These 18 Rules for Life are often attributed to the Dalai Lama, the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, but they  are actually adapted from Life’s Little Instruction Book, by H. Jackson Brown, Jr., a book of advice from a father to his son as he goes off to college. These rules work for everyone, no matter what your religion or your moment in life happens to be.

They are all relevant but the ones I especially need to work on are: Rule #1, 4, & 9.

Which are the most important for you? Are there any rules you would like to add?

Rule 1: Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

Rule 2: When you lose, don’t lose the lesson

Rule 3: Follow the three Rs: Respect for self – Respect for others – Responsibility for all your actions.

Rule 4: Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Rule 5: Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

Rule 6: Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

Rule 7: When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

Rule 8: Spend some time alone every day.

Rule 9: Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

Rule 10: Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

Rule 11: Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

Rule 12: A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

Rule 13: In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

Rule 14: Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

Rule 15: Be gentle with the earth.

Rule 16: Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

Rule 17: Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Rule 18: Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.