Abe’s Rules- The Summary
This list was compiled over decades of experience and reading.
I would add one whenever I had an epiphany. As with anything, try to keep an open mind. These are a supplement to the likes of How to Win Friends and Influence People, Master-key to Riches, Think and Grow Rich, and other great works.
Some of my rules can fill a book, others would make a good chapter, and a few, I would hope, are self-explanatory. I have written some as chapters, but I haven’t published any yet. I’m stalling until I have the complete work ready. Maybe I should just turn them into a series of blog posts. For now, you get the summary.
If you disagree with one of my comments, or feel I’m missing something, that’s fine. I say this with a smile- please know that your criticism is unsolicited, and you can make your own rules.
- Remember to hydrate.
Water is the elixir of life. - Don’t use two when one will do.
Moderation is righteous; greed, not so much. - Expect the worst, hope for the best.
Hope is not a strategy, it’s better to prepare yourself. - Don’t panic.
Panic never helps the situation. Stay calm and make a decision. - A good jab could save your life.
Learn how, practice, don’t hesitate. - Use the right tool for the job.
This includes outsourcing when necessary. - The rule of Seven Ps.
Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. - Know your facts, seek the truth, question everything.
Stay informed but consider your sources, determine who benefits, and ponder what they aren’t telling you. And don’t let your ass get jealous of the crap coming out of your mouth. - Always carry a good knife.
Aside from Amazon packages, you never know when you may need to stab someone or slice up some cuisine. - Perception is everything.
Be conscious of appearances, first impressions, cleanliness, and actions. Most stereotypes don’t stem from the truth, but from a misguided observation. - Take care of your feet.
Knees, hips, back pain often come down to your feet; invest in good shoes. - Have an exit strategy.
This isn’t just about emergency doors- it’s about finances, relationships, and assets too. - Never stop learning.
If you’re not trying to improve yourself, what are you doing? If you lack intellectual curiosity, I genuinely feel sorry for you. - Don’t abandon your post.
You took a job, somebody’s relying on you, so do it. - Hide the women and children.
Priorities. - Life is not fair, get over it.
So, you suck at basketball, didn’t win the lottery, what now? If you think you got it bad, visit a children’s hospital. - Perfect practice makes perfect performance.
If you only practice bunting, don’t expect to hit a homerun. Try kung fu while wearing jeans, in a small space. Should the need arise you’ll at least have a chance of survival. - Never mess with anyone’s money or their spouse.
This is just common sense for self-preservation. - There is always someone better.
Even Mike Tyson got knocked out; don’t get cocky and think you’re irreplaceable. - Do the right thing, popular or not.
Sometimes hard choices require sacrifice for the greater good. - Measure twice, cut once.
Trust but verify. - Leave it the same or better than you found it.
Are you helping or hurting? If you participate in vandalism or litter, you’re just a dick. - Don’t shop for groceries when you’re hungry.
Beware of the impulse buy. - More is expected of the Samurai.
Honor, manners, courage, modesty, pride, loyalty, respect, punctuality, etc. - To ignore the problem is to support the problem.
They don’t usually solve themselves. - It’s what you do when no one is looking that counts. Integrity.
How do you interact with those that can do nothing for you? - Don’t crap where you eat.
Rats do that- I hate rats. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you, beware of dating coworkers. - Live and let live.
If they’re not infringing on someone’s rights or wellbeing, what do you care? - Be accountable, own it.
Take responsibility for your actions. - Don’t burn the bridge.
Sometimes, having no retreat option is a great motivator; but in most cases you never know when a relationship or contact may come in handy. - Focus- pick one thing and do it well.
Multitasking is a skill and often expected; just be mindful of the expense it comes with. - Don’t make policy for a job you’ve never done.
Understand you may not know what it takes or how to do something. Don’t assume you know how somebody feels or can comprehend what they’ve been through. - The truth will set you free.
The truth hurts most if you cannot accept it. Lies need to be maintained, so why bother? - Get some rest.
There are countless benefits and consequences to a good night’s sleep, or lack thereof. - Time- are you spending it or wasting it?
Seriously analyze the tasks in your day- are they productive or frivolous. If you enjoyed the time, it probably wasn’t a waste. Take a hard look at social media practices. - Don’t be a hypocrite.
Do as I say not as I do, bla, bla, bla… Walk the walk, not talk the talk, yadda, yadda… - Live a life of gratitude.
Tip well if you can, a kind word costs nothing, appreciate what you have. - Silence is golden.
Know when to be quiet. Sometimes not speaking says the most. Don’t legitimize someone’s stupidity with a response. - Eliminate the toxins in your life.
This applies to nutrition, your environment, situations and most of all, people. - It’s okay to stand and fight.
A worthy cause needs warriors; and nobody likes a bully. - Find your passion, follow your dreams.
Even if it’s small, do something daily to promote yourself, further your goal, make a life worth living. - Enjoy the little things.
Get outside, watch the sunrise, listen to the rain, smell the flowers, laugh every day.
To be continued…