October 14th.
These are some of the thoughts and principles I’ve carried with me through life. Some I’ve learned through experience, others through reading and reflection. I share them as my own, not as instructions for anyone else.
Today was a good day.
Work was cool. People are, well, people (smiles).
I’m always surprised when I receive a compliment or get asked about my fitness journey.
I often just smile. I really dislike the idea of coming off prideful, arrogant, or anything close because, well, that’s not me.
It also made me think about some of the things I ponder daily and have for a while now. Some of the self-talk and thought processes that race through this mind of mine.
Over the years, I’ve studied many people whom I consider teachers. Their lessons, alongside my own experiences, have helped shape the way I think and live. Dale Carnegie is one of those teachers I hold in particularly high regard.
Some of the thoughts below come from his work, while others come from my own reflections and experiences.
These are in no particular order.
Don’t try. Either do it or don’t.
You can’t control how others think or feel about you, so do You and be You. Always.
Expect ingratitude.
When I do something for someone, I try not to expect appreciation or recognition in return. I know why I did it, and for me, that’s enough.
Everything must be managed. Money, fun, sex, etc.
Always give thanks and be grateful for what you already have.
As Dale Carnegie taught, do the best you can, then put up your umbrella and let the criticism roll off.
Remember that unjust criticism is sometimes a disguised compliment. It may come from jealousy or envy. But learn to recognize the difference between criticism meant to help you improve and criticism that serves no constructive purpose.
As Carnegie put it, ‘No one ever kicks a dead dog.’
Put a stop-loss order on your worries.
Don’t saw sawdust. Don’t fuss about trifles. The little things in life can ruin your happiness.
Learn. Learn so you don’t get hurt.
But also learn so that You benefit.
Whatever is impressed is expressed deeply.
Lastly,
There is a season to sow.
There is a season to reap.
But you don’t do both in the same season.
— Tip