#1 rule in life

As complex as life might appear presently, there is...and always will be...a #1 rule in life, that if followed, goes a long way to facilitating the achievement of personal harmony and calmness.

Don't be a dick.

It's simple (perhaps a tad crude) and easy to follow.

Understanding and appreciating that we only exist within the boundaries of the existence of others, at the same time, is an important reality to hold at all times.

Competition is good, important and useful, but so too is balancing that energetic spirit with compassion and consideration for others.

Holding an active appreciation for the interconnectedness that we enjoy with all other people, and systems in which we exist, is to hold a deep respect for yourself by default.

Fight for the win...find the advantage...exploit the opportunity, but never at the expense of the wellbeing (physical and mental) of others.

We've all had an experience...or a few experiences...with clients / partners / colleagues / strangers who have behaved like a dick towards us. These moments can leave you with feelings of resentment, anger, rage and bitterness.

Gifts that are often handed out by those are able to leverage a position of power, but not necessarily a key part of success. In fact, earning a reputation of being a dick is ultimately disempowering over the long-term.

As much as it might seem like 'acting like a dick' is what successful people do, don't be fooled.

If there's one thing we've seen happen repeatedly (it's almost as if it's predictable) it's that being a dick always comes back to bite the person behaving in that way. Always.

So as tempting as it might be sometimes to regress back into your 8-year old self and respond to somebody like an absolute dick; don't. Be the adult that you already are.