I love this. Recently, a man shared he’d spent time with his grandparents before leaving for college. His grandfather told him, “When you start to work, work hard for six months. After that, they won’t bother you, and your job will be effortless, and you won’t have to do much”.
He confesses that the advice worked. During his initial six months, his job believed him very competent. Then, he started cruising, was promoted a few times, received consistent raises, and was left alone by management.
The experience prompted him to ask a men’s online forum, “What advice from the older generation changed your life for the better?” Here are some other golden nuggets.
1. Building Courage
“It’s ok to make mistakes. But build the courage to accept that it’s a mistake and move forward from there.” One man shares his father explained that a successful person could not exist without failure. Furthermore, what you do after failing makes or breaks you.
2. Do It Right
“If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.” I heard this growing up, which helped install a valuable work ethic. In Spanish, it goes el perezoso trabaja doble: primero para hacer las cosas y luego para arreglarlas, which translates as “the lazy man works twice: first to do things and then to fix them.”
3. Stop Worrying
“75% of the things that kept me up at night with worry never even happened. And of the things that happened, most of them weren’t as bad as I feared.” As an ADHD overthinker, this one hits home. I wasted so much time obsessing about things that may never happen and how I would handle them if they did.
4. Do the Right Math
When you weigh the good and the bad, remember it’s not 1:1. One good reason can nullify five bad ones, and one bad one can nullify five good reasons. One man shared his uncle taught him, “So learn how to weigh them instead of counting them.”
5. Buy Nice, Not Twice
“Buy nice, not twice.” Another noted, “I’m not rich enough to buy cheap things.” However, a few men chimed in to argue on this one. For example, they suggested when you buy tools; there is a belief that you should buy the cheapest tools initially. Then, if you use it enough to break it, buy the best one you can afford.
6. Stay Out of Debt
With the exceptions of a home, car, or repairs for them, one man’s grandfather said, “If you can’t afford to pay cash for it, you don’t need it.” He received that advice at the age of nineteen. He attested he’s lived debt free his entire life except for a mortgage and vehicle.
7. Be Curious, Not Judgmental
“Only judge someone based on what you know about them personally, never what other people say about them.” Some argued that while this is usually great advice, there are expectations. For example, it’s likely valid if you know and trust someone and they warn you off of another. However, everyone agreed that the office gossip is terrible.
8. Try Everything Twice
“Always make sure to try everything twice. The cook may have made it wrong the first time.” This man explains that this logic applies to other things in life besides food, including things and experiences.
9. Honesty Is Key
“Honesty is the key. The less you lie, the less you have to remember.” One man added that his grandmother said, “you never tell just one lie.” Once you tell it, you will tell more to keep the first one.
Popular Reading: 10 of the Stupidest Myths People Spread as Truth Today
10. Protect Your Peace
Finally, one man shared, “Don’t argue with stupid people. They bring you down to their level and win on experience.” This truth is demonstrated in every comment thread in the history of social media commenting.
This thread inspired this post.
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Featured Image Credit: Deposit Photos – Pressmaster.
Elizabeth Ervin is the owner of Sober Healing. She is a freelance writer passionate about opioid recovery and has celebrated breaking free since 09-27-2013. She advocates for mental health awareness and encourages others to embrace healing, recovery, and spirituality.