21. Don't take good health for granted. | 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

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 While this book is slightly outdated, and some of the instructions aren't necessarily applicable to this day and age - learn how to operate a Macintosh computer - this book is filled with many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.
Student Life

Library Struggles Every College Student Will Understand

Are you really a college student if you don't stay up all night studying in your pajamas?

48
sleeping in the library
Daily Fun Lists

One of the most dreaded places on campus is the library. Nothing awesome ever happens here. Usually, the only reason you're here is because you've procrastinated so long that the library is the only place you'll actually get stuff done. It gives you this feeling of sadness and impending doom. You have no idea how this is going to go or how long you'll be here, but you do know it is about to be the most excruciating experiences yet. But it has to get done, so you drag yourself to the lovely library.

Keep Reading...Show less
Illistrated image of colorful balloons and fireworks
StableDiffusion

With each new year comes new goals.

Deciding on a goal can be hard, unsure of what to change for this new year. A new goal for myself is to be happier and take care of myself more. I am a very driven person; so driven that I commit to a million and ten things.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Pros And Cons Of Having A Birthday Near The Holidays

The truth of what it is like having a birthday around the holiday season.

3490
Christmas decoration
Flickr

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! But for some people, including myself and my Dad, it can have its ups and downs when it comes to having a birthday near and around the holiday season. I personally share a birthday with my Dad two days before Christmas. Yes, Christmas Eve Eve is our birthday. Here are a few pros and cons for having a birthday near the holidays.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Tree Lights
Pixabay

It is that time of year again. Christmastime. It is one of my favorite seasons for a myriad of reasons. Here are just a few reasons why I love Christmas. This list is in no order of importance.

1. The Christmas decorations

I am that person who will decorate directly after Thanksgiving is over. This year, my roommates and I put the tree up in our apartment before we even left for Thanksgiving break. It is a great stress reliever for me to just sit in my living room and work on the huge amount of work I have before the semester is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl with santa hat
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

'Tis the season to be jolly folks, and if you're anything like me, then at the stroke of midnight on Halloween your home went from wicked to winter

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments