Things I Have Learned

Blog post #269 of 365

Look people in the eye when you talk to them. If you don't you look like you are dishonest or hiding something.

Give a firm handshake. Especially if you are female. Otherwise it makes you look weak.

People will judge you by your appearance. Dress like you want respect.

Look in the mirror before you walk out the door. It can save possible embarrassment later.

Speak up. Your voice has power to help and heal. Choose wisely.

Speak in complete sentences. It makes you appear smart.

Apologize when you do wrong. It is the right thing to do.

Listen to what is said and pay attention to what is omitted.

Confidence in attractive but arrogance is not. You are not better than anyone else and neither am I.

Photoshop is a lie. Ignore how perfect the people in the magazine appear because much of it is fake.

Advertising is trying to get you to buy. Don't fall for everything you see, read or hear.

Laughter can usually diffuse a challenging situation. Learn to laugh at yourself.

Do not expect a gift. Be grateful when one is given.

Always say thank you. If you got a gift or were treated especially well send a card. It shows you really cared about their actions.

Use real words when you write even when you're in a rush. 'UR Gr8' is never the same as 'You are great' and it make you look more intelligent and less lazy. Appearing intelligent is way better than looking cool.

Use spell check. You will appear more intelligent.

Learn to change your own tire. Even when you are unable to do it yourself you can tell someone else how. Also make sure you have a spare with air in it and a jack that works with your car.

Learning things is cool. Swim, ride a bike, sew, throw a football, use a compass, type, basic first aid (you could save a life), throw a punch (you could break a finger), basic self defense, fish, how to manage money and to drive a car with a manual transmission cause you'll be better off for knowing.

Read. Not just the cereal box or the street signs. Find something you like and read it. The more you read the better and faster you will read, the more intelligent you will become. Read a variety. Give the old stuff a chance, you might just enjoy it.

Know your personal limitations but never give up just because you think you can't. Knowing your limitations and your strengths mean you can use them in your favor.

Most things worth having require work and sacrifice.

Dream big but set realistic goals.

Block out the opinions that you know sound bad. Everyone has an opinion but not all of them are good.

Trust your instincts but if they have failed you before learn to trust the smart people around you.

Live with integrity and trust yourself. If it feels wrong is likely is wrong.

Just because it hasn't been done yet doesn't mean it can't be done. Push yourself a little further than you thought you could go.

Treat people with respect. You will more likely receive respect by giving it.

Don't trust disrespectful people. They will likely lead you in the wrong direction.

Live your life in a way you won't have regrets. Learn from others and the past and then don't make those mistakes.

Don't dwell on mistakes, they happen to everyone. If they happen again reevaluate and change what you're doing or not doing.

Look at everything from more than one perspective. Walking in his or her shoes give you a whole new way to look at it, learn from it and be better for it.

Being online doesn't mean you lose your manners, give away personal information or act a fool.

Never share photos or videos in poor taste or they will become viral.

And finally for this batch of insights, trust is important.