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A personal code for living a better, happier, more successful kind of life
Some people seem to find life easy. They glide effortlessly onwards and upwards, always saying and doing the right things, whatever the situation. Everybody likes them they are great to live with and great to work with. They are happy, have time for people, and always seem to know what's important - and how to deal with those things that aren't.
Is there something they know or do that we don't?
Is it something we could all learn?
The answer is a resounding yes. They know The Rules of Life. These Rules are the guiding principles that will help you get more out of life, shrug off adversity more easily, and generally be a happier, calmer, more fulfilled person. You'll feel the benefits, and so will everyone around you.
This edition includes a bonus section, 10 Rules for Happiness, which are all absolutely central to living a happy life.
Rules for you1. Keep it under your hat2. You'll get older but not necessarily wiser3. Accept what is done is done4. Accept yourself5. Know what counts and what doesn't6. Dedicate your life to something7. Be flexible in your thinking8. Take an interest in the outside world9. Be on the side of the angels, not the beasts10. Only dead fish swim with the stream11. Be the last to raise your voice12. Be your own adviser13. No fear, no surprise, no hesitation, no doubt14. I wish I'd done that and I will15. It's OK to give up16. Count to ten or recite Baa baa black sheep'17. Change what you can change, let go of the rest18. Aim to be the very best at everything you do not second best19. Don't expect to be perfect20. Don't be afraid to dream21. If you're going to jump off a bridge, make sure you know how deep the water is22. Don't dwell on the past23. Don't live in the future24. Get on with life it's whooshing past25. Be consistent26. Dress like today is important27. Have a belief system28. Leave a little space for yourself each day29. Have a plan30. Have a sense of humour31. Choose how you make your bed32. Life can be a bit like advertising33. Get used to stepping outside your comfort zone34. Learn to ask questions35. Have dignity36. It's OK to feel big emotions37. Keep the faith38. You'll never understand everything39. Know where true happiness comes from40. Life is a pizza41. Always have someone or something that is pleased to see you42. Know when to let go when to walk away43. Retaliation leads to escalation44. Look after yourself45. Maintain good manners in all things46. Prune your stuff frequently47. Remember to touch base48. Draw the lines around yourself49. Shop for quality, not price50. It's OK to worry, or to know how not to51. Stay young52. Throwing money at a problem doesn't always work53. Think for yourself54. You are not in charge55. Have something in your life that takes you out of yourself56. Only the good feel guilty57. If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all
Partnership Rules58. Accept the differences, embrace what you have in common59. Allow your partner the space to be themselves60. Be nice61. You want to do what?62. Be the first to say sorry63. Go that extra step in trying to please them64. Know when to listen and when to act65. Have a passion for your life together66. Make sure your love making is making love67. Keep talking68. Respect privacy69. Check you both have the same shared goals70. Treat your partner better than your best friend71. Contentment is a high aim72. You don't both have to have the same rules
Family and friends Rules73. If you are going to be a friend, be a good friend74. Never be too busy for loved ones75. Let your kids mess up for themselves they don't need any help from you76. Have a little respect and forgiveness for your parents77. Give your kids a break78. Never lend money unless you are prepared to write it off79. Keep schtum80. There are no bad children81. Be up around people you love82. Give your kids responsibilities83. Your children need to fall out with you to leave home84. Your kids will have friends you don't like85. Your role as a child86. Your role as a parent
Social Rules87. We're all closer than you think88. It doesn't hurt to forgive89. It doesn't hurt to be helpful90. What's in it for them?91. Hang out with positive people92. Be generous with your time and information93. Get involved94. Keep the moral high ground95. Just because you have, doesn't mean they have to96. Do compare yourself with other people97. Have a plan for your career98. Look at the long-term ramifications of what you do for a living99. Be good at your job100. Be aware of the damage you are doing101. Be for the glory, not the degradation102. Be part of the solution, not the problem103. Check what history would say about you104. Not everything can be green105. Put something back106. Find a new Rule every day or occasionally at least