What I have learned (ver. 7.0)
Here’s the latest and greatest update in my periodic “What I have learned” entries. Enjoy.
1. How you dress plays an important part in how you feel. Sweats and running shoes are just fine in some circles but there’s a reason why jackets and ties are required in others.
2. Yes, I’m from the Northeast. That pretty much guarantees two things. First, it’s going to be really hard for me to let you finish a sentence without interrupting. Second, I’m going to tell you how I think it should be done.
3. Listen more than you talk.
4. When things go wrong, which they will, learn from it and move on.
5. Resist the urge to tell your side of the story.
6. Make yourself necessary.
7. Good intentions often have unintended consequences.
8. Don’t be boring.
9. Dogs and cats have uncanny abilities to get you to do what they want.
10. If you are in it for the money then you are in it for the wrong reason.
11. Real courage is beginning every new day with hope, love and optimism.
12. A good friend recently told me that every piece of music ever written uses the same basic seven notes. What he was trying to tell me was that when you feel like you have run out of ideas, you need to think a just bit harder.
13. If you want to explore the world and discover new places, start by rolling out your back door.
14. I never want to draw attention to myself but that’s what I do.
15. When everything else is stripped away, doesn’t it really come down to a smile?
16. I learned a shitload about life in high school. I learned how to live with that knowledge in college.
17. Stories and jokes are amazingly powerful tools.
18. Lazy people work twice as hard.
19. I really, truly despise “what have you done for me lately” people.
20. There is a word in a print that hangs on the wall above the desk in my office. Imua. It’s Hawaiian and it means to move forward without the fear of failure. How’s that for a powerful four letter word?
21. The right things happen when they are supposed to.
22. I can picture more sunrises than sunsets.
23. 43 was a tough year for me physically. Maybe the toughest. OK, wait, I broke my neck at age 22 shortly before my next birthday so maybe 23 was the toughest year so far. Whew, I’m relieved.
24. Respect is earned, not given.
25. I keep saying I want to learn yoga and meditation but can’t seem to slow down to make it happen. There’s a lesson in there somewhere.
26. Don’t take anything for granted.
27. Some people like to sing, dance and draw. I like to organize, plan, and execute. Then sing. Badly.
28. I admire passion, not power.
29. Just when you think there are no more surprises…
Bye.
