Rule #24

This is a tricky rule to talk about. I've had a lot of trouble putting this into words. Rule #24 is ALWAYS BE IMPROVING. I know that sounds simple, but it's a little slippery. It's hard to keep this rule from being about inadequacies. It's hard to keep this rule from sounding like "good job, but...". I want to be clear on what this rule is NOT, before I talk about what this rule IS. This rule is not about being a perfectionist, not about looking for lack. This rule is about expanding who we are. This rule is about personal growth. This rule is about becoming more.

Maybe it's the name of this rule that makes it hard for me to put into words, I find it hard to convey what I want to say. There is always something to strive for in life. When we become stagnant, we become dissatisfied. I have changed careers several times in my life...many people do. I think it's human nature to look for something more. I think that's an excellent thing...the pursuit of happiness. We can always be more, do more, have more and the pursuit of that is what keeps us alive. Again I run into that slippery area...I'm not taking about greed. Our personal growth should never be at the expense of someone else. I'm talking about constantly looking for more to learn about our passions and interests. I'm talking about not being satisfied with good enough unless good enough is what you are looking for. There is always something new and exciting to explore.

More than 30 years ago I started a journey of personal growth. It was then that I started writing down these rules. Through the years, these rules have evolved, changed, been added to until they felt just right. For me, writing this blog, sharing these rules, is the next step in the evolution of me. The very act of expanding on the rules has clarified them for me. Always improving.

I've struggled with putting this rule into words, but I guess it is simply about always striving for growth. It is not the destination but the journey. Growth is what life is about!


Rule #1 - I AM RESPONSIBLE
Rule #2 - ALWAYS BE KIND
Rule #3 - DON'T HOLD A GRUDGE
Rule #4 - DO THE RIGHT THING
Rule #5 - SMILE
Rule #6 - BE GOOD TO YOURSELF
Rule #7 - SAY I LOVE YOU
Rule #8 - BE POSITIVE
Rule #9 - LAUGH
Rule #10 - DON'T JUDGE
Rule #11 - SET GOALS
Rule #12 - SING AND DANCE
Rule #13 - MEDITATE
Rule #14 - BELIEVE IN YOURSELF
Rule #15 - BE HONEST
Rule #16 - SAY I'M SORRY
Rule #17 - BE GENUINE
Rule #18 - PAY ATTENTION
Rule #19 - TRUST YOUR GUT
Rule #20 - CONTROL YOUR THOUGHTS
Rule #21 - COMPLEMENT
Rule #22 - EXPECT THE BEST
Rule #23 - GO WITH THE FLOW
Rule #24 - ALWAYS BE IMPROVING