Since it's commencement time and people may be looking for advice to dole out to graduating students, I thought I would list advice I think, if followed, could lead to a happy life. Please feel free to add more tips in the comments.
• Make a list of what you need to accomplish today.
• Throughout your life develop 5 short-term (do this year) and 5 long-term goals (do this decade) and work toward them every day.
• Make a list of 100 things you want to do or places you want to go before you die.
• Don’t depend on anyone and never blame others.
• Pay off your credit card bill each month.
• Don’t be too lazy. It gets old.
• Take some chances or life will be really dull.
• Don’t risk your life too often, as you may eventually die.
• Go to the doctor regularly (including the dentist).
• Listen to people when they talk.
• Ask questions, but don’t be a pest.
• Help others often.
• Treat yourself when you deserve it.
• Be reliable – Do what you say you are going to do.
• Brush your teeth and floss.
• Wear sunscreen.
• Be nice to everyone, even if you don’t like them.
• Live within your budget.
• Save some money.
• Learn new things all your life.
• Try to appreciate what you have.
• Try to appreciate beautiful things.
• Have good manners.
• Don’t feel the need to be superior to others.
• Laugh a lot.
• Read.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Give people a second chance.
• Be strong and fight when you have to fight.
• Watch the news and be aware of current events.
• Listen to all kinds of music.
• Take help when you need it.
• Don’t dwell on your fears and troubles so much.
• Even if you hate your job, make the best of it. Work on finding a better job, but you’ll probably hate that one too.
• Pay your bills on-time – late fees are a bitch.
• Be decisive. Think about what is the best decision and stick with it unless you are clearly wrong.
• Admit when you are wrong.
• Take pictures and keep them organized.
• Don’t brag too much no matter how great you are.
• Be honest.
• Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself once in a while.
• Find something that interests you and become an expert on it.
• Don’t get fat. Exercise.
• Don’t be depressing. Work on having a positive attitude.
• Make lots of friends.
• Keep your appearance up and keep clean.
• Give thoughtful gifts.
• Get enough sleep.
• Keep a blog or a diary of the events of your life.
• Don’t worry about not making everyone happy or what others will think. It usually won’t matter that much to them.
• Take a vacation from the TV (and computer).
• Get rid of stuff you don’t need or want. Don’t be a hoarder.
• Keep your house clean. Hire maids if you can afford it.
• If at all possible, have a pet and take good care of it. Don’t have more than 4.
• Always have something to look forward to.
• Create something.
• Assess your faults and try and correct them.
• Learn to do something interesting—a magic trick, a quirky talent, or something unique.
• Be prepared for emergencies and try to always remain calm.
• Never quit your job unless you have another job lined up.
• Don’t waste your money buying lottery tickets.
• Don’t waste your time with people you don’t like or who treat you badly.
