21 Tips for 21 Years

Turning twenty-one is a milestone in many people’s lives. Regardless of whether you are excited about finally being legal, or have the feeling of becoming an independent adult, twenty-one is a big deal. Most people tend to celebrate by drinking their first “legal” drink at a bar surrounded by their friends and family. However, being young adults comes with a lot of lessons to learn and a lot of mistakes to make. On my twenty-first birthday, my dad gave me a list of twenty-one tips to live a better life — things he has learned that have made him a better father, friend, brother and role model. Here are those twenty-one tips:

1. Don't leave dirty dishes in the sink when you go to bed. Seeing them in the sink in the morning is a lousy way to start the day.

2. When you meet someone for the first time, say "Hi, I’m ____". Ask them their name.

3. Get off your computer and phone at least an hour before bed.

4. You remain humble when you remain teachable. Always remain teachable.

5. Put up a Christmas tree. Always.

6. When you are going through hell, keep going.

7. When you start a new job, for the first three months show up 45 minutes early. People will think of you as a hard worker, even on the days when you are late.

8. Ask for help. People won't think less of you. People appreciate it when you say, "I need your help". They almost always will.

9. Have Sharpies in your house at all times. Regular and Thick.

10. Pumpkin pie must be served on Thanksgiving. My mom said the best recipe is on the label of the can of “Libby 100% Pure Pumpkin”. Use half the ginger it calls for.

11. At least once a year, play something you did as a kid - skate, waterski, play foursquare. It will remind you that you can always do young things.

12. Don't carry grudges. They poison you, not the person who caused it.

13. 90 percent of life is showing up. Show up even when you don't want to.

14. Never forget who your baseball team is.

15. No meeting is a good meeting unless every job is assigned, and everybody knows exactly what their job is and when it is due.

16. Always put sunscreen on your face and chapstick with a high SPF.

17. Plant flowers in your garden yourself. It makes you feel good, and you can enjoy watching them grow.

18. The best Christmas cookies are Slice O' Spice.

19. Never forget where you came from.

20. The most powerful words to remember: "Be defined in your mind not by your worst moment, but by your best. You are a very good and capable person who occasionally makes mistakes." They were said by a rabbi.

21. When life confuses you, and you aren't sure what to do, just do the next right thing. Then, no matter what happens, you can always say you acted well and did the right thing.