Earlier this month, I turned 60. Here are 60 life lessons, in no particular order.
1 Always take your coat off when you get into a car or you won’t feel the benefit.
2 Store your knives in a knife block.
3 Spend as much as you can afford on walking boots.
4 Consistency will always beat intensity.
5 Create an environment that supports good habits. Don’t rely on willpower.
6 Always arrive early. It’s a sign of respect.
7 Be the kind of person who dances rather than watches other people dance.
8 Always remember that you’re living in a bubble. People aren’t like you.
9 Don’t ever tell yourself you’re bored. You’re more imaginative than that.
10 Compliment people often. Be sincere, be specific.
11 Keep reminding yourself of the things in life you should be grateful for.
12 Be the first to initiate a connection. People are shy.
13 Keep asking questions. It makes you a more interesting person.
14 Don’t spend time with people who don’t ask you any questions.
15 Alway give people something nice to eat. They’ll never be disappointed.
16 Sing along to your favourite songs.
17 Keep your knives sharp.
18 Avoid direct sunlight when it’s hot. Seek it out when it’s cold.
19 Be slow to judge. Wait until you hear the full story.
20 Imitate the people you admire. Don’t just admire them.
21 When you buy something new, throw out something old.
22 Always close a gate behind you.
23 Try to speak to someone in their language whenever possible.
24 Don’t lose touch with the people you really like.
25 Give the people you're with your full attention.
26 Listen more than you speak.
27 It’s what you do that counts, not what you say.
28 Share your ideas. Even the bad ones. Don’t keep them to yourself.
29 Everyone has the right to privacy. Respect it.
30 You’re a really bad judge of the work you do. Just share it and see what others think.
31 Every subject in the world can be really interesting if you take the time to explore it.
32 Add some randomness to your life. Don’t do the same things every single day.
33 Set yourself boundaries, obstacles and deadlines to stimulate your creativity.
34 You really haven’t got much time to waste.
35 It’s much better to create than to consume.
36 Look for the funny side of every situation.
37 Make people laugh and your relationships will last longer.
38 If you want to get some fresh ideas, go for a walk.
39 Don't worry about what you can't influence or control.
40 The music you listen to in your youth will always be your favourite.
41 Everybody loves 80s music.
42 Always have a book on the go.
43 Invest in nice stationery. You’ll write more.
44 Three is the magic number.
45 If a person pops into your head, get in touch with them as soon as you can.
46 Master a few simple recipes. Learn them off by heart.
47 Just about anything can be included in a minestrone soup.
48 Be super-selective with your vices.
49 Deep down, everyone yearns for Italy.
50 If you’re not sure where to begin, begin anywhere. Just get going.
51 Get your morning right and the day will look after itself.
52 Learn to lose. It’ll happen a lot.
53 Focus on the process, not the results.
54 If you say yes, throw yourself into it.
55 Always give more than you take.
56 Exercise.
57 Don’t forget to celebrate, but not for too long.
58 Invest in your relationships. Keep on investing in them.
59 Create daily habits that help you become the person you want to be.
60 Write down ideas as soon as they pop into your head.
So these are my lessons. Would love to hear yours.