What would it take to learn all you need to know in a lifetime? A trip around the world? A pilgrimage to a sacred holy land? Or, how about studying the Great Books? These are certainly possibilities, but not your only options.
To help you out, we’ve crafted a guide to what you need to know to live your best life. It comprises tips, secrets, and advice on everything from learning how to get paid for your talent to knowing what to do if you get stopped by the police.
Pin your favorites on a wall, tape them to the refrigerator, or tuck them into your wallet. These life essentials may not be everything you need to know, but they will certainly give you the chance to be your best.
Know How the Political System Works
Pop quiz: Who’s the speaker of the House? If you don’t know, you definitely should. You play a major role in how the U.S. government operates. Register to vote, cast your ballot, and speak up when you think something is amiss. By the way, Nancy Pelosi (D-Cal.) was elected in 2007 as the first female speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
Legislative: Makes federal law, declares war, and has the powers of impeachment
Executive: Appoints officers, administers and enforces federal law, oversees military
Judicial: Interprets laws and can overturn laws deemed unconstitutional.
Know How to Travel Overseas
When traveling overseas, preparation is key. Follow these travel tips:
- Get a passport now; the process can take up to six weeks (http://travel.state.gov/passport).
- Make reservations at least three to four months in advance.
- Get comprehensive travel insurance.
- Get vaccinated 90 days in advance. Refill prescriptions; store them in original containers.
- Take a combination of credit cards, traveler’s checks, and cash.
- Leave valuables at home; safeguard important documents in the hotel room safe.
Know How to Be Likeable
When you radiate positivity, others will treat you positively. According to Tim Sanders, author of The Likeability Factor (Crown; $23), your overall likeability is based on four key elements: friendliness, relevance, empathy, and realness. You don’t have to change your personality, but developing your likeability may open up new career and personal possibilities.
Know How to Tip
The old rule was 15%, but 20% is fast becoming the tipping norm for restaurant service. But what’s considered appropriate for a bellhop or the takeout kid? For a clue, here’s a tip sheet:
Food Service
- Bartender $1 per drink (15% on total bill)
Travel
- Cab Driver: 10%, $2-$5 minimum
- Housekeeper: $2-$5 per night (Tip daily)
- Parking Valet: $2-$5
- Porter/Skycap: $1 per bag, $2 for heavy items
Personal Services
- Barber/Hairstylist 10%-20% Recommendation: $5 to each person who shampoosor blow-dries your hair
- Masseuse: 10%-15%
- Manicurist: 15%
Miscellaneous
- Furniture Deliverer: $20 per person
- Coat Checker $1 per coat. Recommendation:$2-$5 upon retrieval
Source: Getrichslowly.com
Know How toDefend Yourself
The focus of self-defense isn’t fighting but learning to quickly disable an assailant and get away, says Yvette Lozano, who oversees self-defense programs for Peace Over Violence, a Los Angeles-based social services agency that offers intervention in sexual assaults and prevention methods against youth violence. To find a self-defense class, ask around at your local community center or police station.
Know How toTie a Bow-Tie
Bow ties come in several styles, including bat-wings, old school points, and butterflies. Haberdasher Anthony T. Kirby says, “By the time a man is 30, he should know how to tie a bow tie–a clip-on just will not do.” For more information, log on to www.folds.net/bowtie.
Know How the Stock Market Works
The stock market can take investors for a volatile ride. As a stock’s price climbs, investors eagerly anticipate substantial profits–but things can change quickly. A company’s fortunes can head south, taking share price and investors along with it. To stabilize the journey as best you can, you must be an informed investor. A good starting point is the BE Wealth Building Kit, which you can get by calling 1-877-WEALTHY or download at blackenterprise.com/wealth/wbkguide.asp.
Know How toKeep Up With Technology
The Apple iPhone is just the latest hot pick to generate a lot of buzz. Just six months ago, it was Sony’s PlayStation 3. It’s no surprise that technology is always changing. How do you keep up? Try the following sites: www.hiptechblog.com, or www.gizmodo.com.
Know How to Deal With Bigots in the Workplace
It is unfortunate that in 2007 some people still doubt a person’s competence solely because of skin color or sexual preference. But don’t let bigotry and prejudice stifle your career. The trick is to be above such ignorance. Here’s how:
- Maintain your professionalism.
- Talk to your boss or HR representative.
- Seek the advice of a mentor or close friend.
- Consider joining a company-sponsored affinity group.
Know How to Speak at Least One Foreign Language
Learning another language is challenging for adults, but it’s never too late to start. Here are some strategies:
Try the LinkWord technique. Popularized by Dr. Michael Gruneberg, the LinkWord technique connects a word in your native language with a foreign-language word (e.g., “airplane” is aeroplano in Spanish).
Read a book. In Use Your Memory (BBC Active; $9.90), author Tony Buzan writes that only about 100 words comprise 50% of all conversation. Start with the basics, such as thank you, and go from there.
Go online. Visit www.rosettastone.com for further insight.
Know How to Ballroom Dance
Ballroom dancing has come a long way since its origins as a pastime for the elite. With television shows like Dancing with the Stars, its popularity has increased among people of all ages. To find an instructor or school in your area, visit www.ballroomdancingdirectory.com.
Categories
- American style smooth
- American style rhythm
- International style standard
- International style Latin
Rhythmic Dances
- Salsa
- Rumba
- Cha Cha
Most Popular
- Waltz
- Tango
- Foxtrot
Know Your Civil Rights
The Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 all work to provide protection against discrimination or segregation based on race, national origin, religion, gender, and disabilities as it relates to federally funded programs/agencies (e.g. housing), employment practices, and places of public commerce and accommodation. For more information, contact the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (http://www.eeoc.gov/).
Know What to Do if the Police Stop You
A 2006 U.S. Department of Justice report found that young black male drivers were 22% more likely than whites to be searched during a traffic stop. Here’s what you need to know if it happens to you:
- Show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Turn on your interior light and place your hands in plain sight.
- You have the right to ask why you were stopped.
- If an officer wants to search your car, you have the right to say no.
- If you believe you were stopped for unjust cause, file a complaint.
Know the BLACK ENTERPRISE DOFE Principles
From this day forward, I declare my vigilant and lifelong commitment to financial empowerment and hereby pledge the following:
- I will use homeownership as a foundation for building wealth.
- I will be proactive in managing my budget, credit, debt, and tax obligations.
- I will maximize my earnings potential, live within my means, and commit to saving and investing at least 10% o
f my income. - I will ensure that my investments are properly diversified and correspond to my current financial goals.
- I will preserve and protect my assets through proper financial and insurance planning.
- I will immediately commit to a program of retirement planning and investing.
- I will ensure that my children receive a thorough education in financial and business matters.
- I will ensure that my wealth is passed on to future generations through proper estate planning.
- I will actively support the creation and growth of viable, competitive, black-owned enterprises.
- I will use a portion of my wealth to strengthen my community.
Know How to Tell a Joke
“Did you hear the one about the horse who walked into a bar and the bartender asks: ‘So why the long face?'” Telling a good joke is an art. Here are the basics:
Don’t start by saying “This is the funniest joke you’ll ever hear!”
- Stress only the relevant details.
- Try not to laugh when telling the joke.
- Speak clearly and keep your voice level.
- Make sure the joke is age-appropriate.
Know How to Give a Great Gift
In today’s fast-paced world, birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are sometimes acknowledged with unimaginative, last-minute gifts. Start by:
- Talking to the person–Ask about his or her hobbies, likes, and dislikes.
- Tying the gift to a life event–Your boss’ 25th anniversary or your child’s 16th birthday are milestones that deserve a special present.
- Browsing for gift ideas–Try sites like www.gifts.com and www.redenvelope.com.
Know How to Develop a Hobby
Hobbies are fun–they relieve stress, expose us to something new, and awaken our senses to appreciate life more fully. Here are our Top 10 hobby ideas:
- Outdoor activities
- Collecting memorabilia
- Learning music
- Gardening
- Performing arts
- Do-it-yourself projects
- Arts & crafts
- Volunteering
- Cooking
- Reading
Know the Gameof Golf
Golf is a great relationship-builder, so you should be at least conversant about the game.
The Play: Contact local golf associations and inquire about beginner packages. There you can rent clubs; learn the lingo; and practice, practice, practice.
Consideration: Playing golf requires concentration, so be mindful of when and where to strike up a conversation; in general, avoid being a distraction.
Safety: Stick to the golf course to avoid getting hit by a flying ball. For more information, log on to www.africanamericangolfersdigest.com.
Know How to ProfitFrom Your Talent
Are you a sensational singer, a dazzling decorator, a brilliant baker? Whatever your talent, be sure to recognize its profit potential. Here’s how:
- Develop your skills. Consider whether training is needed.
- Determine where and how you would like to use your talent. For example, would catering an occasional party be satisfying, or do you want to open a business?
- Find a mentor. Seek out those who can offer insight and share the unwritten rules of the industry.
- Trust in your ability. You can develop a rewarding venture if you’re willing to commit.
Know How to Manage Personal and Business Relationships
We all have more opportunities than we realize to overlap our personal and professional lives. To enhance every area of your life, think integration rather than compartmentalization. Get to know people beyond the small talk, and build trust by sharing your passions and struggles. For more advice, read The Relationship Edge in Business by Jerry Azuff (Wiley; $24.95).