"Life is Good - Once You Know How." (Survival Tips for Young Adults)

Excerpts of the book provide a preview of the intent of the authors: to provide consideration for positive change for the 18-35 year old who is discouraged, dismayed and perhaps disillusioned.

Nowhere is it written that life has to be fair.

We live in an imperfect world—MOVE ON.

The earlier you accept that premise the better. It may seem inherently clear to you that life should and could be perfect—if only others agreed and behaved as you assume they would (because YOU have been taught to do what is best and correct). Learn to recognize imperfection as an unfortunate “given” but acceptance does not equate with approval. You will be frequently forced to lower your EXPECTATIONS of others, but never lower your STANDARDS. The “Dumbing Down of America” (2) has muddied values long thought to be rock solid and timeless. You will find yourself on numerous occasions possessing a minority opinion amidst a world of dubious--at best--values, but never abandon your principles.
Living among an imperfect world never precludes aiming for perfection in YOUR corner of that world—what you can control, control.
When overwhelmed by all of life’s imperfections quietly recite the prayer: “Grant me the courage to change the things I can, the serenity to accept the things I cannot, and the wisdom to know the difference.” (Reinhold Niebuhr—“The Serenity Prayer”.)
“Forgive and forget” is a quality you must develop and practice—bearing grudges and hurt will drag YOU down until and unless you can forgive.

“You’re #1!”

Take care of yourself FIRST and always—no one else will. Be active lifelong, eat wisely, shun worry, and life will be better and longer. It has been established that genes play a minor role in longevity—up to 80% of the determinants for a long life lie in HOW you live it. Researchers per the classic “Alameda Seven” study (3) found adherence to 6-7 of the following lifestyle tenets can lead to 11 ½ years LONGER life than for those practicing only 2-3 of them:
--Exercise regularly
--Do not smoke
--Avoid alcohol, but if you decide to drink do so in moderation
--Maintain ideal weight
--Eat regular meals and avoid between meal snacking
--Eat breakfast everyday
--Sleep the same 7-8 hours every night
You CAN enhance longevity potential, and you CAN control quality of YOUR life. Expect no one to guide or coerce you—only you are commander-in-chief of your lifestyle choices.

“Managing Money 101”

Manage your money wisely so your money does not manage you. Be prudent if not frugal, “watch your pennies and you’ll never have to watch your dollars.” Do not spend to impress or to satisfy any and every yearning for material things—recognize early that neither happiness nor genuine wealth dwells in “toys”, cruises, lavish vacations or multiple homes. Seek to live a comfortable life, one you can truly afford. Living just slightly BELOW your means will contribute to peace of mind—far more crucial than amassing material “valuables.”
Thoughtfully build a budget and follow it, meet required financial obligations first (e.g. rent or mortgage payment, utilities, insurance premiums, food, etc.), set aside 10% or more as savings—THEN allot the remainder for “discretionary spending.” Regrettably you will discover many of your peers practice the reverse in managing their money.
Open checking and savings accounts with a reputable bank with free ATM access, maintain a balanced checkbook, utilize “automatic payroll deposit” option with your employers, activate an “auto-save” feature such that 10% or more of your regular income is deposited into your savings account (“if you never see it you’ll never miss it”), become familiar with your bank’s customer service representative so you have immediate assistance if/when needed or desired.

Tap whatever techniques possible to help you…Live BELOW your means.