My wife came across this and showed it to me. This is the original version. I'm making my own modifications (like getting rid of #21...its just not me or something I would teach). I'm also adding a new #9. Always carry a knife (Gibbs' rule #9) and changing all the subsequent numbers... Have any to add? Rules For My Son 1. Never shake a man’s hand sitting down. 2. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs aren't one of them. 3. The man at the grill is the closest thing we have to a king. 4. In a negotiation, never make the first offer. 5. Act like you’ve been there before. Especially in the end zone. 6. Request the late check-out. 7. When entrusted with a secret, keep it. 8. Hold your heroes to a higher standard. 9. Return a borrowed car with a full tank of gas. 10. Don’t fill up on bread. 11. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look him in the eye. 12. Don’t let a wishbone grow where a backbone should be. 13. If you need music on the beach or camping, you’re missing the point. 14. Carry two handkerchiefs. The one in your back pocket is for you. The one in your breast pocket is for her. 15. You marry the girl, you marry her whole family. 16. Be like a duck. Remain calm on the surface and paddle like crazy underneath. 17. Experience the serenity of traveling alone. 18. Never be afraid to ask out the best looking girl in the room. 19. Never turn down a breath mint. 20. In a game of HORSE, sometimes a simple free throw will get ’em. 21. A sport coat is worth 1000 words. 22. Try writing your own eulogy. Never stop revising. 23. Thank a veteran. And then make it up to him. 24. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature. 25. Eat lunch with the new kid. 26. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it. 27. Ask your mom to play. She won’t let you win. 28. See it on the big screen. 29. Give credit. Take the blame. 30. Write down your dreams.
Revised list: 1. Be useful. 2. Don't be a dick. 3. Make sure that when all you have left is memories that you have good ones.
- live like every day is your last. You can sleep later - Better to burn out than fade away - keep em guessing - anger is a gift - pain is a gift - take a hit at work for a coworker once in a while
Think before you speak Honesty is always best, never lie Use your anger wisely, never let it control you Never start a fight, but if you're in one, make sure you finish it.
If the job is worth doing it is worth doing right. Learn to be a self starter. Once you start, never quit. Debt is a crime against your own future. Master your money or it will master you. The mark of a successful man is that when he finds a job, he goes looking for work. Push up your authority and you will move up behind them. The greatest ability is availability.