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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