3 rules for life

Many great people have had a list of rules that they live by - Benjamin Franklin, Mother Teresa, Colin Powell - to name just a few. I have compiled my own list of rules. Here they are.

I can do anything.

"Whether you think you can, or whether you think you cannot - you are right" - Henry Ford.

* Have a goal.

* Write it down.

* Make a plan.

* Say how before no.

* Thoughts become actions.

* Keep trying.

See good.

"Always look on the bright side of life" - Monty Python.

* Compliment (often) - or keep quiet.

* Assume good intentions.

* Focus on opportunity - not challenge.

* Learn the lesson.

* Be grateful.

Be kind.

"Don't be evil" - Google.

* Help others.

* Listen - be interested.

* What you give - you get.

* Give credit.

* Take responsibility.

* Keep promises.

* Share "I cans".

These are the rules that I try to use to help me in life. Some days I do better at following them than others - but I know that "I can" do it so I keep trying! To keep it easy to remember I trim all this down to just three core rules: "I can", "see good" and "be kind". I have borrowed ideas from many people and tweaked them for myself. I encourage anyone reading this to do the same. Don't just follow someone elses rules - make your own!

Barney Matthews