You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else.
-Albert Einstein
There are just some rules in life that are unspoken of, but must be followed by everyone.
These rules are assumed rather being explicitly stated. Certain things in life are known to everyone and everyone knows that we must follow that rule or principle for our well-being as well as for others well-being. I know most people don’t like the mention of rules but don’t think of them as rules, think of them as your guiding light.
At first, I thought of just writing 10 rules but then I changed my mind to include 20 more rules, which were relevant to our day-to-day lives. I’ve come up with these rules after reading a lot of other people’s views on this topic from question and answer places on the internet. So yeah, I have kinda taken everyone’s thoughts and experiences as well as my own views on this topic.
Here are just some of those unwritten rules –
- To be the best you must be able to handle the worst.
- Don’t waste your words on people who deserve your silence. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is nothing.
- Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its strength.
- Before anything in life happens whether good or bad, it always gives a sign before happening. Don’t overlook the signs.
- Never discuss anything serious on the phone. There is a very large risk for misunderstandings and miscommunication to occur. It’s always best to do serious discussions face to face.
- Inform people in advance or on time if you are going to be late. You know what they say- Time is Money. So let them know it will only take you a few seconds to send them a message that can save them minutes of waiting. And always remember to call before you show up at someone’s place. Let them know that you will be dropping by at their place.
- If someone gives you their phone to look at a picture, don’t swipe next to the other pictures.
- Always cover your mouth with a handkerchief or tissue paper when you sneeze, cough, or blow your nose in public places.
- If someone has only one of something, like chewing gum or a piece of cake or pizza, don’t ask for it.
- When someone offers you a ride somewhere offer to pay them in return.
- If you are in a public place and if you want to watch a video or listen to some music always use your headphones to avoid causing disturbances to other people. Besides nobody wants to know what type of music you listen to or what youtube video you are watching.
- Keep three things secret in your life- Your Income, your future plans and strategies, and your deep secrets.
- He who angers who conquers you.
- Learn to be indifferent to what makes no difference.
- Whenever you ask someone to get something for you, always frame that request as a question, like- “Can you please get my folder from my desk” rather than “Go and get my folder from my desk”. The latter sounds a bit rude and the former is a more polite way of asking. Goods words are worth much and cost little.
- Always ask before petting someone’s animal just to ensure your own safety. Besides not all animals are trained to be friendly.
- Don’t form a habit of asking or borrowing things from people as it makes look bad and foolish. People will think of you as unorganized and a person always lacking something. If you are borrowing too frequently it’s time to get your own.
- If you have asked or borrowed something from someone, return it back to them as soon as possible without them having to remind you to return it back. Don’t let someone borrow from you something which you have borrowed from another person.
- When someone asks you to go on lunch or dinner, always request to split the bill, it’s a polite gesture.
- Life doesn’t come with a remote control we have to get up and change things ourselves. Every action you take is an investment for the type of person you wish to become.
- A door is much smaller compared to a house, the lock is much smaller compared to a lock and the key is the smallest of them all, but a key can open an entire house. Therefore, a small, thoughtful solution can solve all major problems of life.
- You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if don’t even try.
- Always wait for everyone to get off the elevator before you can enter.
- The attitude of “that’s just how I am, take it or leave it” is still a sign of immaturity. As an adult, it’s your responsibility to figure out which of your traits are toxic and are negatively impactful towards other people and the ones you love and to eventually learn how to fix them. If you truly believe you don‘t have to change anything about yourself, even at the very least the worst in you, and that people will just have to deal with it, then sorry, you’re still a child.
- Don’t be afraid of change. You may lose something good but you may get something better.
- Doing the right thing when no one is looking is called integrity. Integrity is telling yourself the truth. Being a person of integrity means authentic.
- Never assume that Loud is strong and Quiet is weak. Lao Tzu, a great Chinese philosopher says that silence is a source of great strength. Sometimes a meaningful silence is better than meaningless words.
- Right actions in the future are the best apologies for the bad actions in the past.
- Success comes from having dreams that are bigger than your fears. Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in. To get extraordinary results you have to do extraordinary things.
- What you tell yourself will either lift you up or tear you down. Positive thinking brings positive results and negative thinking will give you negative results.
These are just some of the unwritten rules of everyday life that I personally follow. Some of these rules I have learned by observing and learning from life and some of them I came to know from other people. But find that by following these rules I can lay better standards for myself. In a nutshell:
The quality of our lives is reflected in the standards we set for ourselves.
After all, if you value yourself as a person, you’ve gotta set high standards for yourself. Setting high standards for yourselves really makes your life worth living for.