Reader's Digest is still one my favorite magazines. Yes, that little odd-shaped treasure trove of self-help tidbits and "Drama in Real Life" stories you probably saw at your grandparents' house. It's always chock full of little nuggets.
A new feature they're doing is online reader surveys on a variety of topics. The topic this month was "Advice for New Grads." The top three recommendations were somewhat typical -- 15 percent said "Follow your dreams," 11 percent suggested "Work hard," and 7 percent advised "Save more than you spend." But a few of the personal recommendations caught my eye, because they're appropriate for just about anybody with a job today, young or old, freshly graduated or already in the workforce.
"Be curious, ask questions, listen to the answers."
"Learn something new every day."
"Take risks, apologize and forgive."
"Life isn't fair. Get over it, and don't blame others."
"Your kindness will be remembered much longer than your brilliance."
"Choose your attitude every day: Own it, and don't let others determine your happiness."
"Expect more from yourself than you expect from others."
"Always give 100 percent at work -- then leave it at work, and give 100 percent at home."
"Focus on the 90 percent that you like rather than the 10 percent you don't like."
"Shave, use good grammar, be at least five minutes early, sit up straight."
"Don't mumble."
By Laura Grimmer