I know you guys all think that I have it all figured out, don’ t you? Some days I think I do and then other days I know that I don’t have a clue but then that’s just life, isn’ t it?
Years ago I got a print for Chris to put in his office. He has had this print in various offices over the years from Ohio to Pennsylvania to Illinois to North Carolina and Iowa. As we are anticipating an eventual total move to Texas I have been cleaning and sorting and getting ready for that day. Chris found this print and pulled it out and it reminded me that it has been one of those pictures that seems to always nudge me when I look at it. While I can not claim that I wrote any of the words on the graphic I can say that we have tried to embrace them as truths in our lives. Chris has always said that number one on the list is very true and we have been blessed with realizing that early on.
Today it seems only fair to share the words of H. Jackson Brown, Jr., author of Life’s Little Instruction Book, as well as many other great offerings.
I would love to hear what you think is a secret to success—feel free to add to the list.
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Marry the right person. This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness and misery.
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Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.
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Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
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Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
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Be forgiving of yourself and others.
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Be generous.
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Have a grateful heart.
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Persistence, persistence, persistence.
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Discipline yourself to save money even on the most modest salary.
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Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.
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Commit yourself to constant improvement.
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Commit yourself to quality.
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Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.
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Be loyal.
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Be honest.
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Be a self-starter.
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Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.
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Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.
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Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, your’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
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Take good care of those you love.
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Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.
