More Strangely Simple Rules Of Life

Time and deadlines will often accommodate you, if you quietly insist to the universe that they must.

Keep your mind and body strong and you will attract the most attractive people, and situations.

There will always be polarizing and radical voices and ideologies. Accept that fact, and then deflect their influence or neutralize their existence using deft strokes of your inner mental tennis racket.

As Elon Musk realized, most any goal can be attained if you just stick with progressive steps.

Second tier wines are often about 10 percent lower in quality than first tier wines, but cost about 40 percent less. Same with life. Save the best quality for special occasions when cost is no big consideration.

Clever is finding quality away from the spotlight. Wise is keeping quiet about it.

All work and no play is actually inefficient in the grander scheme of life.

Sometimes the book you need actually will fall off the shelf before you. Wait and see.

An excellent algorithm can provide amazing results, but a good story will attract a glowing audience.

Constantly focusing on saving money can waste your time, and your money.

When uncertain, accept that invitation.

Whoever broke your heart will end up coming back when you have lost interest. Meanwhile life’s incessant rainstorms of opportunity are to be enjoyed.

Simple though it sounds, sometimes ‘believe and you will receive’ can work splendidly.

Avoid negativity and pessimism as you would a dirty, dangerous alleyway.

Go slow and steady and you will often be shocked at how far you’ve ascended, and how fast.

The best advice is short and simple and usually arrives when unexpected.

Actual conspiracies are far rarer than those who constantly dwell on them.

Step back and steer clear of mobs.

Numbers of bottles in a cellar diminish with time, but replenish with every harvest. Same with many other situations in life.

Sit and still the mind, then plant a clear desire and the world can often change, sometimes rapidly.

As a Dutch friend once said, ‘there’s time enough.’

Respect the value of history. Consider Hannibal marching elephants over the Alps, or those who built the cities of Venice or Cuzco.

Usually within three minutes of the moment you actually let go of a past regret (or love), an opportunity arrives for an even better scenario than that one left behind.

When that alternative arrives, gracefully say yes—but in doing so, heed lessons learned from that past experience.

Bob Marley was correct – life is full of signs that you’ll miss if you ride in ruts.

Bob Dylan was also correct in that when something is not right, it usually is wrong

Life and cooking are similar in that balance comes partially from recipe, advice, experimentation and a bit gusto.

Respect others, but also respect their respect for you—should you be fortunate enough to receive it.

You look forward and see only the short straight line of your progress, rather than the much larger spherical volume of its expansion all around you.

We’re all moving on this spinning ball zipping through the universe together, so take time to consider the bigger picture.

Be enlightened by those who inspire; stay clear of those who promise to solve all of your, and the world’s, problems.

Free stuff comes at a price.

Fully accepting where you are is often an excellent place to begin.

When you begin, don’t overlook the value of a sheet of paper and a pen.

You are likely ready now for your next phase in life. Regardless, you soon will be.

Sunshine, picnic and good company can be poetry for the soul. A dose of poetry can also be good for a wine filled picnic.

All cities, villages or settings have at least one inspiring locale. Seek, find and enjoy it, but realize that these locations change with time.

True magic is finding a bar with no name. Better still when you are not looking.

When signs pelt you in the face, stop rushing to pick up the dry cleaning, and take time to consider your situation in life.

Listening is skill, analyzing can be strategy and remembering is a form of power.

Begin weaving your social fabric by remembering people’s names and interests.

Synthesizing input can provide synergistic results.

Hard work can do the same, but be smart about it.

Three valuable questions to ask anyone about their work: challenges, rewards and the future?

Saying the world is flat may gain you attention, but it’s likely not the type you want.

Those who are rich and powerful, or loud and decisive, may be resented; but those who appear different are often feared most.

Two keys to reduce effort and multiply impact are to visualize, and to respect the power of rhythm.

Sometimes you really do need that glass of wine. At other times you need it with your allies.

Never disregard the power of, and satisfaction derived from, a good list.

 

Thanks for tuning in. More strangely simple rules of life are here. A few observations about success are here.