DAD’S LIFE LESSONS

PERSISTENCE: Never, never, never give up! Most obstacles can be overcome, eventually.

CHANGE: the only constant is accelerating change! Be prepared to learn and adapt at an increasing rate.

FRIENDSHIP: Good friends are rare, can last a lifetime. Lucky to have two or three. Judge people by what they do, not what they say; talk is cheap.

WORRY: 99% of things are not worth the time and trouble. A hundred years from now, who will care or remember?

TIMING: Very important and is based partially on luck, but also judgment. Can not be forced and better to be a little ahead.

MENTAL STRENGTH: Think for yourself, you must be tough! “Life is great, as long as you don’t weaken”–Roy L. Epner

DECISIONS: Make them based upon instinct, knowledge, experience, and rationally—not emotionally. It is better to make a wrong decision than none. You will learn from your mistakes.

RISK/SECURITY: There is a direct relationship: more risk, more reward. Life is a risk. There are no guarantees. Security has a price: time, money, independence, etc.

WORK/CAREER: Find something you enjoy that is challenging. Don’t settle for less, especially when you are young.

INSTINCT: Go with your gut feelings, both mental and physical. A very high percentage will turn out to be the right choice.

TIME: Most precious resource we have. Don’t waste it! We cannot get more. Get and stay organized.

MONEY: Very important but will not bring happiness alone. Can enslave you to material things but can create greater freedom and independence.

FREEDOM/INDEPENDENCE: After time, our most precious commodity. Must try and maintain your personal and physical time from society’s nonsense.

GENDER DIFFERENCES: Men and women are different and not equal. Understand the difference and you will have greater success with people.

PERSPECTIVE/ PRIORITIES: Learn what is important and not important. This takes time, age, and wisdom. Hard to do but invaluable for life.

LOVE & HAPPINESS: Third most important thing. Don’t think it is normal or easy to find. When you do, feel fortunate, especially if it lasts for a long time.

COMMUNICATION: Learn to listen. Body language is most important. How something is said; tone is more important than what is said.

SUCCESS: Set achievable goals based upon your own criteria, not others. Be yourself.

RESPONSIBILITY: Accept it if you want to be treated equally. Admit when you are wrong.

thanks dad, words to live by