Six Tips from Three (Hundred) Wisemen

Today I sat down with my wife and discussed our 2011 accomplishments, and our 2012 goals.

While many Christians began some other wisemen and celebrating the 12 days of Christmastide this week, I thought it wise to consider the collective words of some more modern wisemen. Below are the results of a study of 1,200 elder American, with ages ranging from 60 to 108. They were all asked “What mistakes should you avoid”?

A wise man learns by the mistakes of others,
a fool by his own.
- Latin Proverb

1. Putting too high a priority on money — Most of the elders believe that a fulfilling job trumps a higher-paying but unsatisfying one any day.
2. Getting into debt — As one 89-year-old succinctly stated, “They should avoid spending money they don’t have.” In other words, don’t buy stuff you can not afford.”
3. Worrying too much – “Worrying never solved anything. So don’t.”
4. Excessive drinking and drugs — Our elders don’t ask that we to be a puritan, just that we know what moderation is and practice it.
5. Rushing into marriage before you’re ready – As a 93-year-old said, “They should think at the beginning, is this going to be for a lifetime?”
6. Passing up opportunities — “Life is an adventure, but to take advantage of it, you have to say yes to things”. Which reminds me of my 2012 goal — gathering 12 friends to run 200 miles in a Ragnar!

What else do you think should be added to this list? I was surprised to not find anything about exercise and health outside the excessive drinking and drugs.

Also, what about sunscreen?!

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