Live Like A Spartan!
Life does not have to be complicated; complication in our lives is self-created.
I’m a sucker for simplicity.
I like to make decisions in advance; I like to have a plan of action.
It eliminates the guess-work and the bullshit.
I like black and white.
A simple (Spartan) life is a content and enjoyable life.
Follow these rules and I guarantee the quality of your life will improve; it’s worth noting that these rules aren’t cutting edge new strategies – these are proven rules from thousands of years ago.
Rule #1 – Do What You Say
In order to build trust your words need to remain congruent to your actions. When you say you’re going to do something you MUST do it. You’ll build self-respect within yourself and with others.
By committing to keeping your word you will begin to think more carefully before accepting a task, instead of saying ‘yes’ but default and then realising what you’ve agreed to before attempting to squirm out of your newly acquired responsibility.
Rule #2 – Don’t Be Deceptive
An honest life is an easy life to live. Should you choose to manipulate the truth, withhold information or straight out lie to others you’re essentially creating a false reality in which you have to be very careful in order to maintain the balance. Can you remember what is real and what is fabricated?
Don’t put yourself through that. Show others respect and be honest.
Rule #3 – Show Up Early
You could be meeting the queen, a new business partner or even just meeting a friend at the gym, regardless of the circumstances make sure you arrive 5 minutes early. It shows respect, and is a basic courtesy.
Let’s look at it this way and see just how big of a deal 10 minutes can be… You’re an interviewer for an internship at a prestigious company
Candidate A shows up 5 minutes early, politely greeting you
Candidate B casually strolls in 5 minutes late
Before you even get to look at their resumes you’re already going to be leaning towards candidate A simply because he was punctual which displayed respect, courtesy and interest in your time. Candidate B would be considered unorganized.
Rule #4 – Outwork The Competition
Average people will tell you life is about maintaining that perfect balance amongst all aspects of your life. The real winners know that that is merely used an excuse by the lazy not to put in the hard yards. If you haven’t reached your goals yet you should be working your ass off to get what you want. You may be accused of being a workaholic now, and be told to ‘lighten up’. But winners are planning ahead, they’re willing to sacrifice today for tomorrows betterment. Once you’ve reached your goals you can spend your time however you want. Until then…
Rule #5 – Act With Integrity
Do the right thing. I am a strong believer in karma – what goes around comes around. Humans have morals, there’s no doubt about it. But as soon as an opportunity for personal gain arises our morals can quite often go out the window. Act with integrity and do the right thing every single time. When you do a good deed or make the correct decision for the good of others you will be repaid tenfold later down the road.
Rule #6 – Absorb Information Daily
There’s only 24 hours in the day so why waste so many of them on mindless, zombie-like activities? Turn off the TV, log off Facebook, turn off your phone. Absorb some real information – pick up a book and read, write a book, begin to learn a new language, learn how to play an instrument. Do something that stimulates your brain, every single day. Stagnation is death.
Rule #7 – No Cash, no Purchase
This is by far the most basic rule on this list in my eyes. However it’s the one rule that very few people have under control. You should avoid debt at all costs. Would you rather have that shiny new car and the big house you’re struggling to pay off or the peace of mind knowing you don’t owe anyone a cent? I chose the latter and could not be happier. Live below your means, if you can’t buy it with cash don’t buy it at all, no exceptions.
Rule #8 – Talk Less, Achieve More
Let your success speak for itself. Follow the above rules, work hard and do what you say – don’t waste your time gossiping about others or bragging about your latest achievement or success. When you are truly successful others will tell you – there is no need to cheapen the accomplishment with your own words.