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July 28, 2014

Successful Living

39 Comments/ 3599/ 0

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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.

  1. Marry the right person.  This one decision will determine 90% of your happiness and misery.

  2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

  3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

  4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.

  5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

  6. Be generous.

  7. Have a grateful heart.

  8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

  9. Discipline yourself to save money even on the most modest salary.

  10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

  11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

  12. Commit yourself to quality.

  13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

  14. Be loyal.

  15. Be honest.

  16. Be a self-starter.

  17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

  18. Stop blaming others.  Take responsibility for every area of your life.

  19. 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.

  20. Take good care of those you love.

  21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mom proud.

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39 Comments

Leave a comment
  1. Jennifer Flaa (@JeniEats)
    July 28, 2014 at 07:39 am

    Thanks for sharing this list! Gave me food for thought this morning. I love number one, too.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 07:41 am

      Thanks, Jeni! I was beginning to think no one was out there this morning because no one was commenting or liking! Must be a slow Monday!!!

      Reply
  2. 1smiles
    July 28, 2014 at 08:24 am

    Excellent!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 08:30 am

      He nailed it, didn’t he??? Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  3. Minnesota Prairie Roots
    July 28, 2014 at 09:31 am

    This is a fantastic list. I need a copy of this. Oh, yeah, I could just be a self-starter and print it from here.

    I think Feedly is down this a.m., which is why comments are slow in coming. Same lack of comments here in Minnesota. So it’s not just an Iowa thing. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 02:42 pm

      You can certainly print it out–you have the technology, don’t you? 🙂 Glad to know it was not just an Iowa thing—things were really slow this morning.

      Reply
  4. Helen Brown
    July 28, 2014 at 10:08 am

    I think this is a list that if we kept all of these suggestions, we and others would be a success.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 02:42 pm

      It would be wonderful if we all were able to adhere to all of these, wouldn’t it?

      Reply
  5. Debbie
    July 28, 2014 at 12:28 pm

    Awesome list, Beth Ann. Definitely worth printing out and keeping in a prominent position!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 02:43 pm

      Thanks, Debbie. It has been a good set of guidelines for us, that is for sure.

      Reply
  6. Rorybore
    July 28, 2014 at 02:53 pm

    all of them are excellent and On Point. I say the best advice is “know thyself” and don’t let anyone else tell you who, or what, or where you should be. I think being self aware is a huge foundation that helps you build all that other good stuff on.
    And be kind… always.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 02:57 pm

      Always be kind. You hit the nail on the head. I agree with all your wrote–you are a very wise woman. 🙂

      Reply
  7. Darlene
    July 28, 2014 at 03:24 pm

    These are right on! #13 is so important but then so are the rest of them.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 07:02 pm

      Agreed—I honestly could not pick a favorite one because they all ring very true to me.

      Reply
  8. Carol Cassara (@ccassara)
    July 28, 2014 at 04:15 pm

    My eye lit on “Jackson Browne” and I got all excited! 😉 But alas. Still, he has the right idea. Those gems make for a good life.
    C
    http://www.carolcassara.com

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 07:01 pm

      Sorry to get your hopes up on Jackson Browne…..but hopefully further reading did not disappoint. Thanks for stopping by, Carol. Truly appreciate it.

      Reply
  9. Gibber
    July 28, 2014 at 09:48 pm

    Well it seems I’m already perfect 😉

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 28, 2014 at 09:50 pm

      No doubt!

      Reply
      1. Gibber
        July 28, 2014 at 09:54 pm

        Well since you see my perfection you can be my friend…LOL

        Reply
        1. Beth Ann
          July 28, 2014 at 10:04 pm

          Yippee!! I am glad. 🙂

          Reply
          1. Gibber
            July 28, 2014 at 10:16 pm

            😉

  10. My Odd Family
    July 28, 2014 at 10:41 pm

    Wonderful list. Guess Mr. Diamond can check number 1 off his list! 😀

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 29, 2014 at 06:24 am

      Me, too! 🙂

      Reply
  11. poemsandponderings
    July 28, 2014 at 11:11 pm

    I can only think of one thing that he may have added.. Laugh as often as you can, even if it is at yourself.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 29, 2014 at 06:24 am

      Oh that is perfect! I laugh at myself daily it seems. It helps!

      Reply
      1. poemsandponderings
        July 29, 2014 at 10:22 am

        If you can laugh at yourself you can smile upon others..

        Reply
  12. Pix Under the Oaks
    July 29, 2014 at 02:02 am

    Give from your heart without expecting anything in return.. and this includes giving your heart. Hang with people that make you smile! Always respect others and this includes animals… cats especially.. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 29, 2014 at 06:23 am

      Good ones!!!! Very good ones!!! We all have ones to add, don’t we???

      Reply
  13. Marla aka Crazy Mom
    July 29, 2014 at 06:45 am

    Trust your gut feelings.

    I’m sure glad I am catching up on my blog-reading! I am running a day behind.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 29, 2014 at 06:56 am

      OH that is a great one!!! A perfect addition!

      Reply
  14. georgettesullins
    July 29, 2014 at 04:13 pm

    What? You’re moving to TX? Where? When? I totally missed that news!
    Excellent list.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 29, 2014 at 08:16 pm

      Yep—Chris took a job in Arlington. I am hoping to sell the house sooner rather than later. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Dianna
    July 30, 2014 at 06:01 am

    That is a great list!

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 30, 2014 at 06:49 am

      He is a very wise man!

      Reply
  16. pattisj
    July 30, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    These are spot on, Beth Ann.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 31, 2014 at 06:41 am

      I wish I could have written these myself, you know? I have thought all of these things but not put them down in writing. He beat me to it!

      Reply
  17. benzeknees
    July 31, 2014 at 01:28 am

    These are very good tips for success! I saw this once in a book I was reading (i don’t even remember who the author was) & it affected me deeply – If Not Excellence, What? If Not Excellence Now – When? To me this has always reminded me to always do my best at everything I try & don’t wait till tomorrow to improve yourself.

    Reply
    1. Beth Ann
      July 31, 2014 at 06:36 am

      Very good advice! ANd very true. It is up to each of us as individuals to do what “we” can do, right?

      Reply
  18. mtetar
    August 02, 2014 at 08:49 am

    Amen! Well said and a Good Shared. Blessings Always, Mtetar

    Reply

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