Life's Little Instruction Book

What’s the secret to living a good life?

As I was cleaning up around the house this weekend, I ran across some old sketches, papers, and notes from my time in college. One of the gems I found on my trip down memory lane was this one-page (double-sided) paper that had someone’s thoughts on how to live a good life.

The author is unknown and I don’t remember which class it was from, but it had a tremendous impression on me because I’ve kept it for all of these years.

I hope it helps you too.

Life’s Little Instruction Book

1. Have a firm handshake.
2. Look people in the eye.
3. Sing in the shower.
4. Own a great stereo system.
5. Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
6. Always accept an outstretched hand.
7. Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
8. Whistle.
9. Avoid sarcastic remarks.
10. Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all of your happiness or misery.
11. Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
12. Lend only those books you never care to see again.
13. Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all they have.
14. When playing games with children, let them win.
15. Give people a second chance, but not a third.
16. Be romantic.
17. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
18. Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as important as it first seems.
19. Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for your convenience, not the caller’s.
20. Be a good loser.
21. Be a good winner.
22. When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
23. Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
24. Keep it simple.
25. Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
26. Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
27. Live your life so that your epitaph could read, “No Regrets.”
28. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the one’s you did.
29. Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
30. Remember no one makes it alone. have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
31. Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
32. Visit friends and relatives when they are in the hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
33. Begin each day with some of your favorite music.
34. Once in a while, take the scenic route.
35. Send a lot of Valentine’s cards. Sign them, ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
36. Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
37. Keep a note pad and pencil on your bedside table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
38. Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
39. Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
40. Make someone’s day by paying the toll for the person in the car behind you.
41. Become someone’s hero.
42. Marry only for love.
43. Count your blessings.
44. Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
45. Wave at the children on a school bus.
46. Don’t expect life to be fair.