Seven Simple Rules to Follow in Life

Joshua Wooden, father of the great John Wooden, gave him a little white note card for his elementary school graduation (back then, graduation of elementary school was a big deal as many did not graduate high school). He wrote the creed he had so often shared with his kids: 

Seven Simple Rules to Follow in Life

1.    Be true to yourself

2.    Help others

3.    Make each day your masterpiece

4.    Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible

5.    Make friendship a fine art

6.    Build a shelter against a rainy day

7.    Pray for guidance, and count and give thanks for your blessings every day

As he read the card his dad said, “Johnny, try and live up to these and you’ll do alright.”

In a world that is ever-changing and at a rapidly increasing pace, I have begun a quest for principles that are timeless. What can I be sure of in building my foundation?

This was advice given before 1920 and is quite possibly more valuable today than it was then.

It helped build a foundation for John Wooden that led to 53 years of marriage and made him the greatest college basketball coach of all time. He led UCLA to win 10 National Championships in 12 years.

What would the integration of these principles do for your family, career and life? I have no doubt that they will make me a better, more successful and happier person.