Great Advice in Seven Words or Less

Posted on May 11, 2007 by Dave Pollard
tom toles food cartoon
WaPo cartoon by the brilliant Tom Toles
When I’ve asked for advice, I’m most likely to understand it, follow it, and remember it when it’s short and to the point (unless it’s really asinine, like “relax”). When I’ve been thanked for my advice, same thing. There is something about brevity that seems to bring with it credibility.

So here’s a challenge to you:

Tell us the best advice you’ve ever had, that you’ve followed, in seven words or less.

I started putting together a list of such advice, and was surprised to discover that often the shorter it was, the more compelling it was.Here’s my list, in increasing order of succinctness:

  • Want affection? Offer genuine attention and appreciation.
  • To persuade someone, tell a compelling story.
  • For unqualified love, adopt a shelter animal.
  • Don’t try to do anything important alone.
  • First, understand why it is that way.
  • Do one or two things really well.
  • Find a need and fill it.
  • Know what problem you’re solving.
  • Never be indebted to strangers.
  • Find and do meaningful work.
  • You can’t change a culture.
  • Try not to try too hard.
  • Find where you belong.
  • It’s never that simple.
  • Be good to yourself.
  • Change yourself first.
  • Trust your instincts.
  • Buy less stuff.
  • Stop at one.
  • Think critically.
  • Pay attention.
  • Live simply.
  • Be yourself.
  • Just begin.
  • Never lie.
  • Reconnect.
  • Practice.
  • Imagine.

Your turn.

Category: Let-Self-Change
This entry was posted in Collapse Watch. Bookmark the permalink.

20 Responses to Great Advice in Seven Words or Less

  1. Kirk says:
    May 11, 2007 at 20:00

    Be not half-assed.No regrets.Check your assumptions.

  2. Carroll says:
    May 11, 2007 at 20:31

    When you’re in a hurry…slow down.Shower the people you love with love.Keep your skirt below your knees. (That one was from my mother!)Remember to say please, and thank you.Smile.

  3. Jacob Haqq-Misra says:
    May 11, 2007 at 21:20

    Brevity is the soul of wit.Why not?

  4. Mike says:
    May 11, 2007 at 22:33

    Things are more complicated than you think.

  6. ratTus rattUs says:
    May 12, 2007 at 03:52

    Stop making sense.(Also happens to be part of lyrics by the band Talking Heads.)

  7. Vincent Wright says:
    May 12, 2007 at 07:08

    “Get it in writing.””Put it in writing.””Etu, Brute?””It is finished.””Post nubleus phoebus.” (After the clouds, the sun.)”E pluribus unum””United we stand. Divided we fall.”

  8. Ginger says:
    May 12, 2007 at 07:15

    Don’t let the bastards grind you down.Hang onto your sense of humor.Eat to live, not live to eat.Set a good example.Keep your chin up.Live and let live.Be true to yourself.Set realistic goals.Watch your back.Pick your battles.Let it be.Do your best.Be kind.Listen.Empathize.Relax.Smile.

  9. Dagny says:
    May 12, 2007 at 09:06

    Most of the people you will meet in business don’t know what they are doing.– told to me my my father when I graduated from college. In the ensuing 30 years, I have found Dad to be correct.

  10. Siona says:
    May 12, 2007 at 09:38

    Breathe.I’m serious. Stop. Take a deep breath. Now a deeper one. Best advice ever.

  11. chasby says:
    May 12, 2007 at 10:19

    Do the next right thing. Jacqueline SmallChallenge your assumptions. Ayn Rand

  12. Paul Justus says:
    May 13, 2007 at 00:43

    Having founded the Global Environmental Tax Shift (GETS) Alliance I submit the following advice:Tax what we take, Not what we make;Tax Pollution, Not Production;Change Our Taxes, Change Our World;Tax Waste, Not Work;Tax Bads, Not Goods.

  13. ratTus rattUs says:
    May 13, 2007 at 02:33

    Thanks Siona for your advice! I did get it before, and yes, it does work wonders.

  14. Dave Pollard says:
    May 13, 2007 at 08:29

    Some great advice here, everyone. Thanks.

  15. Keith says:
    May 14, 2007 at 07:05

    My favourite (and actually 9 words), and one I try to always apply:You don’t have to be somber to be serious.

  16. Steve Bean says:
    May 14, 2007 at 12:25

    I just gave this to a friend last week: act out of love, starting with yourself.

  17. Siona says:
    May 15, 2007 at 10:48

    Oh. One more I heard recently.Don’t resist.

  18. Piers says:
    May 15, 2007 at 13:37

    Best ever given to me was:Shut up

  19. Piers says:
    May 15, 2007 at 13:52

    oops … and listen :)

  20. Wandering Willow says:
    May 16, 2007 at 13:05

    Always connect with love in your heart, before speaking. Always speak from the heart.Look for the God in everyone’s eyes. (Great list, Dave! Great comments, everyone!)

Comments are closed.