"Don't run in the hallway."
"Don't play ball in the house."
"No shoes. No shirt. No service."
All to often, these rules tell us what not to do. And they're usually very context specific. It seems to me there are twelve very basic rules that are foundational to the rest. (Yes, I'm ignoring the "golden rule," all ten of the commandments and every other form of religious doctrine.)
These rules are more about what to do. They apply to work, parenting, gardening, and life in general. The quick list is:
- Keep your word.
- Do your best. Always.
- When you have to eat a turd, don't nibble.
- Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.
- When the job is done, walk away.
- Don't believe. Verify.
- You panic. You drown.
- Choices have consequences.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Leave room for chaos.
- Life ain't fair.
- Be the quiet fox.
TheKiddo™would probably tell you I have lots more rules than that. Admittedly, I do still yell, "Look both ways"! as she's crossing the street. So she would have a point. My counter, however, would be that I'm merely reminding her of rule 2, and crossing the street without looking isn't her best.
