Five Rules For Life is in its second year and participation and readership continue to increase. The goal for the next twelve months is to reach the "200 submissions posted" milestone.
Many thanks to all the supporters who have helped promote the site - I appreciate the links and positive feedback. And many more thanks to those who have submitted their rules - it is continued participation from the readers that will keep the site fresh and interesting.
Remember...if you get value from reading other people's rules, submit your own and return the favor!
Thanks again, and I hope you will continue to read and spread the word.
> tell a friend
> post a link
> send a "tweet"
Regards,
Jon
PS - the best way to be notified of new submissions is to subscribe to the site; do so via RSS reader or email. And add me on Facebook (make sure you tell me you are a "Five Rules" reader or I may not accept!).
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Featured Five Rules of The Week
The Featured "Five Rules" of the Week is selected by the editor, possibly with input from random strangers. The criteria is simple - I [we] liked it.
The featured contributor for this week is Rebecca Tall:
rebecca tall is a big sister, a daughter to her hero, a wife-to-be, and a marketing consultant. she's learning to grow up into a happy, well-adjusted adult.
Here are Rebecca's "Five Rules For Life":
1) There's always someone worse off.
My Grandpa was raised during the depression by an alcoholic (his Dad) and an enabler (his Mom). He says that the first of his 8 siblings to get up each morning would have the best pick of clothes and would get one of three pairs of shoes. He dropped out of school in the 8th grade, joined the Navy, and saw the world. He vividly remembers seeing orphans and nuns in Italian ghettos scouring for food. Grandpa is 87 today and no matter what the situation he reminds me that there is always someone worse off and we should always count our blessings.
2) There's always someone better off.
The flip side of the coin is no matter how good you are at something, there's probably someone better. They can humble and motivate you to be your best. Remember that you are the only one who can be you in all your glory and faults - revel in this. And remember it if you beat yourself up for not meeting your own expectations.
3) What you do every day is more important than what you do once in a while.
This goes for exercise, manners, the dentist and doctor, visiting the elderly, and tipping waitstaff - as well as a host of other things.
4) Try your best.
No one can ask more of you. You will never have regrets nor will you ever have to answer to anyone. "I tried my best" is a very, very powerful statement.
5) Right before you reach your goal, set a new one - you'll always be working forward.
My Dad gave me this advice and it's right as rain. You will also avoid "goal hangover" - once you've achieved one goal, having nothing to look forward to next. I started my consulting practice my last semester as an undergraduate and am planning my wedding after I finish graduate school. After that I have a trip to Europe on the horizon...all within a 12-month time frame.
Rebecca currently resides in [sunny] San Diego, California.
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Check back next week for a new Featured "Five Rules" of the Week.
And check out the new compilation post - "Five Rules For Life" - editor's choice.
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The featured contributor for this week is Rebecca Tall:
rebecca tall is a big sister, a daughter to her hero, a wife-to-be, and a marketing consultant. she's learning to grow up into a happy, well-adjusted adult.
Here are Rebecca's "Five Rules For Life":
1) There's always someone worse off.
My Grandpa was raised during the depression by an alcoholic (his Dad) and an enabler (his Mom). He says that the first of his 8 siblings to get up each morning would have the best pick of clothes and would get one of three pairs of shoes. He dropped out of school in the 8th grade, joined the Navy, and saw the world. He vividly remembers seeing orphans and nuns in Italian ghettos scouring for food. Grandpa is 87 today and no matter what the situation he reminds me that there is always someone worse off and we should always count our blessings.
2) There's always someone better off.
The flip side of the coin is no matter how good you are at something, there's probably someone better. They can humble and motivate you to be your best. Remember that you are the only one who can be you in all your glory and faults - revel in this. And remember it if you beat yourself up for not meeting your own expectations.
3) What you do every day is more important than what you do once in a while.
This goes for exercise, manners, the dentist and doctor, visiting the elderly, and tipping waitstaff - as well as a host of other things.
4) Try your best.
No one can ask more of you. You will never have regrets nor will you ever have to answer to anyone. "I tried my best" is a very, very powerful statement.
5) Right before you reach your goal, set a new one - you'll always be working forward.
My Dad gave me this advice and it's right as rain. You will also avoid "goal hangover" - once you've achieved one goal, having nothing to look forward to next. I started my consulting practice my last semester as an undergraduate and am planning my wedding after I finish graduate school. After that I have a trip to Europe on the horizon...all within a 12-month time frame.
Rebecca currently resides in [sunny] San Diego, California.
______________________________
Check back next week for a new Featured "Five Rules" of the Week.
And check out the new compilation post - "Five Rules For Life" - editor's choice.
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Submitted by Salmaaan Shah
salmaaan shah is a 15-year old high school student. you can find him on the internet here and here, and salmaaan says:
"when i get sad, i stop being sad and be happy instead."
Here are Salmaaan's "Five Rules for Life":
1.) Have a goal in life!
Stop dreaming about now and try to plan the future. Decide what you really want in life. And make sure it is well-defined. Only well-defined goals can be achieved.
2.) Define who you are.
Design the person who you want to be. Build in your characters. Work to bring this person to life within yourself. If you are not the person you want to be than you will have to change yourself.
3.) Do what you must.
Do what you must and not what you want to do. The real conquerer acts on fact or logic and not on will.
4.) Keep your promises.
Always keep your promises. Be a man of your word. And stick to the your promises.
5.) Aim for excellence.
Aim for excellence and you will naturally get success. Excellence is static. Success is relative.
Salmaan currently resides in Bangalore, India.
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"when i get sad, i stop being sad and be happy instead."
Here are Salmaaan's "Five Rules for Life":
1.) Have a goal in life!
Stop dreaming about now and try to plan the future. Decide what you really want in life. And make sure it is well-defined. Only well-defined goals can be achieved.
2.) Define who you are.
Design the person who you want to be. Build in your characters. Work to bring this person to life within yourself. If you are not the person you want to be than you will have to change yourself.
3.) Do what you must.
Do what you must and not what you want to do. The real conquerer acts on fact or logic and not on will.
4.) Keep your promises.
Always keep your promises. Be a man of your word. And stick to the your promises.
5.) Aim for excellence.
Aim for excellence and you will naturally get success. Excellence is static. Success is relative.
Salmaan currently resides in Bangalore, India.
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Submitted by Amelin J.
amelin j. is 18 and (at the moment) a law student. she loves writing and says:
"The premise you propose is something that I keep thinking about. Should you have some rules or should you live without them? Anyway, some rules are needed - they can help you to get off society's rules. Rules are worth it if they are your OWN rules."
...editor's note - Amelin says "sorry for my English"...but, her English is great!
Here are Amelin's "Five Rules for Life":
1.) Smile.
It can be surprising how easy it is to change your outlook when you smile, even if you don't feel like doing it.
2.) Be positive.
It goes side by side with the first rule. If you are sure that things are going to happen and you act as if they will, a lot more will actually happen.
3.) Be passionate.
For me it is the most important rule, but I put it in third place because if you can't smile or you can't be positive, being passionate will be hard for you. Being passionate is loving everything you do. It means smiling a lot, dreaming the biggest you can, kissing with passion, crying when you want to, taking chances, saying what you want; in the end, being passionate is living consciously and being fearless. Being passionate is what you want it to be. It is living your own way.
4.) Be aware of your conscious.
Everything you do affects others as well as yourself. Living without a conscious will end up making you miserable. Be aware if you're giving or taking from others.
5.) Live!
Don't hesitate, don't complain about everything, be thankful, do what you want and you won't have regrets. After all, living is about being happy. That may mean crying and other things that we usually don't associate with happiness. These things make us feel alive, so don't worry if you feel miserable today - it's part of being alive and the power you have to get over it is what will make you happy.
And remember: LIVE IT YOUR OWN WAY!
Amelin currently resides in Argentina.
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"The premise you propose is something that I keep thinking about. Should you have some rules or should you live without them? Anyway, some rules are needed - they can help you to get off society's rules. Rules are worth it if they are your OWN rules."
...editor's note - Amelin says "sorry for my English"...but, her English is great!
Here are Amelin's "Five Rules for Life":
1.) Smile.
It can be surprising how easy it is to change your outlook when you smile, even if you don't feel like doing it.
2.) Be positive.
It goes side by side with the first rule. If you are sure that things are going to happen and you act as if they will, a lot more will actually happen.
3.) Be passionate.
For me it is the most important rule, but I put it in third place because if you can't smile or you can't be positive, being passionate will be hard for you. Being passionate is loving everything you do. It means smiling a lot, dreaming the biggest you can, kissing with passion, crying when you want to, taking chances, saying what you want; in the end, being passionate is living consciously and being fearless. Being passionate is what you want it to be. It is living your own way.
4.) Be aware of your conscious.
Everything you do affects others as well as yourself. Living without a conscious will end up making you miserable. Be aware if you're giving or taking from others.
5.) Live!
Don't hesitate, don't complain about everything, be thankful, do what you want and you won't have regrets. After all, living is about being happy. That may mean crying and other things that we usually don't associate with happiness. These things make us feel alive, so don't worry if you feel miserable today - it's part of being alive and the power you have to get over it is what will make you happy.
And remember: LIVE IT YOUR OWN WAY!
Amelin currently resides in Argentina.
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A brief pause
I am currently traveling. Updates will resume in mid-May. Thank you for the continued participation and support!
Submitted by Kristine Fetalco
kristine fetalco is a recent college graduate and freelance writer. she tries to be productive as possible in the midst of a full-time job search by managing several different activities and projects. she blogs at supermyro.com/blog and keeps a gratitude journal at lifemimosa.com.
Here are Kristine's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Be fearless.
Fear pushes us back to a comfortable place where we never grow. To grow you must do things which you think you cannot do. It is a process, but you begin by quieting hesitations and just taking the first step. To become fearless, you must know how to conquer fear: love and trust yourself. When you love and trust yourself, being rejected is not as difficult and uncertainty is not as scary because you respect yourself enough that you can go through anything. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you accept yourself and there's no need to wait for anyone's validation. There is nothing else to fear.
2.) Express gratitude.
Here's the secret that gives life meaning: look at things through the lens of gratitude. From now on, be thankful for every single thing in your life. Not just for what you have, but also how you are able to enjoy what you have-- you see the beautiful things outside because of your healthy eyes and sound mind. You get to enjoy a new pair of running shoes because you have two strong legs that help you run, etc.
3.) Place more importance on what you have done rather than what happened to you.
You have no control over how tall you are nor what kind of looks you were born with. These things just happen to people. Give more importance to what you have attained through choice rather than what happened to you through circumstance. Obtaining an award for demonstrating your skills beats winning an award for being the best dressed girl/guy.
4.) Tell stories.
Stories are what connect us to others, and it is how others can relate to us. You open yourself up through stories - it may be scary, but you start seeing others open up to you too. People understand you more when you tell stories. This builds relationships. Everyone has a story, no matter where you're from or who you are. Every story is interesting. Stories make life bearable.
5.) Manage your time well.
Each of us is given the same amount of hours - whether you're rich or poor, American or from abroad. Time is the greatest equalizer. You are put into this world and given 24 hours a day. How do you spend it? In a lifetime, with 24 hours a day, some people have saved lives and changed the world. Ask yourself what you do with your time that makes you deserve it.
Kristine currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Here are Kristine's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Be fearless.
Fear pushes us back to a comfortable place where we never grow. To grow you must do things which you think you cannot do. It is a process, but you begin by quieting hesitations and just taking the first step. To become fearless, you must know how to conquer fear: love and trust yourself. When you love and trust yourself, being rejected is not as difficult and uncertainty is not as scary because you respect yourself enough that you can go through anything. At the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that you accept yourself and there's no need to wait for anyone's validation. There is nothing else to fear.
2.) Express gratitude.
Here's the secret that gives life meaning: look at things through the lens of gratitude. From now on, be thankful for every single thing in your life. Not just for what you have, but also how you are able to enjoy what you have-- you see the beautiful things outside because of your healthy eyes and sound mind. You get to enjoy a new pair of running shoes because you have two strong legs that help you run, etc.
3.) Place more importance on what you have done rather than what happened to you.
You have no control over how tall you are nor what kind of looks you were born with. These things just happen to people. Give more importance to what you have attained through choice rather than what happened to you through circumstance. Obtaining an award for demonstrating your skills beats winning an award for being the best dressed girl/guy.
4.) Tell stories.
Stories are what connect us to others, and it is how others can relate to us. You open yourself up through stories - it may be scary, but you start seeing others open up to you too. People understand you more when you tell stories. This builds relationships. Everyone has a story, no matter where you're from or who you are. Every story is interesting. Stories make life bearable.
5.) Manage your time well.
Each of us is given the same amount of hours - whether you're rich or poor, American or from abroad. Time is the greatest equalizer. You are put into this world and given 24 hours a day. How do you spend it? In a lifetime, with 24 hours a day, some people have saved lives and changed the world. Ask yourself what you do with your time that makes you deserve it.
Kristine currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
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Submitted by Mr. Self Development
mr. self development is a motivational author who teaches a practical guide to success and wealth. visit him at "mr. self development.com" - you can subscribe to his feed or read one of his most popular articles, "how i manifested a seven bedroom home at 24".
Here are Mr. Self Development’s "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Follow your passion.
Nothing great has ever been achieved without passion! Passion is what gives you the strength to overcome the obstacles which block success. Passion is the fuel that will take you to your destination. Every successful person has discovered their passion, and they’re following it.
2.) Never give up.
Nothing worth achieving is ever going to be easy. To become your best is going to take commitment, discipline, dedication, hard work, and a "no-give-up" attitude. So never give up - through perseverance the turtle reached the ark.
3.) Have faith.
You must believe in your ability to succeed. The famous poem is true, "If you think you’re outclassed, you are, you must think high to rise, you must be sure of yourself, before you will ever win a prize." You must be the biggest fan in your fan club; you must believe in "you" more than anyone else.
4.) Visualize your success daily.
Napoleon Hill said "whatever the mind can conceive and believe, you have the ability to achieve." You must see your success in your mind daily. If you can consistently hold thoughts of success, you will begin to believe that it’s possible for you. Once you believe it’s possible, you will begin to take the actions that will make those thoughts a reality.
5.) Keep a balanced life.
Success in life means having a balanced life. Always keep your life in balance, don’t work so hard on your career that your family falls apart. Define what success is for you, and be sure to work towards that image, every single aspect of that image, from financial success to family success.
Mr. Self Development currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Here are Mr. Self Development’s "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Follow your passion.
Nothing great has ever been achieved without passion! Passion is what gives you the strength to overcome the obstacles which block success. Passion is the fuel that will take you to your destination. Every successful person has discovered their passion, and they’re following it.
2.) Never give up.
Nothing worth achieving is ever going to be easy. To become your best is going to take commitment, discipline, dedication, hard work, and a "no-give-up" attitude. So never give up - through perseverance the turtle reached the ark.
3.) Have faith.
You must believe in your ability to succeed. The famous poem is true, "If you think you’re outclassed, you are, you must think high to rise, you must be sure of yourself, before you will ever win a prize." You must be the biggest fan in your fan club; you must believe in "you" more than anyone else.
4.) Visualize your success daily.
Napoleon Hill said "whatever the mind can conceive and believe, you have the ability to achieve." You must see your success in your mind daily. If you can consistently hold thoughts of success, you will begin to believe that it’s possible for you. Once you believe it’s possible, you will begin to take the actions that will make those thoughts a reality.
5.) Keep a balanced life.
Success in life means having a balanced life. Always keep your life in balance, don’t work so hard on your career that your family falls apart. Define what success is for you, and be sure to work towards that image, every single aspect of that image, from financial success to family success.
Mr. Self Development currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Submitted by Nicole Watkins
nicole is enjoying the joys and challenges of being a new mum. she has started her own blog (fun, love, and adventures), hoping she can help people too. she will be commencing a psychology degree in july in hobart, australia.
Here are Nicole's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) It's the things that make you nervous that you probably should do.
I always find that the things that make me feel nervous - like going to the dentist, meeting new people, going to an interview - are the things that provide me with the greatest rewards. Getting out of my comfort zone is a thing I try to do at least daily. It's the best way to grow and find my true potential.
2.) Laugh every day.
It really is the best medicine. While laughing uncontrollably nothing else matters...problems don't exist. You are truly in the moment and everything is perfect. I keep a list of things that have made me laugh for reference when I'm feeling a little down - movies, books, comments, pictures, games, etc.
3.) Question everything.
Don't just accept what you are told. What's right for someone else might not be right for you. I don't know at what age we lose that curiosity that we are born with, but we need to find it again. Learn something new every day.
4.) Practice gratitude.
I know everyone says it and that's because it's true. Since having my baby I have never been more grateful. If you and your loved ones have your health then nothing else really matters. Everything else can be fixed. There really are alot of people who would kill to be in your fantastic position in life, no matter how bad you might think it is.
5.) You can't move on to the good stuff by holding onto the rubbish of your past.
I'm adding this one as it's the one I struggle with the most. Lose the fear of the unknown, you've survived before, you'll do it again!
Nicole currently resides in Bruges, Belgium.
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Here are Nicole's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) It's the things that make you nervous that you probably should do.
I always find that the things that make me feel nervous - like going to the dentist, meeting new people, going to an interview - are the things that provide me with the greatest rewards. Getting out of my comfort zone is a thing I try to do at least daily. It's the best way to grow and find my true potential.
2.) Laugh every day.
It really is the best medicine. While laughing uncontrollably nothing else matters...problems don't exist. You are truly in the moment and everything is perfect. I keep a list of things that have made me laugh for reference when I'm feeling a little down - movies, books, comments, pictures, games, etc.
3.) Question everything.
Don't just accept what you are told. What's right for someone else might not be right for you. I don't know at what age we lose that curiosity that we are born with, but we need to find it again. Learn something new every day.
4.) Practice gratitude.
I know everyone says it and that's because it's true. Since having my baby I have never been more grateful. If you and your loved ones have your health then nothing else really matters. Everything else can be fixed. There really are alot of people who would kill to be in your fantastic position in life, no matter how bad you might think it is.
5.) You can't move on to the good stuff by holding onto the rubbish of your past.
I'm adding this one as it's the one I struggle with the most. Lose the fear of the unknown, you've survived before, you'll do it again!
Nicole currently resides in Bruges, Belgium.
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Submitted by Matt Corker
matt corker is a ubc alumnus who lives life on a backbeat and has an serious addiction to bold ideas and strong communities. he regularly blogs at "that's a corker" and is the "champion of community" for nomosolo.
Here are Matt's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Say please and thank you.
I agree with The SuperForest Humanifesto when it says that these three words will save the human race. Some may chalk this up as having good manners, while others could categorize it as being respectful, having compassion, or showing gratitude. Those three words encapsulate all of that for me.
2.) Make positive changes.
Simply stated, it is our responsibility to leave this world a better place than when we first arrived.
3.) Invest in people.
Put your energy, time, and money into developing great leaders and citizens. No other investment will ever provide a greater return than this one does.
4.) Be an explorer.
Discover new ideas, landscapes, and yourself.
5.) Enjoy it.
No elaboration needed.
Matt currently resides in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Here are Matt's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Say please and thank you.
I agree with The SuperForest Humanifesto when it says that these three words will save the human race. Some may chalk this up as having good manners, while others could categorize it as being respectful, having compassion, or showing gratitude. Those three words encapsulate all of that for me.
2.) Make positive changes.
Simply stated, it is our responsibility to leave this world a better place than when we first arrived.
3.) Invest in people.
Put your energy, time, and money into developing great leaders and citizens. No other investment will ever provide a greater return than this one does.
4.) Be an explorer.
Discover new ideas, landscapes, and yourself.
5.) Enjoy it.
No elaboration needed.
Matt currently resides in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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Submitted by David Jones
david jones is a husband, a father, and a father-in-law. you can find him at control yourself!, his blog focusing on becoming a better man, and various men's issues.
Here are David's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Be the best Christian I can be.
Typically, I fail miserably at this one. I will never be able to reach the bar where God sets it. Fortunately, because of Christ, I don't have to. Jesus bridges the gap between where I am and where God, in His perfect goodness, demands that I be.
2.) Love my wife.
My wife is my best friend. Every day I get up and I make a conscious decision to love her. It is a choice -- and one that I gladly make every day. The love that I have for her goes far beyond feelings. The love that we share is mutual. The love that we
share is strong. The love that we share is forever.
3.) Love others.
The golden rule applies. Always treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Give your time to others. Give your knowledge to others. Give money, from your abundance, to others.
4.) Quickly forgive others.
When we have hurt someone, and are remorseful, we want to be forgiven. We want to know that things are okay between us and the one we hurt. But what about the person who was hurt? Does forgiveness help them? Absolutely! If you forgive, you are giving up your desire to punish the one who hurt you. If you don't forgive, you will be ruled by those feelings of hurt and anger. Let it go. Forgive the offender. You
will feel better.
5.) Never stop self-education.
Education is not a destination; it should be a continuous journey.
A. Read.
B. Discuss what you read with people who have more knowledge of the subject than
you do.
C. Repeat.
David currently resides in Southern West Virginia.
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Here are David's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Be the best Christian I can be.
Typically, I fail miserably at this one. I will never be able to reach the bar where God sets it. Fortunately, because of Christ, I don't have to. Jesus bridges the gap between where I am and where God, in His perfect goodness, demands that I be.
2.) Love my wife.
My wife is my best friend. Every day I get up and I make a conscious decision to love her. It is a choice -- and one that I gladly make every day. The love that I have for her goes far beyond feelings. The love that we share is mutual. The love that we
share is strong. The love that we share is forever.
3.) Love others.
The golden rule applies. Always treat others the way you'd like to be treated. Give your time to others. Give your knowledge to others. Give money, from your abundance, to others.
4.) Quickly forgive others.
When we have hurt someone, and are remorseful, we want to be forgiven. We want to know that things are okay between us and the one we hurt. But what about the person who was hurt? Does forgiveness help them? Absolutely! If you forgive, you are giving up your desire to punish the one who hurt you. If you don't forgive, you will be ruled by those feelings of hurt and anger. Let it go. Forgive the offender. You
will feel better.
5.) Never stop self-education.
Education is not a destination; it should be a continuous journey.
A. Read.
B. Discuss what you read with people who have more knowledge of the subject than
you do.
C. Repeat.
David currently resides in Southern West Virginia.
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Submitted by John Anyasor
john anyasor is the creator of the site "hilife2b", where he gives advice on personal development, inspiration, and motivation. a second year undergrad, he seeks to one day break the cycle of entering the dreaded 9-5 to achieve the life he wants.
Here are John's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Take risks.
Without being a little adventurous and taking chances, it's going to be hard for you to enjoy life. Remember that if you don't take risks that could quite possibly increase your happiness, someone else will.
2.) Act now, ask questions later.
The most successful people in life DON'T ask for permission: not from their friends, spouses, or family members. If you're about to do something that you've been wanting to do for a long time that may sound crazy to others, chances are somebody's going to try and deter you. Act now and explain your reasons later - especially if they yielded good results. Trust me, you'll be a much happier person.
3.) Don't seek approval from those you could care less about.
How many times have you tried to impress someone just because they seemed more popular or more successful? Did you care about who they were as people (did you resonate with them?), or did you just value their power? Focus on the people you do care about instead of the people you don't. You'll become far more confident.
4.) Live, love, and laugh.
These three L's encompass happiness in our life. Live in a place you enjoy residing in. Love the company you're surrounded by and eliminate the poisonous people in your life. Laugh with your friends and family however you can and whenever you can. You have only one life. You don't have time to put limits on any of these.
5.) Chase all of your dreams (even if you end up failing).
Because you have one life, it is imperative that you chase as many of your dreams as you can. Why bother wondering "what if"? If you never try, how would you know if you'd have ever succeeded? Don't hesitate. Go after what you want with all your heart and energy. Your conscious will thank you for it.
______________________________
Here are John's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Take risks.
Without being a little adventurous and taking chances, it's going to be hard for you to enjoy life. Remember that if you don't take risks that could quite possibly increase your happiness, someone else will.
2.) Act now, ask questions later.
The most successful people in life DON'T ask for permission: not from their friends, spouses, or family members. If you're about to do something that you've been wanting to do for a long time that may sound crazy to others, chances are somebody's going to try and deter you. Act now and explain your reasons later - especially if they yielded good results. Trust me, you'll be a much happier person.
3.) Don't seek approval from those you could care less about.
How many times have you tried to impress someone just because they seemed more popular or more successful? Did you care about who they were as people (did you resonate with them?), or did you just value their power? Focus on the people you do care about instead of the people you don't. You'll become far more confident.
4.) Live, love, and laugh.
These three L's encompass happiness in our life. Live in a place you enjoy residing in. Love the company you're surrounded by and eliminate the poisonous people in your life. Laugh with your friends and family however you can and whenever you can. You have only one life. You don't have time to put limits on any of these.
5.) Chase all of your dreams (even if you end up failing).
Because you have one life, it is imperative that you chase as many of your dreams as you can. Why bother wondering "what if"? If you never try, how would you know if you'd have ever succeeded? Don't hesitate. Go after what you want with all your heart and energy. Your conscious will thank you for it.
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Submitted by Chris Elliott
chris helps small businesses figure out what their big idea is, how to get it to market, and how to get people to notice their wonderfulness. he is also a dynamic speaker and trainer in personal growth and public speaking. you can catch him blogging at "as a dude thinketh".
Here are Chris' "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Eat the baby octopuses.
It frustrates me when dining companions turn up their noses at foods they have never tried because it "looks gross", "is slimy", or they are a "meat and potatoes person." A huge component of success is trying and learning new things, so when someone is not willing to try a new experience it says a lot about their potential for success.
2.) Shut up.
I am a firm believer that if your mouth is moving, you are not learning anything. When you dominate a conversation, you demonstrate that you will dominate the relationship. Being successful in personal and business relationships is about listening to what the other person is saying, and then responding to them without judgment.
3.) Execute.
There are millions of successful dreamers in the world, but the people that get recognized are those that execute their dream to make success happen. You don’t have to be the smartest, the wealthiest, or the most creative to be successful. You just have to take the ideas you have and turn them into actions that you execute to their completion.
4.) Be patient.
Life can sometimes put us into a frenzy where we are always trying to get more faster. This manifests itself by making us impatient, pushy, and rude. We must try to relax and realize that not everything can happen this instant, so we should enjoy the moment, be patient, and don’t try to rush life.
5.) Never stop learning.
Life is a learning adventure. We should try to capture every learning opportunity and not shut off new ideas, experiences, and adventures. We can learn from books, articles, people, classes, and experiences. When we recognize how great the adventure of life can be, every moment can be spent learning something new about the world.
Chris currently resides in Ohio.
______________________________
Here are Chris' "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Eat the baby octopuses.
It frustrates me when dining companions turn up their noses at foods they have never tried because it "looks gross", "is slimy", or they are a "meat and potatoes person." A huge component of success is trying and learning new things, so when someone is not willing to try a new experience it says a lot about their potential for success.
2.) Shut up.
I am a firm believer that if your mouth is moving, you are not learning anything. When you dominate a conversation, you demonstrate that you will dominate the relationship. Being successful in personal and business relationships is about listening to what the other person is saying, and then responding to them without judgment.
3.) Execute.
There are millions of successful dreamers in the world, but the people that get recognized are those that execute their dream to make success happen. You don’t have to be the smartest, the wealthiest, or the most creative to be successful. You just have to take the ideas you have and turn them into actions that you execute to their completion.
4.) Be patient.
Life can sometimes put us into a frenzy where we are always trying to get more faster. This manifests itself by making us impatient, pushy, and rude. We must try to relax and realize that not everything can happen this instant, so we should enjoy the moment, be patient, and don’t try to rush life.
5.) Never stop learning.
Life is a learning adventure. We should try to capture every learning opportunity and not shut off new ideas, experiences, and adventures. We can learn from books, articles, people, classes, and experiences. When we recognize how great the adventure of life can be, every moment can be spent learning something new about the world.
Chris currently resides in Ohio.
______________________________
Submitted by Kylie Philips
kylie philips works in an office but loves the outdoors. she lives with her husband and three cats, and her hobbies include writing (visit her blog here), photography, cycling, and drawing.
Here are Kylie's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Laugh daily.
I spent many years living in a loveless and laughless home. One thing I have learned is that no matter what life throws at you, being able to laugh is one of the keys to happiness and a sense of overall wellness. Learning to laugh at the little things has been key to being able to move forward in my life.
2.) Love openly and honestly.
Such a hard one to learn. If you don’t love with honesty you are living a half life. Tell those you care about how you feel. Love with your whole heart. Don’t hold back. And in return you will allow that same love to be reciprocated.
3.) Respect.
Treat others with the same respect that you would like to be treated with. From your "nearest and dearest" to the check-out chick at the store. Everyone is a human with feelings and deserves respect. I have found that if you give respect, you will get respect.
4.) Own your actions.
This is about accepting responsibility for your actions, whether they are actions you are proud of or actions you are ashamed of. I spent many years blaming other people for all the problems and dramas in my life, but when I started to take some responsibility for my actions, my life became less drama-filled. From the smallest action of the day (what time you get out of bed, what you put into your mouth) to what you say, to the biggest of decisions – own your actions. If you are ashamed of them, learn and don’t repeat them – but still own it.
5.) Believe in Karma.
I believe that what you put out to the universe is what you will get back from it. Therefore it is important to live your life in a way that honors this. If you don’t want an action or attitude directed at you, don’t direct it at others.
Kylie currently resides in Adelaide, Australia.
______________________________
Here are Kylie's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Laugh daily.
I spent many years living in a loveless and laughless home. One thing I have learned is that no matter what life throws at you, being able to laugh is one of the keys to happiness and a sense of overall wellness. Learning to laugh at the little things has been key to being able to move forward in my life.
2.) Love openly and honestly.
Such a hard one to learn. If you don’t love with honesty you are living a half life. Tell those you care about how you feel. Love with your whole heart. Don’t hold back. And in return you will allow that same love to be reciprocated.
3.) Respect.
Treat others with the same respect that you would like to be treated with. From your "nearest and dearest" to the check-out chick at the store. Everyone is a human with feelings and deserves respect. I have found that if you give respect, you will get respect.
4.) Own your actions.
This is about accepting responsibility for your actions, whether they are actions you are proud of or actions you are ashamed of. I spent many years blaming other people for all the problems and dramas in my life, but when I started to take some responsibility for my actions, my life became less drama-filled. From the smallest action of the day (what time you get out of bed, what you put into your mouth) to what you say, to the biggest of decisions – own your actions. If you are ashamed of them, learn and don’t repeat them – but still own it.
5.) Believe in Karma.
I believe that what you put out to the universe is what you will get back from it. Therefore it is important to live your life in a way that honors this. If you don’t want an action or attitude directed at you, don’t direct it at others.
Kylie currently resides in Adelaide, Australia.
______________________________
Submitted by Cheryl Hitchcock
cheryl hitchcock is a certified clinical counselor and spiritual life coach. she has been practicing for over thirteen years and now runs her own business. her recently penned book "just give your head a shake…and change your life for the better" is a guide for those seeking to manifest their own magnificence in life.
Here are Cheryl's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) It is better to be kind than to be right.
Let go of your ego's need to be right and justified. Given the choice (and you always have a choice) to be right about something and possibly sever a relationship, always choose to be kind. Kindness will always bring you what your spirit needs.
2.) Happiness is a state of mind.
We should be cultivating happiness as a way of being rather than a goal to be attained through external needs. When you cultivate happiness as a state of being it shines through you and nothing can derail your inner sense of well being.
3.) We are all equal, we just know and do different things.
Really 99.9% of our cells are the same. It's only .1% that makes us different. If we all could understand that we truly are all equal we may just treat each other with greater love. We may look different or do or know different things; this is what makes us unique but also what makes the world an exciting place. No one is better or worse than anyone else. It's our behaviors that dictate how we are viewed by others.
4.) Still your mind and know your path.
By stilling the endless chatter in our minds and connecting to our true spirit we will connect with our Dharma or path in life. Stilling the mind is the best way to connect with our inner guide and how we truly know what we are here to do.
5.) Awareness is the key to higher consciousness.
In order to connect with spirit and understand and eliminate negative behaviors we first need to be aware of how we are in this world and how we connect with others. You can't change something if you are not aware of its existence. This is true of our behaviors as well. When we are aware, we can then receive guidance from spirit and gain higher consciousness in order to change that which is not working in our lives.
Cheryl currently resides in Toronto, Ontario.
______________________________
Here are Cheryl's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) It is better to be kind than to be right.
Let go of your ego's need to be right and justified. Given the choice (and you always have a choice) to be right about something and possibly sever a relationship, always choose to be kind. Kindness will always bring you what your spirit needs.
2.) Happiness is a state of mind.
We should be cultivating happiness as a way of being rather than a goal to be attained through external needs. When you cultivate happiness as a state of being it shines through you and nothing can derail your inner sense of well being.
3.) We are all equal, we just know and do different things.
Really 99.9% of our cells are the same. It's only .1% that makes us different. If we all could understand that we truly are all equal we may just treat each other with greater love. We may look different or do or know different things; this is what makes us unique but also what makes the world an exciting place. No one is better or worse than anyone else. It's our behaviors that dictate how we are viewed by others.
4.) Still your mind and know your path.
By stilling the endless chatter in our minds and connecting to our true spirit we will connect with our Dharma or path in life. Stilling the mind is the best way to connect with our inner guide and how we truly know what we are here to do.
5.) Awareness is the key to higher consciousness.
In order to connect with spirit and understand and eliminate negative behaviors we first need to be aware of how we are in this world and how we connect with others. You can't change something if you are not aware of its existence. This is true of our behaviors as well. When we are aware, we can then receive guidance from spirit and gain higher consciousness in order to change that which is not working in our lives.
Cheryl currently resides in Toronto, Ontario.
______________________________
Submitted by Analiese Marie
analiese marie is a blogger, yogini, bibliophile, and grant writer for an art museum in washington, dc. you can read her writing on her blog - tulips and tea - and follow her on twitter.
Here are Analiese's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Believe that you are extraordinary.
The world desperately hungers for our gifts. Recognize yours, and live your life as if the fate of humanity depends upon your personal contribution (it does). Extraordinary people are not more talented or intelligent than the rest of us. They are extraordinary because they believe they are, and they act accordingly.
2.) In any given conversation, do 80% of the listening and 20% of the talking.
If you adhere to this principle, four things will happen. You will learn a lot. You will be forced to choose your words carefully and say more with less. People will think of you as a good listener, and they will like you more. And when you do speak, they will pay close attention.
3.) Practice yoga.
It will transform your life.
4.) Be your own hero.
Much of our pain is caused by our belief that happiness depends on something external to us. The day you realize that you and you alone are responsible for the quality of your life is the day you become free.
5.) Never stop learning.
Feed your mind with a steady stream of fresh knowledge and ideas. Take a class. Interview someone you admire. Learn a foreign language. Read...a lot. Challenge yourself intellectually. If you continue to learn, you'll never be boring and you'll never be bored.
Analiese currently resides in Washington, DC.
______________________________
Here are Analiese's "Five Rules For Life":
1.) Believe that you are extraordinary.
The world desperately hungers for our gifts. Recognize yours, and live your life as if the fate of humanity depends upon your personal contribution (it does). Extraordinary people are not more talented or intelligent than the rest of us. They are extraordinary because they believe they are, and they act accordingly.
2.) In any given conversation, do 80% of the listening and 20% of the talking.
If you adhere to this principle, four things will happen. You will learn a lot. You will be forced to choose your words carefully and say more with less. People will think of you as a good listener, and they will like you more. And when you do speak, they will pay close attention.
3.) Practice yoga.
It will transform your life.
4.) Be your own hero.
Much of our pain is caused by our belief that happiness depends on something external to us. The day you realize that you and you alone are responsible for the quality of your life is the day you become free.
5.) Never stop learning.
Feed your mind with a steady stream of fresh knowledge and ideas. Take a class. Interview someone you admire. Learn a foreign language. Read...a lot. Challenge yourself intellectually. If you continue to learn, you'll never be boring and you'll never be bored.
Analiese currently resides in Washington, DC.
______________________________
Submitted by Lori Deschene
lori deschene is the founder of tinybuddha.com (editor's note - one of my favorite sites for quotes, motivation, and useful articles on everyday life). you can find tiny buddha's twitter feed here, and you can follow lori on twitter here.
...editor's note - Lori included the following with her submission:
"When I first sat down to write this piece, I wrote "Live without rules" five times, each followed by a reason to keep your approach to life flexible. The way you live is largely a reflection of where you’ve been, who you’ve been, and the beliefs you’ve formed. Who am I to create a cookie-cutter hard-and-fast code that makes sense for everyone?
That’s when I realized I’d need to make a sixth rule to introduce these ideas: judge my words, and anyone else’s against your own reason and moral code.
Buddha said, “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and common sense.”
The Dalai Lama echoed that sentiment with, “The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.”
Be critical. I invite it. These ideas help me, and they may or may not help you.
With that, here are five guidelines that have helped me feel happy, fulfilled, and meaningful."
Here are Lori's "Five Rules Guidelines For Life":
1.) Be honest with yourself.
One of the most valuable skills you’ll learn in life is the ability to call yourself out when you’re playing it safe because you’re scared to fail, or maybe even scared to succeed; or you’re closing off your heart because you’re afraid of being hurt. In the moment it feels comforting. You can do what you always did, and not push yourself into unfamiliar territory. But we tend to regret the things we didn’t do more than the things we did. Don’t lie to yourself about your instincts or motivations. It may feel safe in the moment, but it will one day grow into regret about who you could have become.
2.) Let yourself be vulnerable.
I once felt there was nothing more terrifying than letting go of control. I held a tight grip on who I really was because I wanted to shape other people’s perceptions of me. I had a very limited list of approved adjectives: smart, kind, talented, successful, awesome. I don’t love knowing someone may form a different opinion of me. But it’s liberating to honor where I’m at in any moment, and let people decide for themselves what they think about that. When you’re willing to be seen as someone who makes mistakes and has flaws, you’re essentially telling yourself being human isn’t something to be ashamed of. People may sometimes form judgments. But they’ll respect your authenticity, and they may learn to let go a little themselves—something that can be a tremendous relief.
3.) Live in accordance with your values.
Everyone has a different idea of what’s important, and what it means to be a good person. If you try to align your life with someone else’s values, you’ll likely feel unfulfilled. If your main source of joy is spending time with your family, would it really make sense to take on a high-paying job that limits the time you can spend with them? Make a list of the cornerstones of your happiness, and then take an honest inventory of your current situation. Does it parallel the priorities you listed?
4.) See as much as you can of what’s right in front of you.
People often live life caught in two mental strongholds: regret for the past, and worry for the future. In looking back on the years I’ve lived so far, I know I’ve spent more time engaging in those activities than truly being present. Whenever I catch myself, I check in with my five senses and experience what’s in front of me as fully as I possibly can. I notice the details. Hear the sounds. And seep into the moment. I know I won’t do this all the time, but it adds up to create more time truly living in the now.
5.) Treat yourself like you want other people to treat you.
It happens all the time. You don’t get a job, you start reviewing all your failures. You hurt a friend, you start beating yourself up. We make mistakes, and we always will. As long as you acknowledge them, make amends as best you can, and learn from them there’s no reason to stop treating yourself with kindness. Other people will take their cue from you. You decide how you deserve to be treated.
Lori currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.
______________________________
...editor's note - Lori included the following with her submission:
"When I first sat down to write this piece, I wrote "Live without rules" five times, each followed by a reason to keep your approach to life flexible. The way you live is largely a reflection of where you’ve been, who you’ve been, and the beliefs you’ve formed. Who am I to create a cookie-cutter hard-and-fast code that makes sense for everyone?
That’s when I realized I’d need to make a sixth rule to introduce these ideas: judge my words, and anyone else’s against your own reason and moral code.
Buddha said, “Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and common sense.”
The Dalai Lama echoed that sentiment with, “The ultimate authority must always rest with the individual’s own reason and critical analysis.”
Be critical. I invite it. These ideas help me, and they may or may not help you.
With that, here are five guidelines that have helped me feel happy, fulfilled, and meaningful."
Here are Lori's "Five Rules Guidelines For Life":
1.) Be honest with yourself.
One of the most valuable skills you’ll learn in life is the ability to call yourself out when you’re playing it safe because you’re scared to fail, or maybe even scared to succeed; or you’re closing off your heart because you’re afraid of being hurt. In the moment it feels comforting. You can do what you always did, and not push yourself into unfamiliar territory. But we tend to regret the things we didn’t do more than the things we did. Don’t lie to yourself about your instincts or motivations. It may feel safe in the moment, but it will one day grow into regret about who you could have become.
2.) Let yourself be vulnerable.
I once felt there was nothing more terrifying than letting go of control. I held a tight grip on who I really was because I wanted to shape other people’s perceptions of me. I had a very limited list of approved adjectives: smart, kind, talented, successful, awesome. I don’t love knowing someone may form a different opinion of me. But it’s liberating to honor where I’m at in any moment, and let people decide for themselves what they think about that. When you’re willing to be seen as someone who makes mistakes and has flaws, you’re essentially telling yourself being human isn’t something to be ashamed of. People may sometimes form judgments. But they’ll respect your authenticity, and they may learn to let go a little themselves—something that can be a tremendous relief.
3.) Live in accordance with your values.
Everyone has a different idea of what’s important, and what it means to be a good person. If you try to align your life with someone else’s values, you’ll likely feel unfulfilled. If your main source of joy is spending time with your family, would it really make sense to take on a high-paying job that limits the time you can spend with them? Make a list of the cornerstones of your happiness, and then take an honest inventory of your current situation. Does it parallel the priorities you listed?
4.) See as much as you can of what’s right in front of you.
People often live life caught in two mental strongholds: regret for the past, and worry for the future. In looking back on the years I’ve lived so far, I know I’ve spent more time engaging in those activities than truly being present. Whenever I catch myself, I check in with my five senses and experience what’s in front of me as fully as I possibly can. I notice the details. Hear the sounds. And seep into the moment. I know I won’t do this all the time, but it adds up to create more time truly living in the now.
5.) Treat yourself like you want other people to treat you.
It happens all the time. You don’t get a job, you start reviewing all your failures. You hurt a friend, you start beating yourself up. We make mistakes, and we always will. As long as you acknowledge them, make amends as best you can, and learn from them there’s no reason to stop treating yourself with kindness. Other people will take their cue from you. You decide how you deserve to be treated.
Lori currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.
______________________________
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