Not all of these are original ideas. Over the years I’ve plagiarized a few, borrowed others and some were dispensed during tough times by people who cared. The rest were born from necessity . Like me, they are a work in progress. Feel free to use, adapt and edit them as you see fit.
MY FUNDAMENTALS
Secure yourself first.
Do the right thing even when no one is watching. INTEGRITY.
Lead from the front.
Think.
Be certain; or as goddamn certain as you can possibly be.
Loyalty matters.
Pay attention to detail.
When in charge, take charge.
Talk less, listen more.
Choose your battles and your allies wisely.
Never fight a fair fight.
More than one coincidence is no longer coincidence.
Consider the source.
When asked to be the hero, be the hero.
Be selective whose advice you take.
The best way to keep a secret is to keep it to yourself. Second best is to tell one other person if you must. There is no third best..
Don’t waste good and don’t waste food; there are always those who could use both.
Nothing ever stays the same.
Not everyone deserves a second chance; some do, but not all.
EVERYBODY lies. Be specific when you tell yours.
Never, ever take anything or anyone for granted.("Granted" means to admit that something is true, often before making a further statement. It can also refer to giving permission or allowing something to happen).”
Be prepared; like the freakin’ Boy Scouts.
Count the cost.
NEVER go anywhere without a knife.
At least once in your life be a part of something greater than yourself.
Be worthy of trust.TRUSTWORTHY.
Do what you have to for family.
You CAN save your own life.
Be precise with your words and exact in your meaning.
If you’re the smartest person in the room then you’re in the wrong room.
Always work as a team.
Don’t cheat. Especially at cards and in relationships; it’s just not worth the price.
If someone thinks they have the upper hand let them believe it until the time comes, then break both hands.
Be careful who you trust. (baby steps)
NEVER. UNDERESTIMATE. ANYONE.
Watch your six.
Never pass up an opportunity to use a clean restroom.
Always double-check, then check again.
Know when to let it go and when to hold on.
Leave the jersey better than you found it.
Actions speak louder than words.
Have backups; and backups for your backups.
Be careful with whom you surround yourself.
Don’t tell people everything; most do not care either way.
Appreciate the little things.
Communication is essential for success in anything.
Don’t always be available.
Familiarity breeds contempt.
Just because you talk louder, doesn’t make you any less wrong.
Balance.
Control your emotions.
Revenge is NOT a dish best served cold. Revenge is a dish best served reheated and scalding hot.
Play to the song.
If you always do what you’ve always done, then you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
If you find a way out, take it.
Don’t take the bait.
What is understood need not be discussed
Don’t apologize for shit that’s not your fault.
SOMETIMES YOU’RE WRONG.
Don’t sit in a parked car with your seatbelt on.
Be kind, not nice.
Avoid Fuckery.
Recognize and avoid the FUCKERY.
It’s better to be pleasantly surprised than bitterly disappointed.
Ask for directions.
Lock the door; an extra second or two might save your life or keep you out of jail.
Don’t believe everything you’re told. Everybody’s got reasons, EVEN YOU.
Don’t interrupt when people are speaking.
Fight for those who cannot fight for themselves.
Use your fear.
SOMETIMES A STAND MUST BE MADE NO MATTER IT’S FUTILITY NOR ITS COST.
Common sense is dead in America so adjust accordingly.
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts and don’t put up with those who are reckless with your’s.
LOVE.
Observe everything.
When you don’t know which way to go, stand still.
Be honest with yourself and with others.
Whatever your work, do it well.
Truth and fact, by definition, are non-negotiable.
Give credit where credit is due. The same goes for fault.
Be accountable for yourself, to yourself.
TRUTH MATTERS; however much one denies it, the truth goes on existing.
Say what you mean and mean what you say.
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Sometimes people surprise you, not very often, but sometimes.
If it’s extra-ordinary it warrants attention.
There is ALWAYS a way.
Teach what others have taught you. There is no such thing as a self-made human being. No one does it on their own; EVER.
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish.
Success is not what you have, it’s who you are. Successful people discover their talents, sharpen them over time and then use those talents to help others.
Remember that things have a way of working themselves out. It might not be the way you wanted. It might not be the way you planned. But the sun will rise tomorrow and as always things WILL work themselves out and it WILL be okay.
Also remember that you will lose your youth, your health, your loved ones, everything you hold dear and ultimately life itself by the very nature of being human. (Buddhist chant) This is true for EVERYONE.
TIME IS NOT REFUNDABLE; USE IT WITH INTENT.
