If one had to condense a philosophy on leading a good life into a series of soundbites, these would be my choice:
- All lives matter.
- Your choices do too.
- The Golden rule is the only rule.
- Measure success in what you give and not what you get. Live simply so that others may simply live.
- Live like today is your last. The race of life is, in the end, only against yourself. No one makes it out alive.
- Fear and apathy are our greatest threats. Hypocrisy our greatest sin. Always remain empathetic, open to change and strive to live in the other person’s shoes.
- Small talk and gossip are the mark of a small mind.
- Don’t be afraid to march to the beat of your own drummer. Don’t be so proud as to ignore good advice. You can learn something from everyone.
- 99.9% of things in life are not black-or-white. Not everything is a competition.
- Take time to ponder the meaning of why we have two ears and only one mouth.
- Actions may speak louder than words, but words matter all the same, so too does silence. A scared person knows when to be quiet. A smart person knows when to talk. A wise person knows when each is appropriate. Silence can be deafening, especially when no one speaks up for those who cannot speak for themselves.
- Creating good childhood memories is always worth the investment of time and money.
- Time will always be more valuable than money.
- The truth lies in the middle.
- Compromise is not four letter word.
- Accept failure as part of the process of building success.
- Perfection is the enemy of the good enough.
- Take everything in moderation. Including moderation.
- The most effective test of person’s character is to take them out to lunch and see how they treat the waiter.
- How we improve the world for the next generation is the greatest testament to who we truly are.