Are you a full manual reader or a button presser?
When you buy something new, do you meticulously read the manual or dive in, pressing buttons like you’re playing Beethoven's 5th on the piano? I’ve been known to leave my shiny new gadgets completely untouched, waiting for that mythical 'perfect moment' to read the manual, which, let’s be honest, never actually arrives.
This got me thinking about life – We humans don’t come with a manual, though I’d argue our parents/guardians are like those quick start guides – they give you just enough information to not break everything immediately. But in essence, life is all about trial and error.
Imagine if we had an official Quick Start Guide for life -a simple, actionable guide with essential tips for living well. What advice would you include?
Top Life Tips for Your Quick Start Guide
I asked my newsletter readers: “What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? What wisdom would you etch onto your own quick start leaflet for life? Send me your top tips,” and this is what they came up with:
You have two ears and one mouth—listen twice as much as you speak.
Try not to mind if someone you encounter is a little grumpy; you never know what they may be going through.
Everything we do has consequences.
Friends are precious—cultivate them.
Try to do one good thing every day.
Life is an experiment. Sometimes it will work in the way we want it to; often it won’t. Learn from each experiment, adjust, and try again. As long as you aren’t making the same mistake over and over, you are making progress.
Your to-do list will always be there, and you can pick it up and put it down again. People won’t always be there; spend time investing in the relationships that matter to you.
Be kind to others, the environment, and yourself. Being kind to yourself is often the hardest. Make an extra effort to do that. Being kind costs nothing but has so much value.
Learn to say no and ask for what you need.
Ask questions. Seek to understand others and their perspectives; be open to learning and adapting your approach and your views.
If not now, when?
Pain is temporary; don’t let it stop you from trying to do something.
Spend as much time as possible outside in nature.
Be by the sea, in the sea, or on the sea.
Know your limitations, care for yourself, and walk away. Pick your battles.
Be okay with something you’ve done wrong; that’s part of being human.
Make a decision; don’t ponder too much—everything is an experience.
Marvel at the miracle of life every day and appreciate it.
Make it a priority to know yourself, your desires, your needs, and your triggers—it’s the only way to understand the world around you.
Lose the word “should” from your vocabulary; that’s someone else’s idea.
Be generous. Always.
Set your face to a smile as you pootle around. You’ll find the world will smile at you.
Be honest.
Don’t recruit more friends than you can manage. Invest in a handful of excellent ones for life.
Know you are special and worthwhile and never settle for less.
Treat others as you wish to be treated.
Pay a compliment when you admire something about someone.
Don’t be afraid to say "I’m sorry."
Guilt is a wasted emotion; try to do better next time.
Smile if you catch someone’s eye.
I’m just going to add one….
Do yoga. Just trust me. Do yoga.
Why These Tips Matter
These life tips provide practical way to stop and think, to live with intention, empathy and purpose. Perhaps they might inspire you to integrate them into your daily life and see if it helps create a more fulfilling and stress-free life.
Further Reading
I happened to come across a book by renowned author and thinker Kevin Kelly, who compiled a collection of life lessons and wisdom. On his 68th birthday he gifted his children 68 bits of advice he wished he had received at their age. He continued this tradition, adding more each year until he published a book, Excellent Advice for Living. He then also added '101 Additional Advices' which you can read here.
Get Involved
What tips would you add to your own Quick Start Guide for Life? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Why not subscribe to my newsletter and stay updated and be inspired?