A Father's Instructions for Life

By H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Compliment three people each day.

Watch a sunrise at least once a year.

Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.

Pray not for things, but for wisdom and courage.

Don't waste time learning the "tricks of the trade." Instead, learn the trade.

Use credit cards only for convenience, never for credit.

Learn to listen. Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly.

Have good posture. Enter a room with purpose and confidence.

When facing a difficult task, act as though it is impossible to fail.

Make new friends but cherish the old ones.

Don't gossip.

Live beneath your means.

Be willing to lose a battle in order to win the war.

Keep secrets.

Give yourself a year and read the Bible cover to cover.

Don't spread yourself too thin. Learn to say no politely and quickly.

Don't expect life to be fair.

Never underestimate the power of forgiveness.

Instead of using the word problem, try substituting the word opportunity.

Overtip breakfast waitresses.

Be brave. Even if you're not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.

Choose a charity in your community and support it generously with your

time and money.

Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the ones you did.

Never walk out on a quarrel with your wife.

Don't discuss business in elevators. You never know who may overhear you.

Say "please" a lot.

Admit your mistakes.

Treat everyone you meet as you want to be treated.

Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all he or she has.

Wage war against littering.

Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry."

Never take action when you're angry.

Donate two units of blood every year.

Never pay for work before it's completed.

Say "thank you" a lot.

Look people in the eye.

Forget committees. New, noble, world--changing ideas always come from one person working alone.

Make a list of 25 things you want to experience before you die. Carry it in your wallet and refer to it often.

Don't be afraid to say "I don't know."

When faced with a serious health problem, get at least three medical opinions.

After encountering inferior service, food or products, bring it to the attention of the person in charge. Good managers will appreciate knowing.

Don't procrastinate. Do what needs doing when it needs to be done.

Street musicians are a treasure. Stop for a moment and listen; then leave a small donation.

Regarding furniture and clothes: if you thing you'll be using them five years or longer, buy the best you can afford.

Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on his deathbed, "Gee, if I'd only spent more time at the office."

Call your mother.