Lessons for Life

Hard-won wisdom from too many years of getting it wrong.

1. Show up on time and prepared. This spares you a lot of embarrassment, stress and explanation. Think about it: do you like being the last person to arrive at the meeting, movie or party, breathless and disheveled, while everyone else is standing around, genial and relaxed, smiling and talking? Or would you rather be standing there smiling and talking, waiting for the late arrivals?

2. If you did it, don't say you didn't; and a corollary: if you didn't do it, don't say you did. It's surprising how many times we think no one is watching, but they are. Or videotaping, or eavesdropping ... Really, it's much better (professionally and personally) to take responsibility for actions or inactions; sins of commission or omission.

3. Don't lie, even about the stupid little stuff. If you blow off a meeting with your friend because a hot date turned up, just say so. Don't say, "I have a stomach ache," or "I have to stay home and study." You'll never be able to brag about the hot date! Worse, you'll become known as an opportunistic liar, and will lose the trust of your friends.

More later ...