Grandpa's Life Essentials

 Personal Relationships

* You teach others how to treat you by what you allow, what you stop, and what you reinforce

* The best thing people like to hear is their own name

* All communication has ‘some’ bias in favor of the speaker

* Negotiation only occurs when both parties give up something of self-benefit

* People respond best when understanding what they may lose - not what they will gain

* Seek (listen) first to understand then be understood - do not listen only to respond

* You cannot read another person’s mind, you only know what they say or do

* An individual’s past reactions will be repeated in the future under like-kind situations  

* Speaking negatively about someone (A) not present, to another (B), will define you as one not to trust

* Unsolicited suggestions infer others are uninformed or incapable of ideas or thought

Personal Self-Worth and Productivity

* Nothing gets done unless placed in time

* If you don't give yourself or someone a deadline - it won't get done

* Being busy does not equal being productive

* Don't take things so personally - people view you by their values not yours

* Sometimes you must 'go with the flow' and accept that which you can not change

* Goals fail but Systems succeed - a system approach offers daily actions

* You are only as good as those you associate with

* Your own self-worth comes from within - do not compare yourself to others

* Don't have to wait for an apology to forgive - an apology frees you from being the victim

* Life is short - each day is a gift, make the most of it

Money and Financial Management

* To be a millionaire - live beneath your means

* Financial Independence means investment + secure income exceeds living expenses 

* Everything goes on sale - everything 

* Nothing is FREE - there's a hidden cost somewhere - privacy, $$ or inconvenience

* Interest compounding over time is a ‘top 5’ wealth builder

* The market is emotional, so a diversified portfolio is essential 

* Inflation is the savers enemy - therefore you must be in the market

Life

* No media news, political campaigning or advertising is factual (it's persuasian)

* It's perfectly okay to make mistakes - they are building blocks to success

* Life Strategy checklist - XXX don't do 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  

* A secret is not a secret if shared with one other person

* You create your life by the choices you make

* Accept the past as well as the uncertainty of the future - worry has no place in here and now

* You can only manage what you can measure - money, projects, and more

* If you want, desire or need something - Ask! the worst that can happen ... is a No!