One of the first things in the book is a short list of the author's "Secrets of Adulthood", which are little sayings, observations, or reminders that she's picked up along the way:
People don't notice your mistakes as much as you think.I immediately started thinking of a few of my own. Keeping with the theme of the book, I've tried to make them positive statements instead of negative ("do" instead of "don't"), but that isn't always possible. I'll be updating the list as more occur to me, and I plan on printing them out and posting them in my apartment for the constant reminder.
It's okay to ask for help.
Most decisions don't require extensive research.
Do good, feel good.
Bring a sweater.
...
Without further ado (and completely ruining the last sentiment with the first item):
- People are stupid - stop being offended by it all the time. Once or twice a day is perfectly fine.
- You don't have to accomplish a task all at once. Get it done one step at a time if you need to.
- Go to sleep at a reasonable time. And don't play games with the word "reasonable".
- Accept your limitations, and don't beat yourself up over them. But don't invent additional ones.
- The only person you're capable of changing is yourself.
- Regret is only useful for future instruction. Don't dwell on it any longer than it deserves.
- Respect people, if not their beliefs.
- Make a decision every once in a while. Excessive stalling accomplishes nothing.
- Find something to laugh about.
- Don't let other people dictate or devalue your reasons or emotions.
- Write things down, even if there's no audience beyond yourself.
- Avoid seeking out things that trigger negative emotions. Unless you need something to write about.
- Go outside every once in a while. You need the exercise.
- Stand up and walk around once an hour. Sitting down shortens your lifespan.
- We don't get to decide who we love.
- The only destiny anyone has is that they will eventually die. Everything else is circumstantial.
- Keep learning new things. Stagnation is boring.
- Read a book.
- Over-analyzing and over-thinking things is a self-defence mechanism.
- Sometimes, you have to take what you want, and pay for it.
