Words to Live By: Life Lessons for My Sons (and Anyone Who Needs Them)

As a father, I know life doesn’t come with a manual—so I’ve tried to write one, in a way, for my boys. Over the years, I’ve collected little nuggets of wisdom—some learned the hard way, some borrowed from people far wiser than me. My hope is that, whether you’re my son, a friend, or just someone who stumbled on this post, a few of these lessons will stick. Even if you don’t take them all to heart, maybe you’ll come back to them when you need them most.

My Favorite Words to Live By

• Keep your eye on the ball—but remember, sometimes you need to step back and see the whole field.
• Turn every loss into a win by learning something from it.
• Do things the hard way sometimes—it builds character.
• It’s often better to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission (but don’t abuse this rule).
• A sharp knife is the most important tool in the kitchen. Always cut away from yourself.
• Stand up to bullies if you can—but sometimes, the bravest thing is to walk away.
• Never bring a knife to a gunfight (and don’t believe everything you see in movies).
• Stand tall, shake hands firmly, and look people in the eye.
• Your word is your bond—keep your promises, even when it’s inconvenient.
• Listen to what people say, but pay more attention to why they say it.
• If it matters, get it in writing.
• Don’t go into the woods without a compass, a charged phone, and someone knowing where you are.
• Keep in touch with old friends; they remind you who you are.
• Kindness will get you further than you imagine. Tip well, and tip with a smile.
• If you want to impress someone, start by being genuinely interested in them.
• Never stop reading—books will teach you what school won’t.
• Always use protection (in every sense—your heart, your body, your mind).
• Watch how people treat waiters, cleaners, and animals—it reveals their true character.
• Never get married just to get married. Get married because you truly want to be with that person.
• Be generous—with your time, your praise, and your forgiveness.
• If you lend money to a friend, expect you may never see either again—better to make it a gift if you can afford it.
• Don’t lose your temper in traffic or on the internet. Life’s too short to let strangers ruin your day.
• Stay humble—no matter how much you know, there’s always more to learn.
• Don’t crap where you eat—literally and figuratively.
• If you’re afraid, admit it. If you make a mistake, own it.
• Never judge someone’s story by the chapter you walk in on.
• Everything you think is important usually isn’t. Everything you think is unimportant, often is.
• When you fail (and you will), get up, dust off, and try again. That’s where the real learning happens.
• If you’re going to waste time, do it with people you love.
• Lean into new experiences—even if you’re not sure you’ll succeed. The outcome matters less than the courage to show up.
• Don’t get married to anyone who makes you feel less than you are, or with more problems than you can handle.
• Call your mother, and always assume she’s listening.
• Never stop being curious—the world is bigger, stranger, and more beautiful than you can imagine.
• If you’re not learning, you’re not living. And if you’re not loving, you’re missing the point.

Bonus Life Lessons

• Apologize when you’re wrong. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
• Be on time—it shows respect for others.
• Say “please,” “thank you,” and “I’m sorry” as often as you can.
• Remember, sometimes the best thing you can do is listen.
• Laughter and sleep are the best cures for most things.
• The more you help others, the more you’ll help yourself.
• Travel whenever you can. A change of place is a change of perspective.
• Take care of your body—move every day, eat real food, and drink water.
• Respect yourself—and don’t accept disrespect from anyone.

Final Thoughts

I’m posting this not just so I don’t lose it in the digital clutter, but so my boys (and maybe you) can come back to it whenever life feels overwhelming or confusing. I’ve made every mistake on this list—and a hundred more. If these words save you a little pain, or help you make one good decision, then it’s worth every keystroke.

If you have your own words to live by, share them in the comments below. One day, someone you love might be glad you did.