8 Simple Rules to Life
I have several rules I try to live by to make my life easier and improve my happiness and over-all contentment. I came across an article featured on the motivational website, SUCCESS. This article echoed many of my own rules so I thought I would create my own list based upon their own article.
Sorry if you feel I’m stealing the writings of others but I am writing my own list of rules based on the original article and describing how I use them. I would, however, strongly suggest you check out the wonderful SUCCESS website if you need some quality inspiration (link at the end of my article).
Only 10 percent of life is what happens to you but 90 percent is how you react to it.
You may or may not have heard of the 90/10 rule before but even if you haven’t it is very true. If you haven’t heard of it this could be an epiphany in your life. I believe it is valid in every aspect of life, both personal and professional.
We all know you cannot control everything in your life. It’s therefore important to remember 90% of your life is in your own hands. You decide what happens next on your own story. This means you alone have responsibility to ensure things go in your own favour by forging ahead with the things that will provide the best results for your own happiness.
Give more than you take.
All you have to do is give more in the world, in any walk of life, than you take. Whether it is anything from diet; spending more calories than you consume, to business; offering a service you feel offers more value than you charge. Giving more of yourself than you expect will bring the best results for you in the end.
Under-promise, then over-deliver.
I really like this rule. Whether it is to you client, your employer or your life partner you should follow this guideline with anyone in your life. Never promise nor imply that you can deliver more than you are able. Reign it back slightly and offer slightly less than you are able, but enough to seal the deal.
This way you know the other party is content with you at less than your best (always a strong and exciting position for you to be in) but they will be delighted when they see what you can really deliver. This means they will be impressed with your unexpected abilities and the fact you didn’t let them down. It’s a win-win for you both.
Keep it simple, stupid.
The KISS principle has been something I have struggled with in my life but whenever I have been able to implement it successfully it always paid dividends. When things appear overly complex (often by your own making), step back and keep it simple. You should break things down into smaller parts or simplify a problem to achieve your ultimate goal.
Work to live, don’t live to work.
This is something I have strongly come to believe over the years. There was a time when work and the pursuit of success was the main goal in my life. However, the pursuit of financial success pales in significance to have a successful home and family life. Look at the number of unhappy millionaires. You are the happiest, richest successful person in the world if you are as excited to go to work as you are to go home (the perfect life/work balance). As long as you have enough to keep a safe roof over your head and food in your own and your family’s stomachs, you are rich!
When you chase money, enough is never enough but when you aim to meet your necessities you will suddenly find you have enough left over to provide the luxuries PLUS you’ll have healthier relationships with those you care about. This makes for a healthier work life and a happier home life.
Nothing ever changes except your perspective.
I heard this years ago from someone I knew to be a wise and well-adjusted person. Basically, there are things that we will encounter but the way we approach them will ultimately decide how they affect our own life and happiness.
If you have a problem that seems insurmountable, the way you approach it will alter how you deal with it and, in turn, how it affects your wellbeing. When you alter the issue from something even if it appears to be the end of the world, into something you approach positively and can be dealt with (not matter how long it might take) you will be better placed to solve it.
Remember, if your problem can be overcome (which is almost always the case) you should do what is required. If it cannot be overcome there is no need to worry about it – just set about lessening the damage it might cause.
Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Don’t shy away from bad things happening to you in your life – this rarely ends well. Usually, maybe 90 percent of the time, things will not go as badly as you envision. Always think about the worst-case scenario and prepare for it but, in your mind, keep believing the best outcome is still attainable and aim for it.
Follow the Golden Rule.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Whether in business or in my private life, I put their interests first. It’s not about what you can get from others, but what you give to them that makes you someone others like to deal with. It’s easy to pull a fast one to try and have the upper-hand in a situation or business deal but, somehow, if you sensibly put others’ needs first you will find you are both winners in the end.
Whether or not you believe in Karma, when you do the right thing by others you will see the tally in the ledger of life will, in the end, always be in your favour.
Original article source: Success website
© Colin Lawson Books
