These Birthday Lessons are Your Secret to a Terrific Year!

LIFE LESSON

Today is my 57th birthday (September 22) so to celebrate, I’d like to share with you 57 life lessons and success tips I’ve learned over the years.

1. Trust yourself.

2. Apologize when you’re wrong; the sooner the better.

3. Wear sunscreen every day.

4. Drink water — lots of it.

5. Tip your server.

6. Always imagine that you’re addressing the highest version of anyone you meet.

7. Hold the door open for others.

8. Laugh at least once a day.

9. Say please and thank you.

10. Be kind always.

11. Keep your promises — to yourself and others.

12. Remember peoples’ names.

13. Shortcuts are good ONLY after you’ve mastered the long way.

14. Use the word “may” instead of can whenever possible.

15. Smile at the cashier.

16. Tell the truth.

17. Learn how to make one really good meal.

18. Recycle whenever possible.

19. Always buy lemonade from street corner stands.

20. When you get angry, ask yourself why before reacting.

21. Learn what the Dutch Reach is and USE IT.

22. Give sincere compliments.

23. If someone inspires you, tell them.

24. If you don’t know something, admit it.

25. Ask for help.

26. Offer to help.

27. Learn when and how to say no.

28. Keep quick desserts in the house for unexpected company.

29. Stand up for others.

30. When things go sideways, stop what you’re doing. Then regroup.

31. Learn to be a good listener.

32. Be curious.

33. Learn to paint or cultivate a creative hobby.

34. Walk or exercise for at least 20 minutes a day.

35. Assume the best intentions of others.

36. Treat everyone on their own merits.

37. Cultivate a wide and genuine network of people who love you.

38. Answer emails, even if it’s to say you will need time to answer it fully.

39. Write down your goals.

40. Send written thank you notes.

41. Gardening teaches you patience.

42. When talking with children, get on their level.

43. Ask permission before hugging or touching someone else.

44. Learn how to control your breathing.

45. When you lose, look for the lesson(s).

46. Don’t take advice from people who don’t have what you want.

47. Let someone else have the last word once in awhile.

48. You can’t give what you don’t have.

49. Attach deadlines to tasks.

50. Read books.

51. There’s a triumph in trying.

52. Celebrate EVERY win, no matter how small.

53. Practice positive self talk.

54. Save 10% of everything you earn.

55. You don’t ask; you don’t get.

56. When you hit a roadblock, to generate solutions, say aloud, “I am open to what’s possible.”

57. Always have a snack with you: nuts or dried fruit is ideal.

LIFE HACK

As a writer, punctuation is probably more important to me than the average bear, but learning when and where to apply this vital communication tool helps to get your message(s) across accurately.

Whether you’re #TeamOxfordComma or a stickler for the proper use of an apostrophe, these ten tips can keep you on the right track.

TREAT

For those of you Tolkien geeks out there, you know that today is also Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' birthday. As a treat, here are ten geeky ways to celebrate Hobbit Day.

P.S. The fantabulous Christine Mortensen and I are hosting a self care summit at the University Club of Chicago on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. It’s perfectly timed to inspire attendees to step into the new year with fresh energy and clarity. With exclusive workshops, immersive experiences, and high-level networking, this event is tailored for individuals who are committed to personal and professional growth.

Opportunities and benefits associated with sponsorship include:

? Appearance on stage

? Swag/merch inclusion for goody bags

? Data capture from attendees (both live/virtual)

? Signage, including promotion & wayfinding onsite

? Collateral and support materials

? Media impressions

? VIP access for your staff

? …and more!

Please message me on LinkedIn or send an email to molly at mollycantrellkraig dot co (not com) for our sponsorship deck.

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If you’ve enjoyed the #3MR, check out my linktree, where you can buy me a coffee, book a free ClarityCall?, check out merch, my books and more.

An author, media consultant, life coach and speaker, Molly Cantrell-Kraig has been recognized as one of CNN’s Visionary Women, been profiled by both the Christian Science Monitor and the Shriver Report. Cantrell-Kraig has also been interviewed on the Women’s Media Center and the BBC, speaking on such topics as women, independence, gender roles and life transitions. As a catalytic change-agent, Cantrell-Kraig is a self-described work in progress whose focus is on helping others achieve their goals by sharing her own experiences.