11. Show respect for teachers. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

77 Life Instructions Society Has Forgotten

Adapted from Life's Little Instruction Book: 511 suggestions, observations, & reminders on how to live a happy and rewarding life.

279
77 Life Instructions Society Has Forgotten
Ariel Krikorian

In This Article:

The following 100 life instructions come from a book (written by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.) I received from my grandfather. He was given this book many years ago, and he thought I would enjoy it. My grandfather has taught me many things, among which is that family is most important, live with integrity, and love deeply. While this book is slightly outdated, and some of the instructions aren't necessarily applicable to this day and age - learn how to operate a Macintosh computer - this book is filled with many reminders for how to live a wholesome life. I have combed through this book and come up with the top 77 (out of 511) instructions that society has forgotten, but definitely shouldn't have.

1. Compliment three people every day. 

2. Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

3. Remember other people's birthdays. 

4. Have a firm handshake.

5. Look people in the eye. 

6. Be forgiving of yourself & others. 

7. Ask for a raise when you feel you've earned it. 

8. Return all things you borrow. 

9. Write "thank you" notes promptly. 

10. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen every day. 

11. Show respect for teachers. 

12. Take out the garbage without being told.

13. Vote.

14. Surprise loved ones with little unexpected gifts. 

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

16. Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, & integrity, they think of you.

17. Admit your mistakes. 

18. Use your wit to amuse, not to abuse. 

19. Remember that all news is biased. 

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

21. Don't take good health for granted. 

22. Don't smoke. 

23. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who'll never find out. 

24. Know how to type. 

25. Never cheat.  

26. Learn CPR. 

27. Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly. 

28. Know how to change a tire. 

29. Know how to tie a bow tie. 

30. Remember people's names. 

31. Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have. 

32. Strive for excellence, not perfection. 

33. Take time to smell the roses. 

34. Pray not for things, but for wisdom & courage. 

35. Be punctual & insist on it in others. 

36. Do battle against prejudice & discrimination wherever you find it. 

37. Don't quit a job until you've lined up another. 

38. Have good posture. 

39. Don't forget, a person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated. 

40. Show respect for all living things. 

41. Don't carry a grudge. 

42. Commit yourself to constant self-improvement. 

43. Don't allow the phone to interrupt important moments. 

44. Keep your promises.

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

46. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born. 

47. Don't whine.

48. Leave everything a little better than you found it. 

49. Don't expect money to bring you happiness. 

50. Never snap your fingers to get someone's attention. It's rude. 

51. Practice empathy. Try to see things from other people's points of view. 

52. Discipline yourself to save money. 

53. Get & stay in shape. 

54. Don't expect life to be fair. 

55. Become an expert in time management. 

56. Learn to disagree without being disagreeable. 

57. Refrain from envy. It's the source of much unhappiness. 

58. Don't think a higher price always means higher quality.

59. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them. 

60. Evaluate yourself by your own standards, not someone else's. 

61. Know when to keep silent. 

62. Know when to speak up. 

63. Wage war against littering. 

64. Don't flaunt your success, but don't apologize for it either. 

65. Be enthusiastic about the success of others. 

66. Don't procrastinate. Do what needs doing when it needs to be done. 

67. Have some knowledge of three religions other than your own.

68. Don't undertip the waiter just because the food is bad; he/she didn't cook it. 

69. Don't be afraid to say, "I need help."

70. Never compromise your integrity. 

71. Don't miss the magic of the moment by focusing on what's to come. 

72. Don't interrupt. 

73. Don't make the same mistake twice. 

74. Question your goals by asking, "will this help me become my very best?"

75. Marry only for love. 

76. Count your blessings. 

77. Call your mother. 

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

There are plenty of obstacles that come when taking care of kids, but it's a very rewarding experience.

155
11 Things Summer Nannies Can Relate To

As a college student, being a nanny over the summer is both enjoyable and challenging. Underneath the seemingly perfect trips to the pool or countless hours spent playing Monopoly are the obstacles that only nannies will understand. Trading in your valuable summer vacation in return for three months spent with a few children less than half your age may seem unappealing, but so many moments make it rewarding. For my fellow summer nannies out there, I know you can relate.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl

If it hurts now, it'll hurt again. Not because you're gullible or naive, only because you fall fast, hard, and you do it every time.

We fall each and every time with the complete and utter confidence that someone will be there to catch us. Now that person we SWORE we were never going to fall for has our hearts, and every time we see them our palms start sweating. The butterflies in our stomach start to soar and our hearts are entirely too close to bursting out of our chests.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Things Only Equestrians Understand

Yes, it IS a sport. Yes, I fall all the time. No, I do not ride in jeans with a cowgirl hat on.

647
horses
Barn Pros

Growing up I have always wanted to own a horse. My grandparents own a well known equestrian facility in Georgia, so I have been riding since I was born. A bond between a person and their horse is a bond so strong that it cannot be broken. Everywhere I went I wanted to be around horses, even forcing my family to go on trail rides during vacations. Horses have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember has taught me great responsibility, as well as 14 things that all equestrians can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
man wearing white top using MacBook
Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash

College is super hard. Between working, studying, and having a social life, it feels like a struggle to just keep afloat.

I understand. When you feel like your drowning and there's no way to stay afloat I understand that it feels like everyone else is doing just fine. I understand all the frustration, long nights in the library, and that feeling that you want to just throw in the towel. I understand that sometimes it's too hard to get out of bed because your brain is already filled with too much information to remember. I understand because I am also feeling pretty burnt out.

Keep Reading...Show less
No Matter How Challenging School Gets, You Have To Put Your Health First — A Degree Won't Mean Anything If You're Dead
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM on Unsplash

Some of the best advice I've ever received was from my social studies teacher in sophomore year of high school. He stated, "If you don't know it at midnight, you're not going to know it for the 8 a.m. exam, so get some sleep."

It's such a simple piece of advice, but it holds so much accuracy and it's something that the majority of college students need to hear and listen to. "All-nighters" are a commonality on college campuses in order to cram in studying for an exam that is typically the next day.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments