So here I am at 1:09 AM writing on Dumb Little Man, listening to the radio (Hotel California; Eagles, currently). I am a normal middle class guy, decent house, good job, kids, wife, and a cute blog.
You know what though, I am not ultimately happy. When searching deep inside, I know there is more I can do and there are probably things you can do to become a better person as well. Sure you can become healthier, a better spouse, a better worker, etc. However, what most people don’t realize it that once a single obstacle is overcome, there is always another to achieve. Life is a never ending improvement process. You see, no matter what you do or how perfect your life seems, there is always something to improve.
If you think you are perfect, run through this list of things and see how well you do. These are simple things that I personally pay attention to. My goal is for you to create your own list or if you need to, grab a few ideas from me. I chose these items from real mistakes that either I have made, or someone close to me has. Your story may differ, but the fact remains…you will need to address your issues at some point in life:
- Smile at strangers
- Identify, admit and solve problems. Don’t ignore them.
- Exercise at least 2 times per week for 30 minutes
- Forgive people – no grudges allowed
- When you go to bed, reflect on things that made you happy each day
- Stop gossiping with neighbors or co-workers
- Don’t steal from your family (or at all)
- Volunteer at least 4 hours per month
- Don’t ever lie (Santa Clause for kids, etc. is OK)
- Save for retirement before you budget for the new car
- Talk and engage in conversation with the elderly as opposed to nodding and ignoring
- Listen more than you talk
- At work, ask 1 clarifying question each time someone tells you to do something
- Confront people in private
- Don’t buy something to impress someone else (if a car, buy what works)
- If the destination is less than a mile away, walk or bike
- Avoid sugar unless it’s from natural fruit
- Keep your promises like your life depends on it
- Play with your kids, intimately, for an hour each day
- Show your spouse you love them with actions everyday
- No matter who it is, help stranger having a hard time (someone stuck in the snow, etc.)
- Secure your house and protect your family
- Be involved in your children’s school (talk to teachers, get involved in events, etc.)
- Keep your friends’ secrets, except from your spouse
- Splurge and buy yourself something occasionally
- Weigh yourself every 2 weeks
- Check your cholesterol as often as you go to the dentist
- Get an annual physical
- Know where your money goes
- Learn to wake up without an alarm clock
- Take at least 7 days off from work each year
- Contribute to your 401K as much as your company matches (at a minimum)
- Put your money into an online, high interest account as opposed to a CD or money market
- Just like Blackjack, don’t spend money on equities that you cannot afford to lose
- Avoid home equity loans
- Don’t buy or lease an SUV
- Start a college fund for your kids the day they are born
- Get your kids on a sleep schedule the day you come home with them from the hospital
- Don’t buy anything after midnight (infomercials)
- Treat all races equally and teach your kids to
- Eating beef, pork and chicken is OK, but wearing a fur coat isn’t (OK, that’s my opinion)
- Help people in distress or pulled over with a flat tire on the highway
- Encourage education, not school
- Teach your kids something about business
- Clip and use coupons
- Reduce TV time to 2 hours per week
- Throw a punch when someone throws one first, never instigate a fist fight no matter what
- Defend your friends
- Treat each of your children equally
- Don’t smoke or drink in front of the kids
- Treat your girl/boy friends with respect. At some point, you will feel guilty – even 20 years later.
- Never betray a friend, they are hard to come by
- Apologize often
- Forget regret, move on to something better
- Losers are those that settle, don’t be afraid to try something new
- Speak your mind
- Don’t put all of your money into a single mutual fund
- Don’t buy anything hoping to impress someone
- Try not to buy into any adjustable rate mortgages unless you know what you’re doing
- Check your credit report every 6 months
- Never co-sign for anyone
- Don’t loan friends money unless your are willing to lose the money and possibly the friend
Pretty simple individually, but as a whole this is a tough list to consistently accomplish. I’ll be honest, I haven’t done it but I am working on it. What things are on your personal list of goals? Do you have a list of things to work on or are you coasting day-by-day?