Golden Rules Learned in Life from Napoleon Hill

by Judy Williamson,
Director of the Napoleon Hill World Learning Center at Purdue University Calumet

In keeping with the tradition of taking inventory of what lessons have been learned during the past year, I would like to offer my year end thoughts:

First: Know that the sun rises every single day even after the darkest night. Decide to be there to watch the sunrise.

Second: Remember that the Creator is benevolent. Look to this day for all the gifts brought to you that are seldom acknowledged. An exquisite flower, a crisp breeze, a star twinkling in the midnight blue sky, the scent of a pine tree, a purring senior cat, a bonfire to gather around, fresh sheets and pillowcases, water to refresh, and the ability to look and appreciate all the extraordinary beauty the world has to offer.

Third: Be in the moment. Stay in the moment, moment by moment. The present is all we have. Longing for the past and worrying about the future are fruitless endeavors.

Fourth: Cherish hellos and goodbyes. Neither is long enough, so make the most of each one.

Fifth: Welcome change even if it's an uninvited guest. Know that you could be entertaining "angels" unaware. Change is the one constant. Make friends with it.

Sixth: Embrace the real you. There is no one else like you in the Universe. You are truly one of a kind and put here for a higher purpose.

Seventh: Learn to love the mundane task. By polishing your skills through repetition, repetition, repetition you will shine with the stars.

Eighth: Allow others to speak and you simply listen. Good exercise in self-control and personal development.

Nine: Accept the inevitable because it always is.

Ten: Express gratitude daily for the acquaintances, friends, and loved ones the Universe has gifted you with in your life. These are your true priceless treasures.

Eleven: Memorize the following statement: Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are changing. God alone is changeless. Patience attains the good. –St. Teresa of Avila

And, a good thought to follow every day by Henry Drummond states:

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore, that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not deter or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."

Source: Napoleon Hill - Yesterday and Today, Issue 206, December 31, 2010

See Also:

What Nineteen Hundred and Twenty-one Has Taught Me
by Napoleon Hill. I approach my work for the coming year with renewed faith in the philosophy of the foregoing seven paragraphs, and, with positive evidence that I will get out of life exactly in proportion to what I put into it.

Serving Others Will Help You by Napoleon Hill
One of the surest ways to achieve your own success in life is by helping others to attain theirs. The truly affluent person is the one who can afford to give of himself, of his time and energy, to the benefit of others.

Yahrzeit - Things I learned in a Year
Close to a year ago I wrote an article entitled "When You Have No Choice" which discussed the passing away of my former wife and the challenges that created for me and for my children. A year's time – Yahrzeit – has now passed since her death and I wanted to share with you some insights I have gained during these last twelve months.