Society is controlled. We're controlled by our laws, our religious beliefs, our own moral compass, and the expectations others hold for us and we hold for them. The concept of treat others as you would want to be treated sounds commonsensical, but we live, at least us Americans, live in an egotistical, narcissistic, and materialistic world. Some call it capitalism, but there's much more to it than simply the economic foundation that has created us. Nevertheless, we all, regardless of where we pull these rules, we must abide by our own set of standards. Some may sound silly, but below are a list of rules I live by, all of which I feel puts me in the minority.
Be Punctual
I try, to the best of my ability to be early when possible, but tardiness is a habit that I try to avoid at all costs. Especially in the workplace.
Never leave dirty dishes in the sink
This one may sound comical or irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but it's also the one I find puts me in the smallest minority on Earth. It has become such a pet peeve, that it's a personal stressor.
When Possible, treat everyone slightly better than they treat you
This goes for those who treat me well and those who treat me poorly. It's also one that leads to the next rule.
Do not do anything with the anticipation of gratitude, respect, or even acknowledgment
Yes, being thanked is pleasant, but it should never be expected, because if your sole purpose or even your unintended purpose is to be thanked, you're doing, not out of kindness, but out of selfishness. Do things because they are warranted or simply because they are the right thing to do.
Treat animals as you would humans
Yes, being vegan is essential for this rule, but it also is one that has changed me life. When one starts to look at animals in the wild and those which have been domesticated as sentient beings, it becomes much easier to show empathy towards our fellow man and woman.
Over-tip
Fine. tip 20% for poor service and work your way up. Try to remember, someone is waiting on you and despite your feeling of entitlement due to a tough week, hard work, or simply your night to relax, those people are working, not simply catering to your whims and mood swings. While they've been preached to about you always being right and to give you a smile regardless of what is going on internally for them, you should view them as you would like to be viewed. Maybe even a little better.
Leave every room a little better off than you walked in
This one could mean cleanliness, but it could also mean the mood. Make others happy to have met or seen you. Make sure that your existence has as many positive impacts as it can, regardless of the setting. The "room" is metaphorical.
Your burdens may be another's relief
Never preach to anyone about how much worse or harder your day has been than theirs. Sure, it may have been, but someone doing hard labor with a healthy family at home is surely much easier than someone shuffling papers with a dying mother and kids without food to eat.
Don't judge others by their words, but surely judge them by their actions
Yes, this is as simple as the old adage "actions speak louder than words," but often when people's words contradict their actions, we grow angry. Often, their words are their projecting a false narrative, which is not meant to lie to you, but to them. This one takes a keen eye, but it can mean they are boasting or they are in need of a helping hand. It's why watching people is much more important than listening to them.
BE ACCOUNTABLE
We all have our flaws, our failures, and our problems. Acknowledge them. Embrace them. Change them when possible, but for the love of all that is holy, don't pawn your inability to accomplish something on someone else. Standing up for one's self starts with knowing one's limitations and personal expectations. The second you blame another for your inadequacies, you dive into a world of emotional handicapping and it gets very difficult to pull yourself out of this.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room
Honestly, we're taught this when we can reach the lightswitch. Why does nobody do this?
Be Punctual
I try, to the best of my ability to be early when possible, but tardiness is a habit that I try to avoid at all costs. Especially in the workplace.
Never leave dirty dishes in the sink
This one may sound comical or irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, but it's also the one I find puts me in the smallest minority on Earth. It has become such a pet peeve, that it's a personal stressor.
When Possible, treat everyone slightly better than they treat you
This goes for those who treat me well and those who treat me poorly. It's also one that leads to the next rule.
Do not do anything with the anticipation of gratitude, respect, or even acknowledgment
Yes, being thanked is pleasant, but it should never be expected, because if your sole purpose or even your unintended purpose is to be thanked, you're doing, not out of kindness, but out of selfishness. Do things because they are warranted or simply because they are the right thing to do.
Treat animals as you would humans
Yes, being vegan is essential for this rule, but it also is one that has changed me life. When one starts to look at animals in the wild and those which have been domesticated as sentient beings, it becomes much easier to show empathy towards our fellow man and woman.
Over-tip
Fine. tip 20% for poor service and work your way up. Try to remember, someone is waiting on you and despite your feeling of entitlement due to a tough week, hard work, or simply your night to relax, those people are working, not simply catering to your whims and mood swings. While they've been preached to about you always being right and to give you a smile regardless of what is going on internally for them, you should view them as you would like to be viewed. Maybe even a little better.
Leave every room a little better off than you walked in
This one could mean cleanliness, but it could also mean the mood. Make others happy to have met or seen you. Make sure that your existence has as many positive impacts as it can, regardless of the setting. The "room" is metaphorical.
Your burdens may be another's relief
Never preach to anyone about how much worse or harder your day has been than theirs. Sure, it may have been, but someone doing hard labor with a healthy family at home is surely much easier than someone shuffling papers with a dying mother and kids without food to eat.
Don't judge others by their words, but surely judge them by their actions
Yes, this is as simple as the old adage "actions speak louder than words," but often when people's words contradict their actions, we grow angry. Often, their words are their projecting a false narrative, which is not meant to lie to you, but to them. This one takes a keen eye, but it can mean they are boasting or they are in need of a helping hand. It's why watching people is much more important than listening to them.
BE ACCOUNTABLE
We all have our flaws, our failures, and our problems. Acknowledge them. Embrace them. Change them when possible, but for the love of all that is holy, don't pawn your inability to accomplish something on someone else. Standing up for one's self starts with knowing one's limitations and personal expectations. The second you blame another for your inadequacies, you dive into a world of emotional handicapping and it gets very difficult to pull yourself out of this.
Turn off the lights when you leave a room
Honestly, we're taught this when we can reach the lightswitch. Why does nobody do this?
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