18 Guidelines For Life That Will Serve Your Children (And You) Well

As we (finally) approach the end of 2020, it’s safe to say that this has been an unprecedented year for many of us. “Normal” has changed dramatically and there have been a lot of opportunities for growth, or as they’re sometimes called “problems.” 

Despite a year of change and the changing year, there are some truths that never change.

Strong guidelines for life (and a successful career) can help you and, someday your children, successfully navigate challenges both big and small. All you have to do is hold onto them no matter what is happening around you.

18 Guidelines For Life And A Successful Career

Many years ago I found a book by Richard R. Conarroe, published by the American Management Association titled, BRAVELY, BRAVELY IN BUSINESS.

Getting out of college and anxious for a career, I typed some notes on a sheet of paper, folded it, and kept it in my wallet for over ten years to unfold and read periodically. 

Recently, I found that piece of paper and discovered the things that made for a successful career that many years ago still holds true. And they will for your children too. See for yourself:

1. Pick the people who can most strongly determine your success and stay in direct, personal, continuous touch with them.
2. Never assume that the way things are today is the way they will be tomorrow – or even after lunch.
3. Never fail to consider the future significance of what you say and do.
4. Know what it is you can do better than anyone else and do that.
5. Never say anything about anyone you wouldn’t say in exactly the same way to his face.
6. Search for the seeds of victory in every disaster – and seeds of disaster in every victory.
7. Don’t lie. If you can’t tell the truth, keep quiet. When you start lying, you are dead.
8. Never expect someone to keep a secret. There are no secrets.
9. Bet on people – but be prepared to lose.
10. Unsolvable problems don’t disrupt the routine; they are the routine.
11. Everybody’s motives are different. Make certain you know what motivates each person you deal with.
12. Know exactly what your goals are.
13. Follow your own instincts. They are probably no more wrong than everyone else’s carefully reasoned logic.
14. Build a reputation as a winner by smiling when you win – and when you lose.
15. Keep every promise you have made – or that others think you have made.
16. Never assume that others are operating under the same rules you are.
17. Success has many ingredients, but the greatest of these is confidence.
18. Don’t win too soon. You’ll miss half the fun of playing the business game.

Good Guidelines Are Timeless

The principles of good leadership don’t change, no matter what is happening in the world,  your life, or your career. I would argue that these ideas are even more important in times of crisis and change. Living these guidelines will enable you to craft a legacy worth having and will be a gift to your children and the world around you.

Looking for a great Christmas gift for yourself or someone else? Consider coaching – it’s a gift with lasting benefits. One client stated, ““From Debra’s nuanced advice I figure it’s added $400,000 to my income over the last four or five years.” Contact me today about a long-term coaching relationship.