I recently came across this video featuring the actor Henry Cavill, who is most famous for portraying Superman. In it, he notes a list shared with him by a friend which gives 50 life lessons and advice from an 80 year old. Here is the video:
Never one to shy away from good advice, I tracked down the full list and wanted to re-share it here. Here are all 50 pieces of advice from an 80 year old:
- Have a firm handshake.
- Look people in the eye.
- Sing in the shower.
- Own a great stereo system.
- If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
- Keep secrets.
- Never give up on anybody. Miracles happen everyday.
- Always accept an outstretched hand.
- Be brave. Even if you’re not, pretend to be. No one can tell the difference.
- Whistle.
- Avoid sarcastic remarks.
- Choose your life’s mate carefully. From this one decision will come 90 percent of all your happiness or misery.
- Make it a habit to do nice things for people who will never find out.
- Lend only those books you never care to see again.
- Never deprive someone of hope; it might be all that they have.
- When playing games with children, let them win.
- Give people a second chance, but not a third
- Be romantic.
- Become the most positive and enthusiastic person you know.
- Loosen up. Relax. Except for rare life-and-death matters, nothing is as it first seems.
- Don’t allow the phone to interrupt important moments. It’s there for our convenience, not the caller’s.
- Be a good loser.
- Be a good winner.
- Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.
- When someone hugs you, let them be the first to let go.
- Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
- Keep it simple.
- Beware of the person who has nothing to lose.
- Don’t burn bridges. You’ll be surprised how many times you have to cross the same river.
- Live your life so that your epitaph could read, "No Regrets".
- Be bold and courageous. When you look back on life, you’ll regret the things you didn’t do more than the ones you did.
- Never waste an opportunity to tell someone you love them.
- Remember no one makes it alone. Have a grateful heart and be quick to acknowledge those who helped you.
- Take charge of your attitude. Don’t let someone else choose it for you.
- Visit friends and relatives when they are in hospital; you need only stay a few minutes.
- Begin each day with some of your favourite music.
- Once in a while, take the scenic route.
- Send a lot of Valentine cards. Sign them. ‘Someone who thinks you’re terrific.’
- Answer the phone with enthusiasm and energy in your voice.
- Keep a note pad and pencil on your bed-side table. Million-dollar ideas sometimes strike at 3 a.m.
- Show respect for everyone who works for a living, regardless of how trivial their job.
- Send your loved ones flowers. Think of a reason later.
- Make someone’s day by paying the toll/coffee for the person in the car behind you.
- Become someone’s hero.
- Marry only for love.
- Count your blessings.
- Compliment the meal when you’re a guest in someone’s home.
- Wave at the children on a school bus.
- Remember 80 percent of the success in any job is based on your ability to deal with people.
- Don’t expect life to be fair.
I put some of my favorites in bold. I don't agree with all 50, but I think they all have significance and are ideas that are valuable to consider.
The most important thing I got from the video of Henry Cavill is that these lessons give perspective. Going through the day to day of life, there are ups and downs and sometimes it is helpful to remember that. This list for me really connects to the concept of Memento Mori, and remembrance that one day you will die. So make the best life you can during the brief time that you are here.
Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems, and reading the point of view of someone who is closer to the end of life than the beginning can bring what is truly important into focus.
Start that business, travel as much as you can, and live a life of freedom.