100 Tips About Life, People, and Happiness

1. True wisdom and insight is always free.

2. Give your power over to no one.

3. Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known.

4. Get a library card.

5. Spend more time around people that both challenge and respect you.

6. Remain skeptical forever.

7. Fight for what matters.

8. There is a method that works. Find it.

9. Join a movement.

10. Drink your coffee black.

11. Never let anyone photoshop a picture of you. It creates a false sense of self-confidence.

12. Read more. Especially things you disagree with.

13. Get used to feeling stupid. It’s a sign of growth.

14. It’s easy for people to talk a good game, so watch how they behave instead.

15. Learn something from everyone.

16. Find things that inspire you and pursue them, even if there’s no money in it.

17. Starve if you have to, for as long as you need to.

18. Survive on a little just to prove you can do it.

19. Get one big success at an early age. It’ll help build your confidence for bigger things.

20. Do what you say you’ll do. No one is reliable anymore.

21. Be comfortable with abandonment, even of parts of your identity.

22. Learn a new language.

23. Eat more protein.

24. Keep people around you that will tell you the truth.

25. Genius gets you nowhere. Execution is everything.

26. If given the choice of equity or cash, always take cash.

27. Meet new people as often as possible. Offer to help them.

28. Don’t discriminate. Connect anyone in your network to anyone else.

29. If you can’t do a pull-up, you have a problem.

30. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

31. Get a passport. Fill it up with stamps no one has ever seen.

32. Quit your horrible job.

33. Read biographies. It’s like having access to the best mentors in history.

34. Go to bed, and wake up, early. No one will bother you, letting your best work emerge.

35. Scare yourself a little bit every day. It will expand your inner map.

36. Learn to climb trees.

37. Don’t buy a lot of stuff, and only buy the stuff you really love.

38. Be humble and curious.

39. Twitter followers don’t keep you warm at night.

40. Be as useful as you can in as many circumstances as possible.

41. Show up.

42. Repeat people’s names when you meet them.

43. Turn internet access off your phone. Wifi is fine.

44. Get a deck of Oblique Strategies cards. Use them.

45. Make your home a place where you feel safe.

46. Take people up on bets. Make more bets yourself.

47. Take cold showers. They’re better than coffee.

48. Learn to enjoy hunger.

49. Make everything either shorter, or longer, than it needs to be.

50. Always remember those who helped you. Deliver two or three times as much value back.

51. But also, help people who have never helped you, and can’t.

52. When you know that pain is temporary, it affects all of your decisions.

53. Get a tattoo. Don’t worry about regret.

54. Commit to things, regularly, that are far beyond your ability.

55. Meet with friends more often than you think you have to.

56. Learn to meditate. Go on a retreat if you have to.

57. Your stories are both more and less interesting than you think.

58. Learn to really listen.

59. Walk more.

60. Ugly is just a step on the way to beautiful.

61. Get to know your neighbours.

62. Don’t take anything personally, ever.

63. Consider avoiding school. Go to lots of conferences instead.

64. As soon as you can, buy some art.

65. Apologize more than you need to.

66. Find out if there will be food there.

67. A good haircut changes everything.

68. Read Man’s Search For Meaning.

69. Say no to projects you don’t care about.

70. Do things that are uncool. Later on, they usually end up becoming cool anyway.

71. Find your voice.

72. Have some manners.

73. Learn to play chess, go, and bridge. They’ll keep you from going senile.

74. Learn about the Tetrapharmakos.

75. Find ways to cheat the system– just don’t cheat people.

76. Be like Jesus, not like his followers. (This applies to all of them.)

77. At least once, date someone that’s out of your league.

78. Examine your jealousy. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.

79. Good connections are about people, not social networks.

80. Address small problems. They will become big problems.

81. Dress like a cooler version of yourself.

82. Yes, there is such a thing as bad press.

83. Add “adventurer” to your Twitter bio. Then, become one.

84. If the internet is the best thing in your life, you have a serious problem.

85. Give away your best work for free.

86. Find mentors. Just don’t call them that.

87. Actually write on your blog. Nobody cares if it’s hard.

88. Download Freedom. Use it for an hour every day.

89. Join a gym. Lift the heaviest you can. (This applies to girls too.)

90. Do some freewriting. It helps you think things through.

91. When you’re having supper with rich people, pick up the cheque.

92. Learn how to speak in public.

93. If you see someone who needs help, stop asking yourself if they need help. Instead, just help.

94. Bring a bottle of wine.

95. The best conversations are had side by side, not one in front of the other.

96. Protect your hearing. Trust me.

97. Do what’s most important first thing in the morning, before you check email.

98. Everyone feels like they’re not good enough. It’s not just you.

99. Courage is a learned skill.

100. Go to Iceland. It’s worth it.

(If you liked this post, you should check out my company, Practice. Thanks for reading.)


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Comments

230 responses to “100 Tips About Life, People, and Happiness”

  1. Matthew Miller Avatar
    Matthew Miller

    Re. #10: Have you never had Bulletproof Coffee?

    http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/

    But, yes, I do agree with the sentiment that most of us should suck it up and get rid of the creamers and sweeteners. But I’m sure many of those people would flinch that the prospect of starting their day with a few hundred calories of butter and coconut fat.

    1. Sarah Jackson Avatar

      Mind Blowing 🙂

  2. Julian Summerhayes Avatar

    Julien

    If I could live my life according to 10% of these it would make a massive difference. One of my problems is to take too much on and achieve F*** all. I need to focus on less. A great list to kick me in the solar plexus and remind me what is important in life.

    Julian

    1. Tigerlilly Avatar
      Tigerlilly

      Amen, Julien! I am the same way… My mind likes to work on as many things at once as it can- but i can only multitask so much! I am focusing on less. By starting to practice a morning meditation getting what I need done before all else (computer, distractions). I’ve found I eat more intentionally. <3

    2. Kameron Avatar
      Kameron

      keep trying Julian!

  3. Gavrev Eugen Avatar
    Gavrev Eugen

    101 Reread this article at least once a month 🙂

    1. Daniel Dogeanu Avatar

      You’re absolutely right! This is gold! Will do!

  4. Jenn Greenleaf Avatar

    Love this! (And, I agree with Gavrev Eugen!)

  5. Lee Avatar
    Lee

    Man it’s hard giving up the internet on the phone. Any tips? My contract is up and I’m planning on either going to a cheaper service with internet or totally prepaid without. I just can’t get the motivation to get rid of it.

    Sad thinking that just a couple of years ago, I didn’t even know what it was.

    1. Calvin Avatar
      Calvin

      Hi Lee!
      The easiest way to do it is get an old phone (pre-y2k) they don’t do internet well (if at all). All they do is all you need in a cell/mobile; make & take calls & texts, no more/no less! BOOM! problem = solved! 😉 you’re welcome!

    2. Alex Avatar
      Alex

      Cool!

    3. Anonymous Avatar
      Anonymous

      Lee, just a suggestion if you would be interested in cutting the mobile net usage:

      consider a gophone with at&t. your service packages are optional every month and the SIMs are compatible with any at&t phone (including smart phones). for example, i use an iphone with a gophone SIM, however, i only gain internet access when i am within a wifi range.

      some would say this is a useless way to go about having an iphone? but it’s those who are hopelessly and inseparably attached to the net who see it as useless… is this not the epitome of the path we are trying to avoid in the first place? i’m satisfied as a part-time internet user.

  6. George Avatar
    George

    101. Question everything

    1. Tigger Avatar
      Tigger

      Number 6. Remain skeptical forever. is about the same, eh?

      1. Brittney Avatar
        Brittney

        Correct.

  7. luisa Avatar

    Looking forward to knowing about you & what you are up too.

  8. Conni Avatar

    Ha! I wrote a list of 100 as well and was gonna publish it on my blog today but then decided to publish it tomorrow. You beat me. My 100 are better anyway 😉 But yours are pretty good too 😛

  9. Laura Avatar
    Laura

    I will print this out and hang it at my desk! It’s awesome! Thanks

    1. Arthur Avatar
      Arthur

      Use the tips in your daily life, not hang it on your wall

  10. Krysty Avatar

    Love your list! Number 96 is my favorite! I write about hearing loss in children so it’s nice to see someone mention it!

  11. Jackie Shelley (@jackinessity) Avatar

    I like the one about the tattoo. Learning to live with regret? That speaks to me.

  12. Liza Avatar

    Julien, remember meeting on the plane heading back from SXSW last year? I do, makes me smile to remember the moment.

    Know what else makes me smile? This post. You rock my world just when it needs a jolt. Thank you.

    P.S. #41 is my personal mantra: Show up. Hope we show up in the same place again soon.

  13. Peter Shallard Avatar

    lol to tip #100 … went and did that the other day on my way back from London. Definitely.

  14. Naked Girl in a Dress Avatar

    I recently published 40 things I thought women should know and have by the time they are 40. This reminds me of my list and even has some similar entries.

    This is inspiring. Thanks for publishing it.

  15. Owen Marcus Avatar

    No matter how much I try to repeat people names… I forget them. But I can eat more protein.

    1. Wendy Avatar

      I practice remembering names on the servers at restaurants. I get the reward of being able to flag them down easily and also the awe of my companions!

    2. MelodyO Avatar
      MelodyO

      Tip to help you remember peoples’ names: when you hear the name for the first time, think of a celebrity with the same first name. Then imagine the person you’re meeting having their picture taken with the celebrity. More than one celebrity with that same name works even better. :0)

  16. Nadia Avatar
    Nadia

    Love it

  17. Bobbi Jo Woods Avatar
    Bobbi Jo Woods

    Wonderful post, certainly puts things into perspective!

    Thanks so much for creating it.

  18. Stephene Simmons Avatar
    Stephene Simmons

    I love your Blog, it brings a smile to my face.

  19. waz Avatar
    waz

    What a pile of hokey crap. Get a tattoo? Are you seriously handing that out as advice to live by? Get over yourself man. There are about 10 decent things on this list. Clearly you have a 101st rule, “don’t edit yourself”.

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      I would think that rule 101 could easily apply to you, as well, Waz…and the part about getting over yourself.

  20. Giancarlo Frison Avatar

    I disagree about Tattoo advice. It’s stupid.

    I consider the aphorisms boring.

    But I read the post till the end. Quite interesting.

    1. Dennis Avatar
      Dennis

      Anyone that says I need to get a tattoo does not have my best interests in mind. What are you thinking?

      1. Anna Avatar
        Anna

        I don’t think these are guidelines, they are just suggestions. For me the tattoo one was on the spot. I got one in summer in quite a visible place because it meant a lot to me but I would have pangs of regret now and then fearing that it would interfere with my future job etc. In the end though I realized there is nothing to regret and I really love my tattoo and the values it embodies, and it’s generally nice to have this experience, plus it acts as a stimulus to look for a creative job (which I truly want to have). So when I read the article it hit home.

        1. banchara Avatar
          banchara

          A friendly tip: a job that freaks out about a tattoo (especially a tasteful, non-offensive one) is NOT the sort of job you want. Life is too short.

          1. Jo Avatar
            Jo

            Duh!! You dont have to get a big one and you dont have to get it where people can easily see it. It comes down to your own decision on what type of tattoo, why not something tiny like a star or a little flower or heart? Geze, lighten up and have an imagination..

        2. Clara Avatar
          Clara

          Lol those people are jist too uptight! I got a tattoo that ended up Terrible but i try not to regret anything in my life because i always think, things happen for a reason. I live by that and every time something seems terribly gone wrong, itater becomes a blessing in disguise. Turned to be something betternor i strive to make the aituation work better for me. I dont regret my ugly tattoo LOL itsbquite funny now and one hell of an adventure behind it!! ^_^ never regret anything!!!

  21. Jon Avatar

    Someone once told me, “Don’t have no regrets.” I like the way he put it.

  22. Tess The Bold Life Avatar

    LOL no. 11 my photo on my blog is photoshopped! I’m in the process of changing it! I hate aging in a culture where youth is worshipped. Just being honest here.

    1. Olivia Avatar
      Olivia

      Ha! I subscribe to The Bold Life – good to see you on this site. I am with you about our youth worshiping culture…I am finding it difficult to accept my age (57!)
      No. 4 was my favorite – I read voraciously.
      Great Post.

    2. kindness first Avatar
      kindness first

      So interesting, Tess. Kudos for your honesty. Instead of hating aging in a culture where youth is worshipped, why not hate the aspect of our culture that worships youth? I’m a performer, and one reason why I don’t color my increasingly-white hair is so more people can see that a white-hair can rock too. But it isn’t easy; you’re right. Sometimes people assume I’m older than I am because everyone else is dyeing, not because I look “older” facially. Anyway, I guess I’m choosing to take one for the team and hoping it helps move our culture in a less-sick direction.

  23. Ken Brand Avatar

    Sincerely, thanks!

  24. Caleigh Avatar
    Caleigh

    Words to live by. Literally!

  25. Wendy Avatar

    Excellent tips! I learned a few things too! Thanks for compiling this list. I might need to start my own…

  26. robin Avatar
    robin

    Have a child – it will keep you looking at the world with a new perspective.

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      egads…how about “be around children.” We don’t want to promote wanton population increase…

  27. Gareth Avatar
    Gareth

    Don’t expect too much from your fellow human’s – Remember we are all still primates

    1. Jr Deputy Accountant Avatar

      Trust, I stopped expecting anything at all from my fellow “human’s” a long time ago.

      Although I suspect some species of primate could handle apostrophes better than many of my fellow humans.

    2. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      Did you know that most people will work to meet your expectations regardless of whether they are high or low. You might find a better class of human if you started expecting the best out of them. Our animal nature does not diminish us.

  28. Marion Dupont Avatar

    Eat more protein ? What about global warming? 😉

    1. Laurie Avatar
      Laurie

      No one said to slaughter more animals; there is plenty of protein available in the plant world.

  29. Sana Avatar
    Sana

    Love your blog!

  30. Judy Helfand Avatar

    #101 Be willing to go to jail for justice! http://youtu.be/UROREYJQmfA

    1. Julien Avatar

      Exactly Judy. 🙂

  31. Joann Avatar
    Joann

    #101 Never say anything to your kids that you wouldn’t want them to say to themselves or to their future kids.

    1. Michele Bass Avatar
      Michele Bass

      Very nice! And too often forgotten.

  32. Johnny Avatar

    Wow some of those are the worst advice. I can’t even finish the list. #2 is absolutely horrible. You will not succeed in anything worthwhile if you follow #2.

    1. Max Avatar
      Max

      It depends on your interpretation of success

    2. Martin Avatar
      Martin

      Yeah, it should have said “maintain a shallow existance, never look up, and for gods sake NEVER leave your house!”

      You realize if several important historical figures didn’t “explore the unknown” we wouldn’t have important medicines, or discover things like electricity, science, and technology? How else did man learn to fly?

      Any and all these things required some brave soul to go into an unknown area. If it wasn’t for them, the earth might still be flat.

      So yeah, Johnny, sorry, but you are wrong.

    3. Jo Avatar
      Jo

      Johnny, it says something to me about your mind when you take a simple statement the way you have. There’s more than one way of interpreting each of these, try to open your mind up a bit more, you’ll feel more informed.

  33. Kyle Reed Avatar

    101: Question everything
    102: it’s a marathon not a sprint

  34. zacharaya Avatar
    zacharaya

    so very true

  35. Kevin Avatar

    Fantastic list. Most of these lists I find unoriginal and trite. Yours was anything but. I actually read the whole thing and clicked most of the links. Thank you for your contribution to civilization.

  36. Jeff Goins Avatar

    41 is good. An overlooked secret to success.

    1. Kyle Reed Avatar

      Great point Jeff. I have seen this played out all year

  37. Chuck Avatar
    Chuck

    Excellent tips to live by. And, of course, the best reply was by Gavrev Eugene, “101 Reread this article at least once a month.”

  38. Ernest Barbaric Avatar

    Great post! It’s like the anti-thesis to the Bucket List.

  39. Michael Chambers Avatar
    Michael Chambers

    Really enjoyed the list and the comments!

  40. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa

    Looks good

  41. dave of the infinite madness Avatar
    dave of the infinite madness

    oh man , this is good stuff!

    print it – fridge it

  42. Dave Delaney Avatar

    I would pay for this list as an iPhone app. It’s an incredible list Julien!

    1. Naked Girl in a Dress Avatar

      That’s a great idea! It would be nice to refer back to it in an easily accessible way.

      #44 (Oblique) has an iPhone app. Check it out.

  43. Ben Winters Avatar
    Ben Winters

    Great Stuff I really liked it! Especially the work out and lift the heaviest weight! especially girls comment! Let’s gooooo! Gotta live life to the fullest.

    Ben Winters
    CEO http://www.TeachMeAwesome.Com
    (Teaching you Awesome 1 day at a time)

    1. kindness first Avatar
      kindness first

      Sigh. I was enjoying the list until I got to 89. This always happens…you’re trotting along reading something, and then there’s a comment like: “this applies to girls too.” WHAM! So…did everything up to that point NOT apply to “girls” too? For all your wisdom, Julien, this is a stunning oversight. My God, in 2012, you assume that women (ahem) don’t know they can lift weights?! This makes me rethink everything you’ve written. On the positive side, it reminds everyone that you, like all of us, have a huge amount still to learn. Keep it up, and thanks for not giving a fuck. In a good way.

      1. Gideon Avatar

        “Don’t take things personally”

        That is one of “THE FOUR AGREEMENTS” if you have heard of the book.

  44. Tony Fuentes Avatar

    My fav is 16. Find things that inspire you and pursue them, even if there’s no money in it.

    I’d add – Find another way to get it done without money.

  45. Bruce Doxey Avatar
    Bruce Doxey

    Love is all that really counts.

    Give more than you recieve.

  46. n8 Avatar
    n8

    101: learn an instrument

  47. Gareth Field Avatar
    Gareth Field

    You might not want to advise people to eat more protein until you know anything about nutrition. Kthx.

    1. Jo Avatar
      Jo

      I doubt the author is suggesting you consume huge quantities.. be realistic Gareth…

  48. chelsey Avatar
    chelsey

    Don’t print this list out. Copy it down by hand. You will appreciate it more and maybe actually try something from the list.

  49. Mitch Joel - Twist Image Avatar

    I’ll add one: start a family.

    Frieds, goals and life skills are important, but nothing is better than starting a family. Trust me.

    1. David B. Thomas Avatar

      Absolutely. And if you have kids, read to them every day.

  50. David B. Thomas Avatar

    Julien, this is a magnificent list, filled with things it has taken me 40+ years to appreciate, and many I’m still working on. Thank you. I’m going to read it to my son.

    And a nice, unexpected finish with Iceland. I’ve been three times for the Airwaves festival (I wrote the festival blog in ’02 and ’03). It’s a magical place.

  51. David B. Thomas Avatar

    Never say anything online that you wouldn’t say to the person’s face.

  52. Lisa Larter Avatar

    What a refreshing read first thing on a Sunday morning. Love this list and would add one thing – Never go to someone’s home empty handed for dinner. Bring some token of appreciation.

  53. Ingrid Exner Avatar
    Ingrid Exner

    This is great site. I forget if you mention volunteering outside of helping people. Volunteerism is a great way to grow, acquire new skills and gain wonderful perspectives on life. This is a great site. Keep up the wonderful work
    Ingrid Exner

  54. jolanta mojsej Avatar
    jolanta mojsej

    In order to get the benefits from #1, we must be able to distinguish true wisdom and insight from the plentiful bs that is freely given to us.

  55. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    I’ll add two.
    Learn to be alone and enjoy your own company.
    Learn to be truly silent (not just while meditating). Learn to enjoy silence in everyday life. No music, no email, no internet, no TV.

  56. Nan Avatar
    Nan

    Brilliant!…

  57. Oscar Avatar
    Oscar

    Your 100 list of things is one of the best ever websites if seen, really impressed how much each one hits home…and I don’t say that too often. keep up the good work and I look forward to reading your blog

  58. patricia paone Avatar

    Smile at everyone to make them at ease

  59. Rhonda Avatar

    Yes!! Great list!! I love so many of them (still not so sure about the tattoo LOL)
    And indeed… ICELAND is amazing! By all means go!! I went 2 years ago and had a wonderful time!! Can’t wait to go back!

  60. Daniel Moore Avatar

    Thanks for the inspiring comments, I love hearing about what people have learned in their life

  61. lexi Avatar
    lexi

    The best conversations are had side by side, not one in front of the other.

  62. Camilo Olea Avatar

    Great post as always. What would you suggest to not pass off as a “know it all”? Sometimes people ask questions, and I answer them. Not to show off or anything, just because I know the answer and have no problem helping. Is it how you answer? Is it better to sometimes not answering even if you know the answer? Just wondering. 🙂

    1. Ludovic Urbain Avatar

      Hang out with smart(er) people should work.

  63. Andy Pips Avatar
    Andy Pips

    I never have problems with self confidence. I quietly let people know they are wrong. And no.77 is ridiculous, there is no woman outside of my capture zone, just ones I don’t want 🙂

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      Do you find you reject women first who you assume/fear would reject you? That might not be self-confidence. o_O

    2. Jo Avatar
      Jo

      If women in your vicinity knew that was your stance on women you would be alone.

    3. kindness first Avatar
      kindness first

      Oh please…

  64. Vita Woman Avatar

    Hi Julien, this is a very motivating post. You put a lot on the minds of people to view life in ways that they never thought of. I enjoyed reading it. Much success! ~I’m a Vita Woman

  65. Cheryl O Avatar

    Love the list! Thanks Julian. Are you on Twitter?

    1. Julien Avatar

      Yup! I’m @julien

  66. Cristina Avatar
    Cristina

    #53. Get a tattoo. Don’t worry about regret.
    You don’t need a tattoo, allow yourself time and you will get permanent scars, some as a result of playing others of fighting (and not only on your skin).Every experience leaves a permanet mark on which we build on, and possibly move on.

  67. Erin Avatar
    Erin

    Love this! Great way to think about things in life.

  68. Linda Avatar
    Linda

    I liked it!!! Look forward to reading more from you.

  69. Ty Runkel Avatar
    Ty Runkel

    I clicked on a link to subscribe to your blog (loved the list!) but ended up on this page instead, so put my info just above. Thanks!

  70. Dustin Avatar
    Dustin

    Really good stuff here, a lot of which I found I already incorporate or at least think about. But sometimes for whatever reason, people need to hear these things again from someone else in order to believe it. I have been thinking about making a wall of inspiration and good thinking at my house and this stuff is great. My hope is maybe to inspire people that drop by, family, wife included, etc. to be just a little better and or just feel a little better. The ultimate goal is to have everyone in my life have a bit more positivity in theirs, making everyone’s life improve.

    1. kindness first Avatar
      kindness first

      Love this idea, Dustin! A wall of inspiration! Thanks for that; I’m doing it.

  71. Stephanie - The Travel Chica Avatar

    Great collection of tips on how to live life!

  72. Michele Bass Avatar
    Michele Bass

    Brilliant indeed.

  73. Ryan Avatar

    I just did #83 (the first part). That felt good. Now, to follow through.

  74. Ben Winters Avatar

    Keep the list coming these are great… Join a movement is my favorite!

  75. Me Avatar
    Me

    This blog is by far one of my favorites, lets just say I am under 20 years old, but I know that you, my good man, are a genius. I love how blunt you are with your topics!! Your honest and you really know what you want from life. Please keep uploading more topics, it’s well worth it.

  76. John Avatar
    John

    More than half of these tips are 99 percent impossible for me to achieve. And on everyone of those tips, I hit my desk or chair very angrily. All this did to me was affirm to me that I am not a happy, or successful person. The internet is the best thing in my life right now, there is something seriously wrong with me.

  77. EatTheRich Avatar
    EatTheRich

    Utter Nonsense. This is one of the reasons Blogs should not exist.

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      I’m sorry, we can’t just get rid of blogs because of moronic comments and commentors.

      1. Ludovic Urbain Avatar

        Insightful! +9001

  78. Lisa Taylor Avatar

    Hmmm… I agree with each of these, though I don’t think I’ll be getting a tattoo.
    Though – ya never really know….
    Great list

  79. lucrezia B. Avatar
    lucrezia B.

    Thanks for posting this list.
    It inspired me.
    Number 13 is my favorite.
    Keep the list coming!

  80. clak Avatar
    clak

    this is fucking gay

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      102: Give up “gay” as a slur or descriptor for anything but “happy” or “homosexual”.

  81. Jenna Avatar
    Jenna

    Just changed my twitter bio.

  82. Jamie Avatar

    Wonderfully wise!

  83. John Hall Avatar
    John Hall

    Nice list. Some unique and refreshing ones there as well. Thanks!

  84. Maya Pande Avatar

    Thanks for telling me about Freedom! I had never heard about it. Also, it lead me to find Cold Turkey, which blocks you from social media sites while using Windows. So awesome! Thanks so much!!

  85. Zuhair Avatar
    Zuhair

    Thank you for a great article Julien! 🙂 I realized my good parents have already taught me to do most of those on your list, but I’ll work on the rest from now on. Thanks a lot! =)

  86. Laura Avatar

    Thanks for compiling this list. it made me look at the world with fresh new eyes.

  87. Jörgen Jönsen Avatar

    106. Use less different fonts in the same article.

    1. kindness first Avatar
      kindness first

      107. Learn when to use “less” and when to use “fewer.” Fewer different fonts.

  88. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    This is exactly what I needed to read today, thank you!

  89. Jay Avatar
    Jay

    49. Do bungee cords apply to this one aswell?

  90. Luke Avatar
    Luke

    What tattoo should I get?

  91. Claudiaaa Avatar
    Claudiaaa

    So I love the little random ones throughout, but the best one was #100. I’ve been wondering if I should go for a while and then BAMMMMMM it hits me. Thanks mate!

  92. Harpa Hreinsdóttir Avatar
    Harpa Hreinsdóttir

    This is great!
    Loved the last one, did not expect it! But, you know. It probably has something to do with the fact that I’m Icelandic. 🙂

  93. Vanessa Avatar
    Vanessa

    GREAT list! Absolutely love it!

  94. Maurice DiMino Avatar

    Great list! Very detailed. Grazie!

  95. Meg Avatar
    Meg

    Shouldn’t #5 say “spend time around people WHO challenge you”? Not “that challenge you”. Same with #24.

  96. Dennis Avatar
    Dennis

    It is the best thing I’ve read in a long time; I read a lot 🙂

  97. nikoya Avatar

    Beauty at best here. Thanks for taking the time…

  98. Carol Avatar
    Carol

    Love the list – I really want to quit my horrible job – but what to do after wards when my pockets are empty!!!

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      You HUSTLE! You find a way to make money doing what you love. You find many ways to make money doing things you like. You do odd jobs or temp while you figure it out. You redefine what you “need” vs. what you want. Maybe you sell everything and hit the road for a grand adventure. Most of all…you TRUST that if you are ON your Path, the Way will make it’s self clear.

  99. Katie Avatar
    Katie

    sure some of these things are “inspiring” but really? why do you care how i take my coffee? and the average american gets all the protein they need for an entire week everyday and it turns straight to fat.

    1. Julien Avatar

      Katie. Read the science.

    2. Farrier Avatar

      Aye, the science suggests that that statement is the opposite of what is correct.

  100. Peter Paluska Avatar

    Don’t forget: be good to yourself! I guess that is encapsulated in a few of the entries, at least.

    Merci, Julien. Je me souviens!

  101. Karen Stultz Avatar

    Wonderful Life Tips, one more for you, “work smarter, not harder”

  102. Mattias Avatar
    Mattias

    65. Apologize more than you need to.

    Apologies deminishes people.
    Only apologize when u’ve really fucked up.

    1. banchara Avatar
      banchara

      WHAT? Apologies do not diminish people!!! Being an arrogant asshole who doesn’t apologize diminishes people. Where do you get the idea that apologizing makes someone less than? I’m sorry, but that is crazy talk.

      1. Ludovic Urbain Avatar

        Yes indeed, being an arrogant asshole who doesn’t apologize is bad, mkay.

  103. Naresh P. Ayar Avatar
    Naresh P. Ayar

    Awesome needing facts for good human-beings. Something very difficult to accept and something already have in our lives. Thanks for your thinking and collection of awesome thoughts.

  104. Sven Avatar
    Sven

    Thank you, Julian

  105. Ron Avatar

    Awesome post..

  106. See Org Avatar

    “26. If given the choice of equity or cash, always take cash.” I think the Facebook mural painter might beg to differ….

  107. Beatrice Avatar
    Beatrice

    I have been in Iceland for a year studying, totally worth it! and totally changes my live.
    Great blog!

  108. Real Estate Consultant Avatar

    Well these are all really great suggestions, I employ most of them already, but I can always make improvements.

  109. Rebecca Avatar

    LOVE.

    Except the one about doing a pull up. That shit took me 2 years of rock climbing to master.

  110. Retha Avatar
    Retha

    I looove this list! Will read it every morning. Would add …Switch off the TV!
    I off to go and get my 1st tattoo at the age of 36!

  111. Kelly Avatar
    Kelly

    #101 – Don’t seek life advice from lists on the internet.

  112. Adam Alvarado Avatar

    Dude I can barely count to 100. Don’t think I could muster this many then 😉 A lot of really cool ones here though. Thanks.

  113. Chrissie Avatar

    All of these were amazing. I really liked #5 !

  114. Wodnik Avatar

    So simple, yet so profound. Bookmarked 🙂

  115. Alan Avatar
    Alan

    “If you can’t do a pull-up you have problem” I giggled at this one. This makes me feel incomplete with a burning desire to better myself.

  116. Dennis Avatar
    Dennis

    Cool stuff. Thx Jules.

  117. mr plumber rochdale Avatar

    wow brilliant, easily counted to 100 hhaha i want more like this…superb

  118. Matth Avatar
    Matth

    “67. A good haircut changes everything.”

    True. But my personal 101. on the list would be: “Let your hair grow longer than usual.” It’s a great task for self-confidence and changes you a lot.

  119. Twinkle Teacher Avatar

    I love a good happy list. I’m all about the happy. Look for twinkles, follow the winks, find your happy. 😉

  120. Emilia Elisabeth Avatar
    Emilia Elisabeth

    #101: absolutely s.t.o.p procrastinating (seriously, this has changed my life 🙂

    Julien: I love this site, love the language, love its honesty, and for the first time ever I´m actually putting in my most valuable asset (t.i.m.e) in scoffing down someone´s blog :)) Love it, love it!

    Emilia
    NYC

    Cheers!

  121. Kare Avatar
    Kare

    This is very inspiring and witty. I appreciate and enjoy your style of writing. I love the list!

  122. Gary Scoville Avatar
    Gary Scoville

    I love getting uncomfortable now and then, it allows me to learn new and exciting things. Mostly about myself!

  123. christian Avatar
    christian

    its lovely and i love it

  124. Nikki Avatar
    Nikki

    Well, I like this list a lot.

    I took your advice on #68 and read Man’s Search for Meaning. Let me take this time to say: HOW HAVE I NEVER READ THAT BEFORE? It articulates so perfectly all of the principles and philosophies that I believe in so strongly.

    And here I was feeling all smart for having hashed out some of these profundities on my own. Turns out, I was waaay behind — I could have just picked up this book. This guy nailed everything ages ago in one succinct and moving volume, and through an incomparably harrowing story.

    Man’s Search for Meaning is now my new first date fodder. When my date starts to ask the “getting to know you” questions, I will just hand him this book and say that everything he needs to know about my worldview is found inside. No?? Too intense for a first date, you say??

    Anyway, thanks for the recommendation, Julien. It really was one of THOSE books for me.

  125. Alphatech Solutions Avatar

    These are real life tips that anyone can use 🙂

  126. Henry Avatar
    Henry

    Awesome list!

    Printed out and going to practice it ! (not that tattoo one xD)

    Love your blog ! Julien

  127. Lurelyn Avatar

    Hey there, this is perfect, i love this and some things enumerated got to try it. I was inspired by these things. Life is so wonderful.

  128. Johnny99 Avatar
    Johnny99

    Had to laugh about people needing to purchase an app to stay off the Internet. I think Number 76 is terrible.
    “Be like Jesus, not like his followers. (This applies to all of them.)”
    Yeah, there are people out there who profess to be followers of Christ who are mean, hateful and bigoted. But that is far from the majority of them, only the ones you hear from. I know many Christians who live up to the title; who are loving, charitable and kind. Your entry bespeaks a subtle but real bigotry of your own against religious people and puts you in the same league/mindset as the worst of those you criticize. Not a productive use of your energy in my opinion.

    1. kindness first Avatar
      kindness first

      I’d have to agree. Reverse bigotry. Do you know “all of them”?

  129. Lily Avatar
    Lily

    I’m not so sure about the “get a tattoo” point… but other than that, a great list indeed!

  130. Nuria Avatar
    Nuria

    The more I read the more happy I am by the thought that I am not alone!! It is incredible to see my own thoughts so beautifully put by someone else.

    I am in awe :O

    Thank youuuu 😀

  131. Jackie Avatar
    Jackie

    Very impressive. Probably a result of a person that has given life a lot of serious thought. You will grow older, as we all do and some of these points you will revise. But if you are a real person you will ignore my advice and keep writing and keep aspiring to these. Well done.

  132. Rama Mohan Avatar

    Some points valid. Good work!!!

  133. Nuria Avatar
    Nuria

    “Keep people around you that will tell you the truth”

    Because the rest think it is true too, and instead of telling you to your face they keep smiling.
    “Si me vas a matar mírame con los ojos de matar..”
    Mala Rodriguez(Sevillian rapper).
    It can be translated as “If you are going to kill me look at me with the eyes of a killer”
    Keeping communication as clear as possible avoids unnecessary conflicts. ;D

  134. Alice B Avatar
    Alice B

    This was a wonderful find. Thank you – I enjoyed your wisdom and appreciate the time you spent to share it.

  135. Francis Avatar

    Nice post, i will definitely remembered and should be listed in my office. 🙂

  136. Aaron Avatar
    Aaron

    Interesting list. Some very good tips that I think everyone would do well to keep in mind.

    Thank you for the post.

  137. lisa Avatar

    thanks so much for this list, it has given me some things to think about! I have bookmarked it so can come back to it later

  138. Furries @ Furries-Happyclub.com Avatar

    1. True wisdom and insight is always free.

    Nah! True wisdom and insight often comes at a price. Pain, dilemmas, frustration… just to name a few.

    It is the reward from dealing with lifes difficulties.

  139. NiKhiL Avatar
    NiKhiL

    yes,I think this was also helpful who feel scary about Lifestyle n think alot on it.
    yeah,Read biographies. It’s like having access to the best mentors in history.
    Life is Short its feelings who make it wider.
    also an experience make’s one quoting.

    Thanks u for posting it..

  140. JJ Wong Avatar

    What a great list! Thanks for sharing, bookmark and re-read always to make my life better. =D

  141. JJ Wong Avatar

    Very great list on Life! Bookmark and surely re-read it always. Always remind and update myself to improve from deep inside me. 🙂

  142. Ken Avatar

    Do not wait until you are old to set a “bucket list.” It is more difficult at 80 to ride a bronking bull than at 20. Find the tasks and goals you want to accomplish in your life as you go, and accomplish them fully as you go.

  143. Ana Avatar

    Thank you for the bold and italicized ones, it was just that…in bold and speaking to me. Bless your heart.

  144. Marilyn Avatar

    Thank you! I loved them all–especially # 79 and 80.

  145. Alex Jenkins Avatar

    Truly awesome, but still i didn’t get the idea of going to Iceland.

  146. girmanesh Avatar
    girmanesh

    nice. keep it up all

  147. Eydís Helga Avatar
    Eydís Helga

    YES COME TO ICELAND!

  148. slippy Avatar
    slippy

    These lists are the epitome of pretentiousness. Dammit people make your own fucking meaning out of life.

    1. Wendy McQuarrie Avatar
      Wendy McQuarrie

      Slippy a lot of these things are my meaning but sometimes it is nice to read that they are shared by others. Sometimes it is also nice to feel encouraged about the path you have chosen to lead if it is off the straight and narrow. Even though I know for sure that my path is right for me, sometimes I question my wisdom in choosing such a difficult one.

  149. Amy Avatar
    Amy

    #13 and #77 DONE!! Continuing with #13.

  150. Wendy McQuarrie Avatar
    Wendy McQuarrie

    Iceland is something I want to do but the cold has always kept me away … I will aim for Iceland

    1. Gideon Avatar

      Visit Iceland in the summer. That is when you do all the sight-seeing. Go in the winter for the best white Christmas and New years ever! Make sure you dress the part though… ;p

  151. Vincent Beighley Avatar
    Vincent Beighley

    If you remain skeptical about everything, you might as well live in a hole for the rest of your life, and by the way, that clashes with #3. Good job.

  152. Alan Edmunds Avatar

    Great piece. I got out of a meeting late yesterday afternoon and someone had your 100 life tips manifesto hanging on their wall, so I thought I’d take a look at your website. Good job all around Julien.

  153. LiMoO Avatar

    Thanks for this beautiful Advice 😉

  154. Jeff Avatar
    Jeff

    “If given the choice of equity or cash, always take cash.” I Don’t agree. For example, 50 cent had 10% equity with vitamin water and received it on a contract deal and in return he promoted the product. so when they sold the company to coca-cola he received an estimated 400 million dollars gross. If he would have taken cash instead of equity in the beginning he would have nowhere near as much money as he has now.

  155. meditation Avatar

    Wow, this is great post, I print a copy of this and forward to my all friends. I’m really grateful.I like your tip -Read more. Especially things you disagree with.It’s always good to have many perspectives on any topic.

  156. Eric Saucier Avatar
    Eric Saucier

    Life and all that is in it is a gift from the infinite mind;
    and the only way that life can go wrong is by the limited finite mind.

  157. Dan Avatar

    You made my day!! After weeks of depression, reading some instruction really helps since I feel like I can’t decide on anything alone and need a lot of guidance

  158. Cho Avatar

    Amazing post, thanks for sharing!

  159. Rcg Avatar
    Rcg

    I would have added:
    #101 read all “bestselers”: the bible, the coran, and mao’s red book not stupid thing like Harry potter
    But still I am septical about wherether or not this list is 101% recommendable

  160. Conor Avatar
    Conor

    I’m not so sure about number six…

  161. Constance Avatar
    Constance

    When someone apologises to me it hurt more than before

  162. cloud Avatar
    cloud

    These were realy motivating, literally. thanks;)

  163. Andrew Avatar
    Andrew

    cock

  164. Athul Avatar

    Really helpful and great list

  165. David Isezuo Isiyaka Avatar
    David Isezuo Isiyaka

    I love this arrangement, its the best i have seen on the internet, thumbs up to u man.

  166. Rico Compagnie Avatar

    I like #2. It reminds me of frames, a term used in NLP. To give a simple example, one man is positive, the other negative, the one with the strongest frame will suck the other into his reality.

    And to add a #101 to the list: “Don’t take life too seriously, nobody gets out alive anyway.”

  167. Varun Mani Avatar
    Varun Mani

    Just when i thought of giving up all hope on dreams of going to iceland… The magic happend ! as i read number 100 on ur blog ,of all the stuff i enjoyed reading in here because of how cool they were ,no. 100 took the cake . I simply cant believe u mentioned iceland i so wish i could go there. Thank u was a good interesting read…

  168. sonny Avatar
    sonny

    iceland is so cool go

  169. Ben Koshkin Avatar
    Ben Koshkin

    A lot of this is insightful, but I really wonder how many people will do these things?

    Ben Koshkin

  170. Sukanta Maikap Avatar

    Felt it all … Thanks for sharing 🙂

  171. Mario Avatar
    Mario

    Do you get paid to write this shit?

  172. haydn Avatar

    these aren’t the best lets face it

  173. Michael Bradham Avatar

    Meditation helped me. Heres to 20 Days Meditation for New Year: http://llavealhighway.com/20-days-meditation-for-new-year/

  174. John Cooper Avatar

    #96 ‘protect your hearing’ is so true… I’m one of the few guys in clubs with ear plugs on…

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