Most of us learn from our mistakes. I, on the other hand, am doomed to repeat my mistakes endlessly, because I keep forgetting what I learned. That’s why I’m compiling a list of Cubicle Dweller’s Stickynotes to Self. Although I’m sure some of these could apply to someone else, I’m writing these rules for myself. I don’t expect anyone else to consider following these.
Here they are…
- Be excellent to one another. I’m stealing this bit of wisdom from the most excellent Bill and Ted. (I suspect that they’re plagiarizing that Jesus guy, but they phrase it so well.)
- Never buy anything that you wouldn’t mind losing. I’m guilty of breaking this rule repeatedly, so it merits listing near the top. It applies to cars, televisions, computers, stereos, and any other cool gadgets that you don’t necessarily need. For example, don’t put yourself into debt to buy a sports car, if losing it will cripple you financially. Accidents (and car thieves) happen.
- Neither a borrower nor a lender be. It’s funny few people are aware that this line was spoken by an addle-brained old man in Hamlet. Nonetheless, it’s good advice. Feel free, however, to give away your money if you find a good charitable recipient, but look a gift horse in the mouth. A gift of money always has strings, be they extremely subtle ones.
- Don’t wear a purple jacket with an orange shirt. This happened to me only once over ten years ago and it left unforgettable scars.
I have a lot more stickynotes to myself. I’ll share them as I discover them.