a coworker, we have all had to work with someone who's not our favorite person. Professionalism in the workplace is more important than your personal feelings towards a person. It is the only way to get things done properly.

14. "But you can never lose your family. Never," Mama Corleone.

Friends, boyfriends, and girlfriends will come and go, but family is forever. They will forgive you no matter what.

15. "It seems in today's world, the power to absolve debt is greater than the power of forgiveness," Archbishop Gilday.

Today, all anyone ever wants is to be paid back for what they have done. Actions cannot just be done out of the goodness of their heart anymore. which is a shame.

16. "I have always believed helping your fellow man is profitable in every sense, personally and bottom-line," Michael Corleone.

Helping your fellow man and doing good in the world is one of the best feelings in the world. Knowing you have made a difference in the world is indescribable.

17. "Never hate your enemies -- it affects your judgement," Michael Corleone.

Keep an eye on people you do not necessarily like. Learn from them and understand why and how they do things because you could learn something about yourself.

18. "Even the strongest of men needs friends," Don Lucchesi.

No one can survive as a "lone wolf." You only see those people on the news, or in crime shows, and the situation never turns out great for anyone.