I often reflect on the knowledge I’ve gained over a lifetime and realize the immense value of learning from my mistakes. It is a lesson that I wish someone had shared with me during my younger years.  I have compiled a list of these insightful ideas. My hope is that by sharing them, others embarking on their life's journey can benefit from these examples.

Over the years I’ve kept a journal of Ideas of conduct passed down to me from my Great-Grandparents, Grandparents, Parents, and personal insight which I want to pass on to the younger generations.

You may be asking how did I come up with these ideas? The answer is Trial and Error. As we go through life some people will call it failures, They tend to perceive the outcome negatively. However, I want to Emphasize that such experiences can serve as Valuable Learning Opportunities. What you need to remember is it's a learning experience, if you don't try how do you know what is the right way and determine the most effective path forward?

 

Copyright © 1947-2024

john@mr-manners.com

1

I think this is the most important advice I can give you. If you treat a person with respect and  common courtesy they will reciprocate.

I started out with a long and lengthy explanation about respect from classes on psychology I had in college, but I cut out all the Bull****.

At Work, on the street, at a restaurant, standing in a line, or on the phone, disregarding superficial differences regardless of their background, race or sexual orientation, treat this person as a friend you haven't seen in years and with a happy face say something even if it's dumb. Talk to this person, not at.  This will be the hardest part, listen to learn from this person not to argue.

In college, I took up Aeronautical Engineering.

I took up space. “Dumb Joke”
2

The key to a good relationship is Yes Dear and a short memory (forget the past). When you fight, My Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother told me: "Don't ever say anything that you can't take back!" Use the words: You're being a butt, Young Lady, or Young Man in the place of four-letter words or the B & C word. Make rules about fighting.

Never go into your partner's purse, wallet or phone, always ask permission. Trust is the key to any relationship!   

3

I went to the doctor. He told me he had good news and bad news. The bad news is that I'm going to die. The good news is not today. Health Warning. The biggest hazard to your health is Stupidity. This lesson is the most important: Safety. It's surprising how many old people have disabilities related to doing something stupid when they were young. I'm not trying to tell you not to do something stupid. I'm telling you that next time you know you're going to be doing something stupid, take a step back, look around, and decide how to do "Your Stupid Idea Safely".
 
4

Stress Management - Don't get upset over the small stuff. Asks yourself if your problems are life-threatening. Call 911 for a reality check. (Don't)
5

If a person makes a mistake and you fire them, odds are the next person will make the same mistake. Don't tell them, they are dumb, you more than likely made the same mistake. We go through life learning from our mistakes
6

Listen to people, educate them, invest in them, and lead them well, they will follow you anywhere.
7

Go out of your way to let a person know that they did a good job! If you like something (a product, color, personal looks, or idea) tell that person. No negative thinking
8

Being prejudice you will never meet some of the nicest people.  Don't let others tell you who your friends should be. Instead, approach each person with an open heart and mind, and you will be surprised by the amazing people you meet.

It's important to remember that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness, regardless of their background. By being open-minded and accepting of others, we can expand our horizons and learn from different perspectives.
9

Go out of your way to say "Good Morning" to everyone by name!
10 No matter how smart you think you are, even the dumbest person will know something you don't
11

Never go into your partner's purse, wallet, or phone, always ask permission. Trust is the key to any relationship!
12

Have a dumb idea day, if you don't try, you will never know, don't be afraid to fail. How many times did Thomas Edison try before he perfected the light bulb or WD-40? Play around with a new idea. Do something unconventional. If you never leave your comfort zone, you won't grow. What worked yesterday may not work today.

13

 After doing years of study I like to ask People. I bet the Pope doesn't know this one. "When is the best time to have children?"
Answer:
14

Favorite saying. "I DID NOT KNOW THAT." Never stop learning, college or trade School: the most important thing is getting in anywhere. Then find the right school. Your grades will improve. "You never learn anything when you're talking."John Whitehead.
15

Find a purpose, not a position. It is amazing how effortless a job is when you enjoy your work.
16

What type of person are you? Do you ask "Is that enough" or "do you need more?" You need to know what type of person you are and what type of person you want to be.
17

Telephone: This is a very important skill. Believe it or not. Your ears can see. Every time you answer the phone, pretend that the person on the other end is your best friend that you have not seen in years. Keep your phone out of bed. Tell your boss and friends that you are in a poor cell phone reception area.
18

You don't always have to be right or get in the last word. You are at a stop sign and you have the right of way. You see a truck that is not going to stop. The question is, Do you want to be dead right?
19

The art of handshaking (no wimps allowed) and remembering a person's name. The first impression is very important.
20

You have to take the unexpected paths. If you're not courageous, you'll be hanging around the water cooler, talking about the person who did.
21

Laugh at your friend's jokes, even the dumb ones. "Jokes" Find a partner that makes you laugh. Women say it all the time but the same is true for men. Think in terms of Us and not I.
22

Sometimes there are things you can't change about a person. I'm slow about doing things and do things that my wife thinks are dumb. After 20 years you would think she would be a little more understanding before she gets mad
23

It's fun to play with someone you know you can beat at a game but you will never grow until you challenge a person that is better than you. They make you Work Harder and Think Smarter.
24

Talk to a person, not at. Listen to what they say. Their ideas (questions) may be right even if the answers are wrong.
25

I have rich friends and am happy for them. One day standing in my friend's garage looking at his Bentley Super Sport, I asked myself what is it he has that I don't? It took me a while but I finally figured it out.
26

Remember this. The person working under you today may be your boss on another job.
27

Think positive: Talk positive.
28

Always keep Smiling. I like looking gruff, then turning, looking at them in the eye and slowly smiling. It is fun to see them smile back.
29

People watching: Looking and trying to figure out who are the married people. You would be amazed how much they look alike; the best part is if they have a pet with them.
30

Today is the tomorrow you were planning to do it, yesterday When I was 10, We planted a tree is my Uncle's yard. I remember thinking how dumb that was at the time because it would take forever to Grow. Now there is this wonderful tree in his yard. All these years later I think how short-sighted I was. The point is if you don't do it now, it will never get done.
31

Free bucket of poop. Clean it and you have a bucket.
32

Your attitude is a better predictor of your success than your IQ

I have 3 ideas or experiences that I’m not proud of that I will pass on.

1. Some time in your life you are going to do something stupid (illegal) you’re not proud of. Never! Never! Never! Let me repeat Never tell anyone. Bragging about it will land your Dumb Ass in jail.

2. Always have a point man to take the fall. If you can’t figure this out, don’t do it.

3. If you watch police stories on TV. How do most criminals get caught? Doing Something Stupid. Speeding, illegal turns, or defective equipment on the vehicle. The point is, drive defensively, don’t be in a hurry and you will never go to Jail.