1. When greeting someone, stand up, grip their hand firmly and look them in the eye.
2. Respect the ocean, but don’t fear it.
3. In a negotiation, let them make the first offer.
4. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
5. If you borrow a car, return it with a full tank of gas.
6. Comparison is the thief of joy.
7. Choose heroes who exhibit great character, not just great talent.
8. You haven’t truly failed until you give up.
9. Win or lose, if you play hard and practice good sportsmanship you’re doing great.
10. Always stay teachable.
11. Choose your friends wisely. You will be shaped by them.
12. If you need music at the beach or on a hike, you’re missing the point.
13. Don’t borrow it if you can’t afford to replace it.
14. You marry the girl, you marry her family.
15. If you have the ability to help someone, do it.
16. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
17. Looking before you leap doesn’t make your weak, it makes you wise.
18. Other people’s bad behavior is no excuse for your bad behavior.
19. Clothes don’t make the man, but they can make you look like one.
20. People always matter more than things.
21. Show respect to those in uniform.
22. Eat lunch with the new kid.
23. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.
24. Don’t wait until you retire to go on adventures.
25. Treat others the way you’d like to be treated.
26. Give credit. Take responsibility.
27. Stand up to bullies. Stand with the bullied.
28. Write down your dreams, but let your actions speak.
29. Don’t let others define you.
30. Be confident and humble at the same time.
31. Don’t blame others for your mistakes. Own them and make things right.
32. Emotions are not weakness.
33. Don’t blame others for not respecting boundaries that you have neither established nor enforced.
34. If ever in doubt, remember whose image you were made in.
35. Do everything as an act of worship to God.
This list is a work in progress. So what are the most meaningful lessons you were taught or you are trying to pass onto your kids?
