And as a father, I need to ensure I am planting the necessary seeds with my children so that they have the awareness and emotional tools to live a fulfilling life.
Here are 52 concepts I want them to know… and I do my best to model consistently:
- Life isn’t fair. Expecting it to be fair is a mindset of the weak. Play the hand you are dealt.
- You can’t have anything you want. But you can have anything you deserve. Big difference.
- Want to become happier instantly? Follow Tony Robbins’ advice and trade your expectations for appreciations.
- One decision can change the course of your entire life. Choices are powerful.
- Every single decision you make has a consequence. Some positive, some negative.
- When your heart and brain align you tend to resolve your issues quickly and efficiently.
- It takes almost zero effort to be kind to strangers… to smile… or to say ‘good morning.’
- You can fool anyone for about 15 minutes… after that you better know what you are doing.
- It’s just as important to be liked, as it is to be good. Being liked will help you when you aren’t so good.
- The key to fulfillment is figuring out what is truly important and disregarding everything else.
- Trust and honesty are the foundation of all relationships.
- You are only as good as your word. Do what you say you will do.
- The disappointment of failure doesn’t hurt as bad as the regret of not even trying.
- Knowledge, experience, and memories are 3 things no one can ever take from you.
- Your attitude and your effort are the only 2 things in the world you have 100% control over.
- Success isn’t something that happens to you, it’s something you pursue.
- Don’t focus on money. Focus on your passion and on serving others. The money will follow.
- You choose your habits and your habits dictate your success.
- Without problems or challenges there wouldn’t be any opportunities. So appreciate them.
- People will be more impacted by how much you care rather than how much you know.
- People only allow themselves to be as happy and successful as they feel they deserve to be.
- It’s OK to be content with what you have… but never with who you are.
- Everyone’s greatest need is to feel appreciated. So make as many people feel that way as you can.
- You often have to do something to don’t like in order to have something you do.
- You will always make the time for the things that are truly important to you.
- You won’t benefit from the things you intended to do. Action is what counts.
- You can’t expect the very best if you don’t give your very best… every day.
- The best way to appreciate something (or someone) is to be without it for a while.
- It usually takes just as much time and energy to wish for something as it does to actually do it.
- Most people don’t look for the truth – they simply look for someone to agree with them.
- Everyone wants success, but few are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to achieve success.
- There’s no such thing as normal. We each see the world through our own lens. Normal is relative.
- Focus on your own yard. Don’t worry if anyone else’s grass is greener.
- We all have baggage and insecurities. How you deal with them will dictate your happiness.
- It’s not what you do occasionally that matters… it’s what you do every single day.
- Nothing is more important than your health (mental and physical), so live accordingly.
- The simplest way to find happiness is to stop complaining. Be grateful.
- You will be happiest when you are growing, learning, and improving.
- It’s much easier to stay out of trouble than it is to get out of trouble.
- A good reputation is a tremendous asset in every area of your life.
- The ability to make other people better is an invaluable skill set.
- It’s OK to be proud of your success; but always remain humble.
- Don’t spend any time today worrying about yesterday. It’s over.
- Stress is not caused by circumstances and events. Stress is caused by your response to them.
- Knowledge must lead to action or it is worthless.
- If you truly care… it shows. And caring matters.
- Nothing of value comes without effort. Nothing.
- Success without fulfillment feels empty.
- You are as happy as you choose to be.
- Leaders will always be in demand.
- People follow examples, not advice.
- Always put your shopping cart back (or in the parking lot corral).
