Dave Pollard's environmental philosophy, creative works, business papers and essays.
In search of a better way to live and make a living, and a better understanding of how the world really works.




 

  May 11, 2007


tom toles food cartoon
WaPo cartoon by the brilliant Tom Toles
When I've asked for advice, I'm most likely to understand it, follow it, and remember it when it's short and to the point (unless it's really asinine, like "relax"). When I've been thanked for my advice, same thing. There is something about brevity that seems to bring with it credibility.

So here's a challenge to you:

Tell us the best advice you've ever had, that you've followed, in seven words or less.

I started putting together a list of such advice, and was surprised to discover that often the shorter it was, the more compelling it was. Here's my list, in increasing order of succinctness:
  • Want affection? Offer genuine attention and appreciation.
  • To persuade someone, tell a compelling story.
  • For unqualified love, adopt a shelter animal.
  • Don't try to do anything important alone.
  • First, understand why it is that way.
  • Do one or two things really well.
  • Find a need and fill it.
  • Know what problem you're solving.
  • Never be indebted to strangers.
  • Find and do meaningful work.
  • You can't change a culture.
  • Try not to try too hard.
  • Find where you belong.
  • It's never that simple.
  • Be good to yourself.
  • Change yourself first.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Buy less stuff.
  • Stop at one.
  • Think critically.
  • Pay attention.
  • Live simply.
  • Be yourself.
  • Just begin.
  • Never lie.
  • Reconnect.
  • Practice.
  • Imagine.
Your turn.

Category: Let-Self-Change

8:51:38 PM  trackback []  comment []


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