JUST DON'T BE A SELFISH AIRHEAD.

Following the rules of a good life, once you take the time to learn and accept them, isn't that hard. In fact, it turns out to be much easier than living life as an antisocial airhead. But being a self-absorbed antisocial airhead is trending in so many places around the world. A good life is not the sad imitation of a television reality show. A good life is one of social engagement, good friendships, personal growth through ongoing learning, fulfilling work, stable health, and some financial stability. 

One of the first rules of a good life is this: Finish your basic education. 

I think our U.S. education system has screwed up royally. It has managed somehow to  convince illiterates to get a college degree. Even crazier, it has convinced colleges to give degrees to illiterates. Literacy and basic math are essential to making a good life for yourself. If you can't read and write properly, you cannot interact in social situations effectively, because you will be ignorant. If you cannot read the rules (laws and regulations) you cannot be successful at much of anything. If you can't do basic math, you will never have money enough to enjoy life for any length of time.

The second rule of a good life is this: Develop basic social graces. 

Unless you come from a long line of airheads, your parents tried to teach you manners at some point. Manners are the basic building blocks of social grace. Saying "please" and  saying "thank you" are amazingly powerful in social situations and in business situations. Being physically clean and neatly dressed is essential to social success. Health is a magnet to which other healthy people are drawn. Addressing strangers with a title, such as "Mister" or "Madam" or "Ms.", is a basic offering of respect which is likely to be reciprocated by all but the mentally deficient. Listening carefully is much more powerful than speaking too much.

The third rule of a good life is this: Be generous with your time, your labor and your attention.

Stop looking at your goddam phone in public! Put it away. You will be amazed at how friendly the world around you can become if you give yourself over to it. Not every interaction has to have a dollar value. When you are shopping in a store, you might see someone struggling with something, whether it be a shopper or a staffer. Just offer your help. Smile at people who make eye contact with you. When someone addresses you politely, do not ignore them and skitter away. Pay attention. Engage. If their intentions seem bogus, move on. Otherwise, interact and try to learn something about who that person is. You will come away with learning something about yourself too.

The fourth rule of a good life is this: Develop and maintain financial independence. 

Grow up. Stop looking for people to take care of you. Stop waiting for some benefactor to save you from your own foolishness with time and money. Work for your money by putting time into making it. Begrudging work is begrudging your own worthiness, your own capability to take care of your own needs. Save money wisely. Find a way to invest your money that does not feel like deprivation. Start a small business. Buy a small condo. Invest in one valuable piece of art. And, once you have reached a level of financial stability and growth, do not give it away. Find (or keep) a life partner who is also financially independent ... or who is at least striving to be.

The fifth rule for a good life is this: Own who you are honestly and grow from there.

Once you have learned to live lawfully and politely in society, to interact comfortably in society and to become financially independent in society, you will be able to take proud ownership of yourself. Failing in these areas consistently will make you not want to own who you are honestly. Once you can look in the mirror and unflinchingly say "You're OK." you can begin to grow faster and with greater confidence. 

It all starts with not being a selfish airhead.