Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Dad's Advice

To: Beth
Love, Dad
Dated 5/25/2007
My dad made me a book of advice right before I left for college and I still have it :)

Compliment three people each day.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

Overtip breakfast waitresses.

Look people in the eye.

Say "please" and "thank you" a lot.

Live beneath your means.

Buy whatever kids are selling on card tables in their front yards.

Treat everyone you meet as you want to be treated.

Make new friends but cherish the old ones.

Keep secrets.

Don't waste time learning the "tricks of the trade". Instead, learn the trade.

Admit your mistakes.

Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.

Read the Bill of Rights.

Use credit cards only for convenience, never for credit.

Never cheat.

Give yourself a year and read the Bible cover to cover.

Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.

Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.

Never take action when you are angry.

Have good posture. Enter a room with purpose and confidence.

Don't discuss business in elevators or bathrooms. You never know who may overhear you.

Never pay for work before it's complete.

Be willing to lose the battle in order to win the war.

Don't gossip.

Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.

When facing a difficult task, act as though it is impossible to fail.

Don't spread yourself too thin. Learn to say no politely and quickly.

Don't expect life to be fair.

Work hard in all you do and keep a positive attitude and things will turn for your benefit.

Never underestimate the power of forgiveness.

Never walk out on a quarrel with your spouse.

Be compassionate. If you give a lesson in meanness to an animal or person don't be surprised if they learn it.

Set goals for yourself- determine how you will achieve them and stick with your plan.

Regarding purchase items: if you think you will be using them five years or longer, buy the best you can afford, recognize quality and simplicity over inferiority and features.

Be bold and courageous. When you look back over your life, you'll regret the things you did not do more than the ones you did.

When faced with a serious health problem, get at least three medical opinions.

Don't procrastinate. Do what needs to be done when it needs to be done. Daily make a list of things to do.

Get your priorities in life straight- know what is important to you.

Watch what you eat, get some exercise and a good night's sleep.

Don't be afraid to say, "I don't know."

Make a list of 25 things you want to experience before you die. Carry it in your wallet and refer to it often.

Call your mother.

With much love,
Dad

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