I’m 40 years old right now. My opinions and priorities have changed dramatically over the years.
Here are some rules I try to live by right now. They’ll probably change too, so I’ll update this list when I turn 50 😉
Always jump in the water
When life presents you with an opportunity to jump in the water, do it.
Even if it’s cold. Especially if it’s cold.
If only for a few seconds, get in.
Do 20 push-ups before getting in the shower
Or 10. Or 5. Maybe just 1 if that’s what you can manage right now.
Make it a habit.
Be a good tipper
I said good, not frequent.
We’re asked to tip too often, and I hate it too.
It’s okay to not leave a tip if you think it’s not appropriate.
But when you do tip, tip well.
Don’t go more than 10 mph over the speed limit
Ever.
There’s no point, and you’re exponentially increasing your chances of killing someone (including yourself).
Wear a seatbelt, always
Don’t be stupid.
Apologize quickly
It’s for you, not them.
Yeah, it might make them feel better, but i’ll definitely make you feel better.
Also, saying “I’m sorry” doesn’t have to be an admission of guilt, so don’t let that stop you from saying it.
Not wanting something is as good as having it
I like stuff too. I get it. I’m not trying to go full Tyler Durden on you here (he was wrong about a lot of things).
But chances are you don’t actually need anything else right now.
And this belief that a nicer car or the perfect wrist watch will make you feel satisfied?
It’s just not true.
Don’t wear uncomfortable shoes
Especially ones that are too tight or have unnecessary heel-to-toe drop.
Instead, wear shoes with plenty of room for your toes to move around.
Go for as much flexibility and as little cushion as you can tolerate.
Do this early in life, and you’ll avoid chronic foot pain later on.
These are my favorite shoes right now.
Wear a watch
Remove one excuse to look at your phone.
Doesn’t have to be fancy. This $20 Casio is great.
Delete social media
I’m not saying you have to digitally disappear.
But you definitely shouldn’t have TikTok, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook on your phone.
You know this. We all know it.
But the odds are stacked against us. These apps are incredibly addictive.
So the only way to stop future you from using them is for present you to delete them.
Don’t buy it, earn it
Pursue things that can’t be inherited or bought.
Mastery, fitness, good relationships, wisdom…
No amount of money can buy these things. They must be earned.
Know your neighbors
Introduce yourself when you move in.
Bring them cookies when they move in.
Offer to check their mail when they go on vacation.
Ask them to check yours too.
Be a source of community feeling wherever you go.
Read books
Physical books > e-books > audiobooks > TV/gaming
The best thing you can do before bed is read a book.
Preferably, an actual paperback or hardcover.
E-readers are fine too, but phones are not (too many potential distractions).
Buy lots of books. Get them used for a fraction or the price, or for free from the library.
But don’t finish all of them
If you don’t like a book, stop reading it.
Maybe pick it up later, maybe don’t. Doesn’t matter.
Don’t waste your time on books you’re not enjoying.
Read easy, entertaining fiction if that’s what gets you reading.
Re-read your favorites (I’ve read Harry Potter and Game of Thrones multiple times).
Read books you want to read, not books you want to have read.
Follow the dress code
If you don’t want to put much thought into what you wear on a daily basis, that’s fine.
But when you’re going to someone else’s event, like a wedding, follow the dress code.
This is an easy way to show respect to the host and venue, and it’s fun when everyone agrees to follow the same rules (like kids Halloween).
Don’t be the guy who “doesn’t dress up”. Be the guy who tries.
Don’t gamble
I mean any form of gambling, especially using day trading and sports betting apps.
These are no different than playing poker in Vegas, and the house always wins.
Put your money in index funds, not on parlays.
Call your mom
Or dad, or grandma, or sister.
Chances are they’d love to hear from you 😉