Rules To Adopt by Age 13

Here is why you should take me seriously. I was born in 1942. I have seen what works and what doesn’t.

I have a Ph.D. I am rich by most Americans’ standards. I have never been divorced. I am in good health — and have been since age 9. I am content with my life. There is nothing that I want that I cannot not pay cash for. I spend almost no money on buying consumer goods, except for used books, because I own everything I want, and I have for 30 years.

Take my advice.

I could list these rules by order of importance or by chronology. I chose chronology. You must get into good habits now. Start where you are.

This is the #1 rule of success in every area of life: exceptional service.
Honesty really is the best policy.
Progress rests on these words: “Let’s make a deal.”
Adopt this as your criterion for decision-making: “Something is better than nothing.”
Adopt its corollary: “You can’t beat something with nothing.”
Adopt its other corollary: “There is no such thing as a free lunch.”
When you receive a gift, say “thanks.” It cost the gift-giver something.
Life is a trade-off between time and money. Watch for any unexpected change in the ratio.
Early warning signal: when an event a year ago seems like a month ago.
Never post anything on Facebook or Twitter that you would not say face-to-face.
Be nice to everyone on your way up. You will meet them again on your way down.
Memorize people’s names. This will open many doors in life.
People are more interested themselves than in you. So, start with them.
When you start a project, finish it. Obvious dead ends are exceptions. Be sure.
Start thinking about your lifetime calling. On your calling, watch this.
Put your three major lifetime goals in writing. Create plans to achieve them.
Work hard for half a day for the rest of your life. It doesn’t matter which half.
Take one day off each week. No exceptions. Plan your work schedule for this.
Budget your time to be in control of your life. Time is the only irreplaceable resource.
Cut TV viewing to an hour a day. Use TiVo. Skip the ads.
Do the same with social media, texting, and phone calls. One hour, total.
Set up a budget for money. Then stick with it. Mint is free.
Tithe 10% of your earned/invested income to your church. No church? Then charities.
Save 10% of your earned/invested income. Put it in the bank until you have $1,500.
Earn some part-time income. Get a job or start a business.
Start using Evernote Clipper. Clip articles from now on.
Learn screencasting. Screencast-O-Matic is free.
Buy an external microphone. The Nady LM-14/U is cheap.
Start a YouTube channel. It’s free.
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