Instructions for Life

Since life doesn't come with an owner's manual or special instructions, we decided to collect observations and words of wisdom and make one for our readers to enjoy and use.

Dream big and remember nothing is impossible to a willing mind.
Get your priorities straight and know what you're looking for in order to find it.
Don't wait, pay attention, open your mind and find inspiration that you need.
When facing a difficult task, act as though it is impossible to fail.
Treat everyone you meet as you want to be treated.
Admit your mistakes and don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry."
Choose being kind over being right.
Be courageous. Good courage breaks ill luck. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Don't expect life to be fair.
Fortune seldom knocks at a man's door -- and she sometimes knocks very softly, so pay attention and listen carefully.
Don't be afraid to say "I don't know." Open your mind and learn. There is always a solution to any problem.
Don't interrupt other people's sentences and learn to listen.
Always praise people in public and criticize in private.
After failure every one is wise, but remember when a thing is done even the best advice comes too late.
Be bold and don't hesitate. When you look back on your life, you'll regret the things you didn't do more than the things you did.
Money borrowed is soon sorrowed, so live beneath your means.
Pray not for things but for wisdom and courage.
Regarding the buying goods: If you think you'll be using them five years or longer, buy the best you can afford.
Don't ask a silly question if you are not ready for a silly answer.
Show compassion, and remember every one feels his own burden heavy.
Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
Admit your mistakes.
Never take action when you are angry.
Don't spread yourself too thin. Learn to say no politely and quickly.
Never deprive others of hope; it might be all they have.
Don't procrastinate. Practice the "do it now" habit and do what needs to be done. Remember, it is not enough to run; one must start in time.
Be willing to lose a battle in order to win the war.
Never walk out on a quarrel with your parents or your spouse.
Never underestimate the power of forgiveness.
Be the first one to act loving or to reach out. Feel good and bring out the best in yourself and others.
Things promised are things due, so keep your promises. If you can't keep your promises, you shouldn't make them in the first place.
Never pay for work before it's completed.
Support your community and patronize local merchants and businesses, even if it costs a bit more.
Nothing is perfect, so make peace with imperfection.
Make new friends, but cherish the old ones.
Never cheat.
Don't waste time learning the tricks of the trade. Instead, learn the trade.
Remember, the happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the best out of everything that comes their way.

There's no experiment that is ever a complete failure.
It can always be used as a very bad example.