The following 100 life instructions come from a book (written by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.) I received from my grandfather. He was given this book many years ago, and he thought I would enjoy it. My grandfather has taught me many things, among which is that family is most important, live with integrity, and love deeply. While this book is slightly outdated, and some of the instructions aren't necessarily applicable to this day and age - learn how to operate a Macintosh computer - this book is filled with many reminders for how to live a wholesome life. I have combed through this book and come up with the top 77 (out of 511) instructions that society has forgotten, but definitely shouldn't have.
1. Compliment three people every day.
2. Watch a sunrise at least once a year.
3. Remember other people's birthdays.
4. Have a firm handshake.
5. Look people in the eye.
6. Be forgiving of yourself & others.
7. Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it.
8. Return all things you borrow.
9. Write "thank you" notes promptly.
10. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day.
11. Show respect for teachers.
12. Take out the garbage without being told.
13. Vote.
14. Surprise loved ones with little unexpected gifts.
15. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
16. Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, & integrity, they think of you.
17. Admit your mistakes.
18. Use your wit to amuse, not to abuse.
19. Remember that all news is biased.
20. Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
21. Don't take good health for granted.
22. Don't smoke.
23. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who'll never find out.
24. Know how to type.
25. Never cheat.
26. Learn CPR.
27. Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.
28. Know how to change a tire.
29. Know how to tie a bow tie.
30. Remember people's names.
31. Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have.
32. Strive for excellence, not perfection.
33. Take time to smell the roses.
34. Pray not for things, but for wisdom & courage.
35. Be punctual & insist on it in others.
36. Do battle against prejudice & discrimination wherever you find it.
37. Don't quit a job until you've lined up another.
38. Have good posture.
39. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
40. Show respect for all living things.
41. Don't carry a grudge.
42. Commit yourself to constant self-improvement.
43. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments.
44. Keep your promises.
45. Be willing to lose a battle in order to win the war.
46. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
47. Don't whine.
48. Leave everything a little better than you found it.
49. Don't expect money to bring you happiness.
50. Never snap your fingers to get someone's attention. It's rude.
51. Practice empathy. Try to see things from other people's points of view.
52. Discipline yourself to save money.
53. Get & stay in shape.
54. Don't expect life to be fair.
55. Become an expert in time management.
56. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable.
57. Refrain from envy. It's the source of much unhappiness.
58. Don't think a higher price always means higher quality.
59. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
60. Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's.
61. Know when to keep silent.
62. Know when to speak up.
63. Wage war against littering.
64. Don't flaunt your success, but don't apologize for it either.
65. Be enthusiastic about the success of others.
66. Don't procrastinate. Do what needs doing when it needs to be done.
67. Have some knowledge of three religions other than your own.
68. Don't undertip the waiter just because the food is bad; he/she didn't cook it.
69. Don't be afraid to say, "I need help."
70. Never compromise your integrity.
71. Don't miss the magic of the moment by focusing on what's to come.
72. Don't interrupt.
73. Don't make the same mistake twice.
74. Question your goals by asking, "will this help me become my very best?"
75. Marry only for love.
76. Count your blessings.
77. Call your mother.
