Guiding Principals of Goldsmith
The other day Logan asked me if there are any guiding principals that I live by. I can’t remember exactly how he phrased the question and I’ll spare you the back-story, but he was essentially asking if there were any rules (mantras, for the JSLs in the crowd) that I live by. My answer was that I did indeed:
If I there are any other options whatsoever, NEVER, under any circumstances, drive behind a bus.
This answer was completely appropriate given the sarcastic nature of the conversation (plus it really is rock solid advice), but I do have several foundational observations/rules that I’ve found helpful over the years. In general I think I do pretty well for myself, so they probably aren’t completely misguided (at least not all of them). They’re listed here in no particular order. The fact that some of these things are colloquialisms or cliché doesn’t make them any less useful, nor is the one about people named David unfounded. And please forgive the inconsistent pronouns--Switching between I and you seemed less awkward than using one across the board.
If someone asks for help, help.
Good or bad, nothing lasts forever. Make the most of it.
Measure twice, cut once.
Planning out my life is a waste of time. Things change more quickly than I ever imagine.
If I’m not acting deliberately, I’m not acting correctly.
A stitch in time saves nine.
A consensus of no less than three trusted people is needed to override my gut.
Unless I’m driving or otherwise going from point A to point B (which should obviously be done as quickly as possible), moving too slowly is always better than moving too quickly.
Going past second base with a person you don’t know to be uncrazy is like taking more than one milligram of Xanax at a time. It just isn’t worth it.
If you want something done right, get it done yourself.
It’s okay to judge people as long as you keep in mind that you’ve more than likely judged them incorrectly (though probably not unfairly).
Never burn your bridges before you cross them.
Never leave the toilet seat up.
People named David tend to prefer the company of men.
Never turn your back on a reality that’s hard to face. Face it head on and deal with the consequences.
All we can do is the best we can.
If I there are any other options whatsoever, NEVER, under any circumstances, drive behind a bus.
This answer was completely appropriate given the sarcastic nature of the conversation (plus it really is rock solid advice), but I do have several foundational observations/rules that I’ve found helpful over the years. In general I think I do pretty well for myself, so they probably aren’t completely misguided (at least not all of them). They’re listed here in no particular order. The fact that some of these things are colloquialisms or cliché doesn’t make them any less useful, nor is the one about people named David unfounded. And please forgive the inconsistent pronouns--Switching between I and you seemed less awkward than using one across the board.
___________________________
The more time I spend thinking about the things in my life that are bad, the less likely they are to change. If I want to be happy, I shouldn’t act like I’m sad. If I want to be able to sleep, I shouldn’t plan otherwise. Etc.If someone asks for help, help.
Good or bad, nothing lasts forever. Make the most of it.
Measure twice, cut once.
Planning out my life is a waste of time. Things change more quickly than I ever imagine.
If I’m not acting deliberately, I’m not acting correctly.
A stitch in time saves nine.
A consensus of no less than three trusted people is needed to override my gut.
Unless I’m driving or otherwise going from point A to point B (which should obviously be done as quickly as possible), moving too slowly is always better than moving too quickly.
Going past second base with a person you don’t know to be uncrazy is like taking more than one milligram of Xanax at a time. It just isn’t worth it.
If you want something done right, get it done yourself.
It’s okay to judge people as long as you keep in mind that you’ve more than likely judged them incorrectly (though probably not unfairly).
Never burn your bridges before you cross them.
Never leave the toilet seat up.
People named David tend to prefer the company of men.
Never turn your back on a reality that’s hard to face. Face it head on and deal with the consequences.
All we can do is the best we can.
posted by B S Goldsmith at 5/23/2007 12:41:00 AM
11 Comments:
I like those!...very helpful, especially the one about needed more than three people you trust to override your gut (wish I'd thought of that a year ago)...the two I try to remember most are to "kill it with kindness" and that there are two sides to every story when dealing with difficult people/situations. They aren't as helpful as yours, but good advice, I think, nonetheless.
ha! you don't mention your initial mantra offering because it was essentially the same as larry the cable guy's:
git-r-done.
i would add only these to ben's list:
don't force it.
don't fuck with shit you don't know about.
nothing is fucked.
don't go past second base with someone who might be crazy unless they/you are leaving town.
only masochists are jazz fans.
marriage is a sin.
kill what with kindness? other people's terrible ideas? i'm really more of a kill it firmly and swiftly kinda guy.
Shock and awe style.
Don't force it it a great one... Should have included that.
And I don't agree with "If you want something done right, do it yourself," unless you're a doctor, mechanic, lawyer, plumber, carpenter, textile manufacturer, food growing specialist, etc. etc. etc.
Also, you forgot TCB (in a flash).
I actually changed that one slightly to read, "If you want something done right, get it done yourself." The idea is that you can't count on anyone else to make shit happen for you.
Okay. That I can totally agree with. Good work ;)
"Measure twice, cut once."
If only your mohel had followed this advice. Hi-oh!
ha!
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