These are rules that I have found or learned on my own that I want to pass down to my boys. I have taken time to reflect on what I believe are important values and principles that I should share. I believe it’s important for parents to share their wisdom and experience with their kids, and to instill in them the values and principles that they believe are important for a happy and successful life. By passing these rules down to my boys, I can help to guide them and provide them with a set of principles to live by. I believe it’s important for me to not only teach the rules but also the reasoning behind them, and to have open communication with them to guide them through the process of understanding and internalizing these values and principles.
1
Put God first and live it out at home first
Prioritize our relationship with God and to make it the foundation of our lives. Put God at the center of your daily life striving to live according to His teachings and values. This is especially important at home, as it sets an example for others and creates a strong foundation for your family. Lead by example. Additionally, it’s important to remember that living out our faith is not only about what we say, but also about how we act and treat others. By putting God first and living it out at home first, we can create a positive and supportive environment that reflects our faith, values and beliefs.
2
Always do what is right, even if no one is watching
It is important to always do what is right, regardless of whether or not someone is watching. This means making ethical and moral choices, even when no one else is around to see or know about them. By doing the right thing even when no one is looking, you build integrity and establish a personal code of ethics that you can be proud of. It also sets an example for others and contributes to building a better society.
3
Never shake anyone’s hand while sitting down
Standing up when shaking hands is a sign of respect and professionalism. It shows that you are taking the time to acknowledge the other person and that you value the interaction. It also indicates that you are fully present and engaged in the conversation. Additionally, shaking hands while sitting down can be seen as disrespectful or dismissive, as it suggests that you are not fully paying attention to the other person.
4
Return tools to their proper place. Take care of things you own, borrow or rent
Caring for and properly storing tools is important for maintaining them in good working condition and ensuring that they are available for use when needed. This means cleaning and lubricating them as appropriate, and storing them in a safe and organized manner. By keeping tools in their designated storage place, you can quickly and easily find them when you need them, and you can also ensure that they are not misplaced or damaged. Additionally, when you borrow tools, it is important to return them in the same condition that you received them. This shows respect for the owner of the tools and makes it more likely that you will be able to borrow them again in the future.
5
In a negotiation, never make the first offer
In negotiation, it is often advantageous to wait for the other party to make the first offer. This allows you to gauge their initial position and to better understand what they are looking for in the negotiation. Additionally, if the other party makes the first offer, they may be more likely to feel invested in the outcome of the negotiation and more willing to compromise. It also allows you to better build a solid strategy to better negotiate and have more control over the situation.
6
Act like you’ve been there before. Especially in the end zone
Acting like you’ve been there before, especially in the end zone, is a way to show humility and grace in the face of success. It means being able to maintain your composure and to not become overly excited or arrogant, even when you are experiencing a moment of triumph. This can be especially important in sports, where scoring a touchdown or reaching the end zone can be a significant achievement. By acting like you’ve been there before, you can show that you are aware of your accomplishments but still respectful and humble towards others. Additionally, it also helps to demonstrate to others that you are a team player and that you are focused on the game and not just individual success. This attitude also can be beneficial for preventing complacency and maintaining a good mindset for future challenges.
7
Request a late check-out
When staying at a hotel, it is often beneficial to request a late check-out. This allows you to have more time to enjoy your stay and to avoid feeling rushed to pack and check out. Additionally, it can also be beneficial to negotiate with the hotel staff to get a better rate or other benefits. It’s a good way to show that you value your time and the service they provide, and also a good way to have a more comfortable stay. It also allows you to plan your departure better, especially if you have a long journey to take.
8
When someone tells you a secret, keep it
Keeping secrets that have been entrusted to you is an important part of building trust and maintaining relationships. When someone shares a secret with you, it shows that they trust and value you enough to confide in you. It’s important to respect their trust and to keep the secret to yourself. If you break someone’s trust by sharing their secret, it can damage the relationship and make it difficult for them to trust you again in the future. Additionally, it’s also a way to respect other people’s privacy and shows that you are a trustworthy and responsible person.
9
Hold your role models to high standards
Holding your role models to high standards is important for personal growth and development. It allows you to learn from their successes and failures, and to strive to emulate their positive qualities. However, it’s also important to remember that everyone is human and no one is perfect. By holding your role models to high standards, you can learn from their mistakes and become a better version of yourself. It’s also important to be critical and discerning, recognizing that not all role models are truly admirable or worthy of emulation.
10
Return a borrowed item promptly and in good condition
Returning borrowed items in a timely manner and in good condition is a sign of respect and responsibility. It shows that you appreciate and value the item, and that you understand the importance of returning it in the same condition that you received it. Additionally, returning borrowed items promptly allows the other person to use them again, which can be especially important if they are needed for work or other important tasks. It’s also a good way to maintain a good reputation and to be able to borrow items again in the future.
11
Don’t fill up on chips & salsa
By not filling up on appetizers, you’ll have more room to enjoy the main meal, which is what you came for in the first place.
12
When shaking hands, grip firmly and make eye contact
Shaking hands is an important part of making a good first impression and building relationships. A firm grip and eye contact show confidence and respect. It’s important to grip the other person’s hand firmly, but not too tightly, and to make eye contact as you shake hands. This indicates that you are engaged in the interaction and that you are paying attention to the other person. Additionally, it also shows that you are confident and respectful, which can be helpful in building trust and rapport.
13
Stand up for what you believe in and be brave
Standing up for what you believe in and being brave is important for personal integrity and self-respect. It means standing up for what is right and speaking out against what is wrong, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable to do so. It’s important to have the courage to speak up when you see injustice or when something is not right. By standing up for your beliefs and being brave, you can help to create a better world and be a positive role model for others. Additionally, it also helps you to grow as a person and to be more self-assured.
14
If you need music on the beach, you’re missing the point
Being on the beach is a opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the ocean, the sand and the sun, and to disconnect from the distractions of everyday life. Listening to music can be a distraction and can take away from the experience. By focusing on the present moment and fully immersing yourself in the experience, you can appreciate the beauty of the surroundings and create lasting memories.
15
Always be prepared for unexpected situations
Being prepared for unexpected situations is important for safety and peace of mind. It means being prepared for emergencies and having a plan in case something goes wrong. This could include having a first aid kit, a backup plan, or emergency contact information. Additionally, it’s important to be adaptable and to be able to think on your feet, as unexpected situations may require quick thinking and flexibility. By being prepared for unexpected situations, you can reduce stress and anxiety and increase your chances of handling the situation successfully.
16
Leave people and things in a better state than you found them
Leaving people and things in a better state than you found them is a sign of respect and responsibility. It means taking care of things, cleaning up after yourself, and being mindful of the impact of your actions on others. It applies to people, places or things. By leaving things in a better state than you found them, you can show that you care about the well-being of others and that you are responsible. Additionally, it can also help to foster a positive environment and to build a better community.
17
When you marry someone, you also marry their family
Marrying someone means not only committing to that person but also committing to their family. It’s important to understand that by marrying someone, you are also becoming a part of their family and will have to interact and build relationships with them as well. This means showing respect and kindness towards them, being willing to compromise and understanding their values and customs. Additionally, it’s important to remember that building a good relationship with your spouse’s family can be beneficial for the stability and happiness of the marriage.
18
Stay calm and composed on the surface, but work hard and persistently towards your goals
Staying calm and composed on the surface while working hard and persistently towards your goals can be a powerful combination. It means remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity or difficult situations, while also working hard and being persistent in your efforts to achieve your goals. This can help you to maintain a positive attitude, to stay focused and to not be easily discouraged. Additionally, it can also be a good way to build resilience and to be more successful in life.
19
Show forgiveness and restraint in your anger
Showing forgiveness and restraint in your anger is important for maintaining positive relationships and for personal well-being. Forgiveness means letting go of anger and resentment towards others, and restraint means being able to control your anger and not letting it control you. By showing forgiveness and restraint in your anger, you can reduce stress and improve your relationships with others. Additionally, it can also be a good way to build empathy and to be more understanding of others.
20
Never be afraid to ask out the best-looking girl in the room
Approaching someone you are attracted to can be daunting, but it is important to remember that taking a chance and putting yourself out there is a necessary step towards building a relationship. It’s important to remember that rejection is a natural part of life and should not be taken personally. Additionally, by approaching someone you are attracted to, you may be able to build a meaningful connection and find happiness. Furthermore, it’s also a way to improve your self-confidence and to not let fear hold you back from opportunities.
21
Always accept mints or gum when offered
Accepting mints or gum when offered is a small but meaningful way to show gratitude and politeness. It’s a simple gesture that can make a positive impression on others and can help to build relationships. Additionally, mints and gum can also be useful for freshening breath or relieving anxiety and stress. Furthermore, it can also be a good way to be more considerate and to be more mindful of others.
22
In a game of HORSE, sometimes the simplest shot is the most effective
In a game of HORSE, it’s important to remember that sometimes the simplest shot is the most effective. This means that a basic shot, such as a free throw, can be more effective than a trick shot, which may have a higher degree of difficulty but is less likely to be successful. It’s important to remember that in games, as in life, simple and consistent effort is often more effective than flashy, high-risk strategies. Additionally, it’s also a good way to teach the importance of simplicity and effectiveness in problem solving.
23
Reflect on how you want to be remembered, and continually strive to live up to that ideal
Reflecting on how you want to be remembered and striving to live up to that ideal can be a powerful tool for personal growth and self-improvement. It means thinking about the legacy you want to leave behind, and the qualities and actions that will contribute to that legacy. By continually striving to live up to that ideal, you can ensure that you are living a life that is true to your values and that will be remembered positively by others. It also helps you to be more aware of your actions, to set goals and to be more intentional in your life.
24
Show appreciation to veterans, police officers, and teachers whenever possible
Showing appreciation to veterans, police officers, and teachers is an important way to acknowledge and honor their service and dedication to our country and our communities. These people play a vital role in keeping us safe and providing us with knowledge and guidance. By showing appreciation, you can show your gratitude and respect for their service, and also help to recognize the sacrifices they have made. Additionally, it also helps to create a more respectful and supportive society.