#15 Don't have a big head

Self praise is no praise.

Humble yourself so that others can see your true inner beauty. How much more wonderful would it be if you receive a compliment without ever trying to get one. Remain meek at heart and others will notice your strengths.

Christianity
The LORD sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground. -Psalm 147:6

For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. -Psalm 149:4

He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. -Proverbs 3:34

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. -Mathew 23:12

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. -1Peter 5:6

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. -Mathew 5:5

Judaism
Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. -Numbers 12:3

Islam
“Whoever is humble to men for God's sake, may God exalt his eminence - Mohamed

Random
Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work. -Mother Theresa

Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful. - John Wooden

He who is humble is confident and wise. He who brags is insecure and lacking -Lisa Edsmondson

Religion is to do right. It is to love, it is to serve, it is to think, it is to be humble.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

#14 Be the bigger person

Don't imitate others, be the bigger person.

As children, when we were in the midst of playing with our friends or siblings and one of the other children did something wrong to us, well, we just had to do it back, of course. But no matter how good our case was both of us would be in trouble. We would defend ourselves and say, "But, sheeeeeeeeeeeee started it." My mom didn't care. Her response, "I don't care he did it first, you don't have to do it back, you should be the bigger person." This reminds me of what I call "driver's revenge, roarrrrrrrr" When we are on the road and we get cut off by a crazy driver or we look in the rear view mirror and see someone on our butt, we almost always gets into what I call "driver's revenge, roarrrrrrrr." It's a jungle out there. You would think by the time we got our licenses we would be mature enough to be able to just let it go and move on with our life, but nope, our adult response, he must pay!

Christianity
But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. -Luke 6:27-28

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. -Romans 12:14

If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
—Luke 6:27-35

Random
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend. -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business. -Mohandas K. Gandhi

The best way to destroy an enemy is to make him a friend. - Abraham Lincoln

#13 Don't Judge

Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes.



This is probably the hardest thing to avoid. We often judge others and focus too much of our energy on the faults of others instead of focusing on fixing ourselves.

Christianity
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her. -John 8:6-7

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. -Luke 6:37

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? -Mathew 7:3

Buddhism
If a man looks after the faults of others, and is always inclined to be offended, his own passions will grow, and he is far from the destruction of passions. -The Dharmapada

I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. -Dalai Lama

Random
When we judge others we leave no room to love them. -Mother Theresa

Our senses don't deceive us: our judgment does. - Johann von Goethe

When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself. -Wayne Dyer

#12 Be a leader

Be in control.

Take charge!

Being a leader means being able to create new ideas and taking initiative. Being a leader is not about standing back and being a spectator. A leader is self sufficient in any situation. Leaders are in control of their own destiny.

Christianity
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. -Romans 12:2

Random
Leadership can be thought of as a capacity to define oneself to others in a way that clarifies and expands a vision of the future. -Edwin H. Friedman

A leader must have the courage to act against an expert's advice. -James Callaghan

Leaders aren't born they are made. And they are made just like anything else, through hard work. And that's the price we'll have to pay to achieve that goal, or any goal. -Vince Lombardi

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

#11 Choose friends wisely

Do not hang out with the "wrong crowd"

A friend can add pain to one's life or bring upon joy. Choose friends that will make you stronger, better people, who will support you and enlighten your spirit. Beware of friends that will lead you on a path of self-destruction. Select friends with qualities you admire.

Christianity

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. -Proverbs 12:26

Judaism

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly. -Psalm 1:1

Random

A man should choose a friend who is better than himself. There are plenty of acquaintances in the world; but very few real friends. - Chinese Proverb

In choosing a friend, go up a step. -Jewish Proverb

#10 Never Give up

If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

How easily do we become discouraged when we don't achieve a goal? Determination, ambition and perseverance are all qualities all great men and woman possessed. Imagine, Einstein giving up. The road to success is not necessarily easy, however once you stop trying you know for sure you won't get there. Don't let obstacles, disabilities or others hold you back. Never forget we all can accomplish our dreams.

Christianity
I can do everything through him who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. -Proverbs 29:25

Judaism
Many are saying of me, "God will not deliver him." Selah
But you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head. -Psalm 4:2-3

Random
Success means having the courage, determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be. -George Sheehan

The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in man's determination. -Tommy Lasorday

If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you. -Les Brown

Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough. -Og Mandino

#9 Be careful

One single, careless moment can cause a lifetime of heartache.

How many times were we told to be cautious and pay attention to our actions? Reckless behavior can have tremendous impact on our life.

Christianity

Jesus answered them, Be careful that no one leads you astray. -Mathew 24:4

Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap. Luke 21:34

Judasim

Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear -Jeremiah 5:21

Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare in the midst of you -Exodus 34:12

Random

One should be just as careful in choosing one's pleasure as in avoiding calamities. -Chinese Proverb

It is better to be careful a hundred times than to be killed once. -Prudance quotes

#8 Study

Knowledge is power.

Learning is a never ending process that should not end with school. The more you know, the more you can contribute, the greater your strength. It is a life long journey.

Christianity
It is not good that the soul be without knowledge. -Proverbs 19:2

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. -Proverbs 4:7

I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching -Proverbs 4:2

Judaism
"Call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God." -Prov. 2:3-5

Buddhism
When the student is ready, the master appears. -Buddhist Proverb

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere. -Chinese Proverb

Islam
The ink of the scholar is more sacred than the blood of the martyr. -Mohamed

Random
The possession of knowledge does not kill the sense of wonder and mystery. There is always more mystery. - Anais Nin

The good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge. -Bertrand Russell

Great are they who see that spiritual is stronger than any material force, that thoughts rule the world. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

#7 Not to Worry

Everything is going to be alright.

Don't worry, Be happy.

In the end it will be ok, if its not ok, its not the end.

Toddlers have tantrums over bath time, drinking from the wrong cup or over a toy in a store. As adults, we all suffer from stress, anxiety, worry or fear at some point in our life and in extreme cases all the time. What if I lose my job? How will I pay my mortgage? I have more things to do than time in the day. How am I going to raise my children under these circumstances? We have adult tantrums. If we are not careful stress can take over who we are and who we are to become. Who ever solved a problem by worrying?

Christianity
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? -Mathew 6:25 -27


Buddhism
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

Islam
Do not fear. Indeed I am with you both. I hear and I see’.” [Sûrah TâHâ: 45-46]

Random

Drag your thoughts away from your troubles... by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it. -Mark Twain

Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. -Leo Buscaglia

Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight. -Benjamin Franklin

You can't wring your hands and roll up your sleeves at the same time. -Pat Schroeder

Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow. -Swedish Proverb

A day of worry is more exhausting than a day of work. -John Lubbock

Every evening I turn my worries over to God. He's going to be up all night anyway. -Mary C. Crowley

#6 Be Nice

If you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything.

Growing up we were scolded for putting someone down, not saying please or thank you, or for being downright nasty. Do we take the time to stop and listen at how we speak to our spouses, brothers, sisters, friends or even strangers on the street.

Christianity
Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. -Ephesians 4:32

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.. -Romans 12:10

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. -Proverbs 12:25

Judaism
A gentle answer deflects anger,but harsh words make tempers flare. -Proverbs 15:1

A kind man benefits himself, but a cruel man brings trouble on himself. -Proverbs 11:17

Buddhism
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. -Dalai Lama

If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them. -Dalai Lama

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive. -Dalai Lama

Random
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

The only way to have a friend is to be one. -Ralph Waldo Emerson

When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people; as I grow older, I admire kind people. - Abraham Joshua Heschel

No kind action ever stops with itself. One kind action leads to another. Good example is followed. A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves. -Amelia Earhart

Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless. -Mother Teresa

#5 Believe in yourself

You can be anything you want to be.

Like Attracts Like.

How many of us tell ourselves we can't do something, before we even try? We are all told to believe in ourselves and reach for the stars starting from when someone first read us the story "The Little Engine that Could." Somewhere along the way we somehow ignored all that and decided to convince ourselves we are exempt from this rule. That everyone else around us can accomplish anything they desired, but when it came to believing in what we can do we say, me, no, i can't do that!

Laws of Attraction
Believe. Believe in the accomplishment with strong faith, consciously and subconsciously.

Feel and behave as if the object of one's desire is already acquired.

Be open to receiving it.

Christianity
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. -Philippians 4:13

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he -Proverbs 23:7

Judaism
for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. -Proverbs 3:26

Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. -Proverbs 16:3

Hinduism
There is nothing noble about being superior to some other man. The true nobility is in being superior to your previous self.

Buddhism
Self-confidence is knowing that we have the capacity to do something good and firmly decide not to give up. -the Dalai Lama

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection. -Buddha

He is able who thinks he is able. -Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta

Random
Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. -Malcolm S. Forbes

Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new. -Albert Einstein

Self confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings. -Dr. Samuel Johnson

All that Adam had, all that Caesar could, you have and can do.... Build, therefore, your own world. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

#4 Honesty is the best policy

Tell the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

When you are not put on the spot, being honest sounds like the easiest thing in the world. Our insecurities often cause us to fail to reveal the truth.

Christianity
Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.. -Romans 12:17

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 2 Corinthians 8:21

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Ten commandments) -Exodus 20:2-17

Judaism
So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. Isaiah 59:14

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Ten commandments) -Exodus 20:2-17

LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary?

Who may live on your holy hill?
He whose walk is blameless

and who does what is righteous,

who speaks the truth from his heart
and has no slander on his tongue,

who does his neighbor no wrong

and casts no slur on his fellowman

Psalm 15:2

Islam

Thou shalt not raise a false report.

Buddhism

Conquer the liar with truth.

Random

Who lies for you will lie against you. -Bosnian Proverb

No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. -Abraham Lincoln

A half truth is a whole lie. -Yiddish Proverb

Those who think it is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind. -Austin O'Malley

The least initial deviation from the truth is multiplied later a thousandfold. -Aristotle

Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom. -Thomas Jefferson

The highest compact we can make with our fellow is - "Let there be truth between us two forevermore." -Emerson

#3 Give to the poor

Help those in need.

"We get to carry each other, carry each other ... " - U2


We are told time and time again to give to those who are in need. It is easy to become engulfed in our day to day life and neglect this timeless, universal rule. We may feel we want to help, but never getting around to dedicating our resources to others. Helping the less fortunate is not a one time deal thing, however a constant desire to give back and always look for opportunities to help someone who needs it. Hey, you never know when one day you may at the end of the receiving stick. Wouldn't you wish someone sought out helping you?


Christianity
One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. Proverbs 11:24

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."- Luke 21:1-4

But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly. Mathew 6:3-4

Buddhism
The greatest quality is seeking to serve others.

Total willingness to give is the wish-granting gem for fulfilling the hopes of wandering beings.
It is the sharpest weapon to sever the knot of stinginess.
It leads to bodhisattva conduct that enhances self-confidence and courage,
And is the basis for universal proclamation of your fame and repute.
Realizing this, the wise rely, in a healthy manner, on the outstanding path
Of (being ever-willing) to offer completely their bodies, possessions, and positive potentials.
The ever-vigilant lama has practiced like that.
If you too would seek liberation,
Please cultivate yourself in the same way

Hinduism
The liberal man is he who gives to the beggar who wanders in search of food, lean and forlorn; the one who helps the passerby, when asked, makes of this same a friend for days to come.
Rig Veda, 10.117.3. VE, P. 850

Islam
If you give alms openly, it is well; but if you do it secretly and give to the poor, that is better.

Random
It is every man's obligation to put back into the world at least the equivalent of what he takes out of it. - Albert Einstein

No one has ever become poor by giving. - Anne Frank


Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege. - John D. Rockefeller Jr.

I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. - Maya Angelou

#2 Eat your vegetables

Eat To Live - Not Live To Eat

Before the crisis of obesity, the spread of diabetes and high blood pressure and other food related disease, mothers with no or even little education told their children to eat their vegetables daily. Boy, I wish we listened!

Wikipedia
In some Christian denominations, it is considered one of the seven deadly sins—a misplaced desire of food or its withholding from the needy.

We live in a world with supermarkets that have aisles dedicated to potato chips, candy and soda.
We have so many wrong food choices tempting us; making it easier and easier to fall into the trap of health problems. Be conscience of what you eat. The benefits of eating vegetables are all over the Internet and we all are well aware of them, however how many of us actually eat the recommended serving of fruit and vegetables on a daily basis. http://www.5aday.org/

How many ensure our children are eating right and teaching good habits to our families?

Christianity
Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21)

“When you sit to dine with a ruler, note well what is before you, and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” (Proverbs 23:2)

Judasim

20And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. -Deuteronomy 21:20

Islam

Eat of the good things we have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein, lest my wrath should justly descend on you, and those upon whom descends my wrath do perish indeed. 20:18

Hinduism

Excessive eating is prejudicial to health, to fame and to bliss in heaven; it prevents the acquisition of spiritual merit, and is odious among men.

#1 The Golden Rule

The Golden rule
"Treat others as you want to be treated."

According to Wikipedia: "It is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights."

The golden rule is prophesied in many different religions across the world and promoted by many philosophers alike. I haven't heard of a single person or a group of people disputing the rule in anyway. Mutual respect from one another is a human need. It is simple rule and leaves no room for interpretation. It holds benefits to the giver and the receiver. Despite it's simplicity and shared viewpoint among our brothers and sisters across the world, it is so darn easier said than done and we constantly should check ourselves to ensure we are doing our part.

"Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people's suffering. On these lines every religion had more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal." The Dali Lama


Christianity
Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Mathew 7:12

And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. Luke 6:31

Greek Philosophy
Avoid doing what you would blame others for doing. - Thales

What you wish your neighbors to be to you, such be also to them. - Sextus the Pythagorean

Confucianism
Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself. Analects

Islam
"Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you."

Judaism
That which is hateful to you, do not do to your fellow. That is the whole Torah; the rest is the explanation; go and learn.

Jainism
Just as pain is not agreeable to you, it is so with others. Knowing this principle of equality treat other with respect and compassion.