58 lessons at 58

I’m 58 today, and just for fun, I thought I would share 58 lessons I’ve learned.

1. People don’t remember what you say, they remember how you made them feel.
2. Don’t wait for motivation to start. Start; you’ll feel the motivation.
3. Great service isn’t extra, it is the job.
4. Most problems shrink after a walk.
5. The shortest distance between two people is a smile.
6. Decide quickly, correct kindly.
7. Write like you’re talking to your smartest friend in the pub.
8. As energy is contagious, create the good kind.
9. Say hello to strangers.
10. Everything’s better with Magpie Chilli Crisp.
11. Sleep for a minimum of 8 hours.
12. The fastest way to feel better is to help another.
13. Most people aren’t thinking about you; they’re thinking about themselves.
14. The right words, at the right time, can change  (even save) a life.
15. You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.
16. Celebrate small wins (SWins), they compound.
17. Kindness beats cleverness.
18. If you ask better questions, you’ll get better answers.
19. Never trust someone who can’t laugh at themself.
20. Discipline is just remembering what you really want.
21. If it’s not a big YES, it’s a polite no.
22. Worry is a misuse of imagination.
23. ‘Done’ beats ‘perfect’.
24. Time with children is time with magic.
25. Buy two of your favourite t-shirt - future you will be grateful.
26. Stick googly eyes on boring things.
27. Everyone needs more stories.
28. The best compliments are specific.
29. Never underestimate the power of please and thank you.
30. Momentum beats motivation.
31. Comparison is creativity’s assassin.
32. A brilliant day starts the night before.
33. Never trust a man whose eyebrows are surprised when he’s not.
34. Learn names and use them often.
35. Every ‘overnight success’ took years.
36. The best leaders go last in the buffet queue.
37. Don’t confuse being busy with being brilliant.
38. Always clap first - it creates a success culture.
39. Surprise someone with a postcard.
40. Most people don’t want advice. They want compliments in disguise.
41. Most emails don’t need replying to (or sending).
42. Be interested above interesting.
43. Confidence grows through actions, not affirmations.
44. No one ever got fit talking about exercise.
45. Regret is worse than failure.
46. Get good at endings, they’re what’s remembered.
47. Ask yourself, ‘Will this matter in 5 years?’
48. You don’t need a new idea, just better execution.
49. Laughter is life’s lubricant.
50. Invest in good shoes, pillows & chairs - stuff that holds you up.
51. Speak like every word counts.
52. If you don’t make the decision, the decision is made for you.
53. Don’t take advice from people who aren’t living how you want to live.
54. Full on is fantastic, but gentle rest is best.
55. Most of the magic happens just after you feel like giving up.
56. Start before you’re ready.
57. Show up with joy - it disarms critics.
58. Choose to Be Brilliant at the 3 things that are the most important to you.

What would you add to this list? I’d love to know.

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