While traveling, there are so many things to see and people to engage in conversation that sometimes I forget who I talk to and what I read. But on my recent trip to Wisconsin, I noticed something on the wall of Priority IAC headquarters – 21 tips that will help you be a success, by H. Jackson Brown Jr.

 

For those who are unfamiliar with Brown, as I was until I Googled him, he is an American author best known for his inspirational book, Life’s Little Instruction Book, which was a New York Times bestseller back in the 1990s. I found these 21 things crucial to life, and I wanted to pass them along to you. Now, who’s going to be good at doing all 21 every single day?

None of us. But I feel a reminder every now and then of what we are doing right and what we can improve on is a good thing.

1. Marry the right person. This one decision

will determine 90 percent of your happiness or misery.

2. Work at something you enjoy and that’s worthy of your time and talent.

3. Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

4. Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know (a definite challenge for those melancholy personalities!).

5. Be forgiving of yourself and others.

6. Be generous.

7. Have a grateful heart.

8. Persistence, persistence, persistence.

9. Discipline yourself to save money on even the most modest salary.

10. Treat everyone you meet like you want to be treated.

11. Commit yourself to constant improvement.

12. Commit yourself to quality.

13. Understand that happiness is not based on possessions, power or prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect.

14. Be loyal.

15. Be honest.

16. Be a self-starter.

17. Be decisive even if it means you’ll sometimes be wrong.

18. Stop blaming others. Take responsibility for every area of your life.

19. Be bold and courageous. When you look back on your life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.

20. Take good care of those you love.

21. Don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your mom proud. If you feel overwhelmed, join the crowd. But cut this out and tape it on the inside of your cupboard door, like my mom does with her favorite recipes or a good Erma Bombeck column, or in your pantry or your bathroom mirror as a good reminder of what can help you build success, even in the midst of tough times.

You were created for more; don’t limit yourself because of a negative influence. Be the positive influence that you need and others thrive upon.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.