In the summer of 2013 my amazing wife, Natalie and I were able to adopt the two coolest little girls in the world.  Presley, our 6 year old is currently in kindergarten and Kylie, our 5 year old, is in Pre-K.  I can’t brag enough on how well they have transitioned into our family or how well they are doing in school.

As we’ve begun our nurturing process with these two beautiful little girls, we wanted to establish a few “ground rules” if you will, for school that would transition well into life.

I want to share these with you.  As we’ve spent time indoctrinating them into the girls, I’ve realized even more just how poignant these are for anyone of any walk of life.

1. Show Up

Most of life is simply, just showing up.  In my professional and personal life, if someone doesn’t show up to something or even if they’re late, it tells me that whatever it is we’re supposed to be doing is not important to them.  It also makes me feel like I am not important to them.  To start anything in life off on the right foot, show up on time.

2. Do What You’re Supposed to Do

If you can’t follow directions you will never accomplish anything substantial in life.  A great leader knows how to follow.  Show your worth by doing well what is asked of you, what you say you will do, or what you know needs to be done.

3. Be Nice

Nobody likes a jerk.  Life is too short to spend it being negative.  We tell the girls, “to have a friend, you have to be a friend”.  In most personal or professional settings people tend to respond better to sugar than vinegar.

I know these are simple, but I think sometimes it’s the simplest lessons that are the one’s we need the most.