Saturday, December 10, 2011

12 things I learned in 2011

Learn from your mistakes.
It’s okay to be wrong, it’s okay to make mistakes, but it’s not okay to keep making the same mistakes. Only a fool does not learn from their mistakes.

Acknowledge other people’s feelings.
Unless your name is sun, the world does revolve around you. Take other people’s feelings into account when doing something. Remember that everything you do makes a ripple in the continuum of time, and others are affected by it.

Compliment others.
Everyone likes to be complimented, right? And do you remember that saying “would you like it if they did that to you?” if the answer is yes, then do it! Why not? What do you have to lose? A couple of moments, words and breathe? In turn, you create a stronger relationship with that person and make yourself more approachable.

Everyone likes to be liked.
Do you like to be liked? I do. Be nice to others, be likeable, everyone likes nice people.

Realize: you’re not always right.
Sad, sad truth isn’t it? It’s okay, no one is always right. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s healthy to acknowledge that. Otherwise, you just look like a pompous fool.

What goes around comes around.
Whether you realize it or not, if you’re a good person, (generally) good things happen to you. Create positive karma for yourself and minimize the chance of bad events.

Be selective with friends.
You naturally gravitate towards people that are like you (narcissist!) You think I’m kidding, but it’s true, it’s human nature. Go with your instinct and be aware of whom you deem trustworthy of your friendship.

Not everyone is a “good person”
I put that in quotes because good is an opinion, a perspective. Just like there are different views on what’s considered fun, there are different views on people.

Be honest.
Truth be told, life is a lot easier that way.

You never know.
It speaks for itself, you simply never know. A plane can crash on you while you’re walking to the supermarket. You could win the lotto tomorrow. You might meet your future spouse at the doctor’s office. You simply never know.

Be open to new opportunities.
Since you never know, when a new opportunity presents itself, go for it! Why? You may ask. Why not? Better question. Assess the situation and see what you have to lose vs. what you don’t.

Don’t expect, accept.
Don’t expect much of people, situations and things. Expectations can be a double edge sword as many of us know and it can go very well, but it can also put a damper on your plans. Instead, simply accept what’s going on. 

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