𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝟏𝟎 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐃𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐋𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐄❗
1. BE THE BEST AT WHAT YOU DO
The most important long-term vision you can have for your life is “be the best”. You will automatically default to mediocre or merely satisfactory performance without this commitment to excellence.
2. OVERCOME YOUR FEARS
You develop the habit of courage by acting courageously whenever courage is called for. Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote that the most important lesson he learned as a young man was, “In every situation, do the thing you fear.” He concluded, “If you do the thing you fear, the death of fear is certain.”
3. TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR EMOTIONS
Make it a habit to continually repeat to yourself, “I am responsible!” Whenever you feel angry or frustrated about something, immediately cancel out this feeling by saying, “I am responsible!”
4. DECIDE WHAT YOU STAND FOR
Living in truth means that you live consistently with the highest values you know. This requires that you develop the habit of thinking through who you are and what you believe in. You must continually clarify what you stand for and what you will not stand for. Once you have decided that you are going to build your life around certain values, you must refuse to compromise those values for anything.
5. LOYALTY IS ESSENTIAL
The habit of loyalty seems to be a quality of the very best people in our society. Disloyalty is a major reason for failure in business. Deciding from the outset that you will be completely loyal to the people who expect and deserve your loyalty enables you to remain clear and focused in the face of short-term successes and reversals.
6. DEVELOP YOUR OWN CHARACTER
Aristotle, probably the greatest philosopher and thinker of all time, said you can take charge of developing your own character. A simple method can help if you wish to learn a virtue later in life: Simply practice the virtue in every situation in which it is required.
7. PRACTICE MODERATION IN ALL THINGS
Develop the habit of temperance, or “moderation in all things.” Just as you should eat less than your stomach can hold, you should also apply the principle of temperance to other things you consume, especially alcohol.
8. GET REGULAR CHECKUPS
Develop the habit of getting regular physical and dental checkups. Today, we have the most advanced medical technology and the best doctors in the history of the world to enable us to live well and live longer. But none of these advantages will do you good if you do not get regular checkups.
9. CREATE QUALITY TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY
Spouses should spend at least one full hour each day discussing subjects that have nothing to do with their work. If you are not careful, you will slip into the habit of talking about your work as soon as you get home, and once you begin, like starting an engine, that will be the topic of conversation throughout the evening. As a result, there will never be any talk about the family or other matters.
10. EVERYBODY LIKES A COMPLIMENT
As Abraham Lincoln wrote, “Everyone likes a compliment.” Make it a habit to admire other people's traits, qualities, or possessions. Compliment them when they are punctual. Praise them for their achievements. Admire their car or clothes or briefcase. When you go to someone’s home, compliment her on the home in general and the different rooms, furniture, and decorations.
Admire people’s accomplishments, such as their awards or diplomas. Flatter their children and spouses. Compliment their offices and businesses. Praise the waiter when he serves you quickly: “You certainly are fast today!”
Whenever you compliment a person on anything, especially appearance or an article of clothing, his self-esteem increases. He feels more valuable, more important, and happier. And because of the “boomerang effect,” you feel happier and more positive. Your self-esteem goes up in equal measure.