Self Help

Dance First. Think Later - Kathryn Petras

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Matheus Puppe

· 8 min read

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  • The quote “Dance first. Think later.” advocates living spontaneously and freely, without overthinking things.

  • It suggests embracing life’s joys and pleasures first, rather than getting bogged down in analysis and worry.

  • Dancing represents letting loose, being in the moment, and following your impulses.

  • Thinking too much can inhibit happiness and freedom. The quote implies it’s better to act on instincts and enjoy yourself, and think about the implications later.

  • Overall, the quote promotes a carefree, indulgent approach to life, emphasizing the importance of living fully in the present moment.

  • Life is unpredictable, so take chances even if the odds seem against you.

  • Don’t worry about what others think of you, focus on being yourself.

  • Avoid negativity and cynicism, have fun and laugh.

  • Play life like music - express your natural style. Don’t try to be perfect.

  • Speak the truth boldly. Challenge conventions when needed.

  • Keep learning and stay open to new perspectives. Embrace eccentricities.

  • Follow your passions. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it.

  • Take time to reflect but don’t overthink things. Trust your instincts.

  • Relax and don’t take yourself too seriously. Appreciate the absurdities of life.

  • Surround yourself with wisdom - read books, consult mentors. But think independently.

  • Break rules when needed to do what’s right. Customs can be wrong.

  • Life is movement, so be adaptive. When unhappy, make a change.

  • Laugh at yourself and question your beliefs. Dogmas can be ridiculous.

  • Comfort and courage matter more than appearances.

  • Savor each moment, as life is fleeting.

Here are 180 pieces of advice and wisdom in the form of rules to live by, from a diverse range of historical and contemporary figures:

Rule No. 1 - Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. - Oscar Wilde

Rule No. 2 - You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. - Wayne Gretzky

Rule No. 3 - Everything in moderation, including moderation. - Oscar Wilde

Rule No. 4 - Get busy living or get busy dying. - Stephen King

Rule No. 5 - You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. - Mae West

Rule No. 6 - Be the change that you wish to see in the world. - Mahatma Gandhi

Rule No. 7 - Tough times never last but tough people do. - Robert H. Schuller

Rule No. 8 - Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. - Babe Ruth

Rule No. 9 - Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. - John Lennon

Rule No. 10 - The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. - Lao Tzu

Rule No. 11 - Life isn’t about getting and having, it’s about giving and being. - Kevin Kruse

Rule No. 12 - Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve. - Napoleon Hill

Rule No. 13 - Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. - Albert Einstein

Rule No. 14 - Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference. - Robert Frost

Rule No. 15 - I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse. - Florence Nightingale

Rule No. 16 - You must be the change you wish to see in the world. - Gandhi

Rule No. 17 - The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart. - Helen Keller

Rule No. 18 - The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. - Jimmy Johnson

Rule No. 19 - Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence. - Vince Lombardi

Rule No. 20 - Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about. - Marilyn Monroe

  • Fear can be useful, but don’t let it control you. Confront your fears bravely.

  • Hunter S. Thompson believed in facing fear head-on, like it’s an enemy to be defeated. Don’t run from fear, turn and face it.

  • As a gonzo journalist, Thompson lived an unconventional life filled with risky adventures. This quote captures his bold philosophy of not backing down from fear.

  • By personifying fear as something that can be killed, Thompson conveys the message that fear is a challenge to overcome, not something to surrender to. His advice is to stand up to fear with courage.

In essence, the quote advocates directly confronting and mastering fear rather than being paralyzed by it. Thompson recommends an aggressive, proactive approach when dealing with fear and doubt.

Here are 305 life rules and advice from various wise people:

Here is a summary of the main points:

  • Follow your heart, there is no reason not to.

  • Be sincere and authentic, don’t be phony. Care deeply about what you do.

  • Train and prepare fully, but don’t obsess over the competition.

  • Avoid extreme responses. Keep perspective.

  • Make a positive difference whenever you can.

  • Trust your instincts. Be willing to make mistakes.

  • Don’t let others dictate what you want.

  • Treat others well - both friends and strangers.

  • Seek simplicity but maintain skepticism.

  • Do excellent work or don’t bother.

  • Give generously without expectation.

  • Listen more than you speak.

  • Stay alert and engaged with life.

The overall message is to be true to yourself, treat others well, live purposefully, and appreciate each day.

  • Be open to new experiences and perspectives. Go outside your comfort zone.

  • Don’t let fear hold you back. Take risks and have courage.

  • Be curious and keep learning throughout life. Stay humble.

  • Help others when you can. Show compassion.

  • Appreciate the present moment. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future.

  • Surround yourself with positive people who bring out the best in you.

  • Be resilient and persistent in the face of challenges. Perseverance pays off.

  • Maintain balance between work and life. Make time for fun and relaxation.

  • Be honest and live with integrity. Don’t compromise your principles.

  • Reflect on your mistakes and learn from them, but don’t obsess over regrets.

  • Stay optimistic and focus on the good things, even in difficult times.

  • Take care of your physical and mental health. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.

  • Find meaning and purpose. Do work you find fulfilling.

  • Develop self-awareness. Know your strengths and limitations.

  • Appreciate the simple things in life. Don’t get caught up in materialism.

  • Be grateful for what you have. Express thanks to those who have helped you.

Let me know if you would like me to expand on any of these points or summarize any other aspects of the advice.

Here are 20 summarized rules:

Rule No. 427 - Don’t argue with someone who controls the microphone.

Rule No. 428 - Know the difference between kneeling and bending over.

Rule No. 429 - Avoid time-wasting meetings.

Rule No. 430 - Research stocks as much as appliances.

Rule No. 431 - It’s better to be strongly wrong than weakly right.

Rule No. 432 - You must suffer to achieve your goals.

Rule No. 433 - Help others even if it hurts you.

Rule No. 434 - Be thankful and you’ll have more.

Rule No. 435 - Speak softly but don’t mumble or swing the stick.

Rule No. 436 - If you can’t change fate, change attitude.

Rule No. 437 - Never run from danger, confront it bravely.

Rule No. 438 - Keep playing - you can’t lose every hand.

Rule No. 439 - Praise before you criticize.

Rule No. 440 - Happiness is a gift, don’t expect it.

Rule No. 441 - Take leisure time and do nothing.

Rule No. 442 - Leave them laughing when you go.

Rule No. 443 - Do what interests you to please yourself. Rule No. 444 - Live fully by yes and no. Rule No. 445 - Give your all wherever you go. Rule No. 446 - Never be late, it’s arrogant.

Here are 55 summarized rules for living a better life:

  1. Work hard and don’t feel sorry for yourself. (Harold Geneen)

  2. Think independently and challenge conventions. (Timothy Leary)

  3. Win people over with praise, not criticism. (Mary Kay Ash)

  4. Good photographs simply exist, rules don’t create them. (Ansel Adams)

  5. Loyalty matters. (Alfred Hitchcock)

  6. Stay grounded in both success and failure. (Lou Holtz)

  7. Resist temptation if you suspect a hidden cost. (Thomas Jefferson)

  8. Conformity stifles creativity. (Margo Kaufman)

  9. If politeness fails, assert yourself. (Muriel Siebert)

  10. Love freely and often. (Kurt Vonnegut)

  11. Take risks over complacency. (Steve Jobs)

  12. Stay on the attack. (George Patton)

  13. Use committees to your advantage. (Henry Chapman)

  14. Distrust flatterers. (John Churton Collins)

  15. Underpromise and overdeliver. (Robin Li)

  16. Focus on the present. (Winston Churchill)

  17. Persist with a positive attitude. (Dolly Parton)

  18. Seize opportunities in crises. (Fritz Reiner)

  19. Great art requires sacrifice. (Paul Klee)

  20. Courage over fear. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

  • ntor provides a set of concise life lessons and wisdom in the form of numbered rules.

  • The rules cover a wide range of topics including success, happiness, work, relationships, money, and more.

  • The rules come from a diverse group of people including writers, musicians, athletes, businessmen, and historical figures.

  • Many of the rules promote pragmatic advice, self-reliance, integrity, and enjoying the present moment.

  • A common theme is to follow your own path while learning from the experience of others.

  • The numbered format allows the reader to easily reference and recall specific rules.

In short, ntor is a collection of succinct and insightful rules to live by from people of achievement. It serves as a reference for advice on life’s challenges and opportunities.

  • You don’t have to be extraordinary to accomplish great things. With enough motivation and effort, an ordinary person can achieve challenging goals. The intense effort required can be very rewarding.

  • Don’t lose hope - even when things seem bleak, they could improve tomorrow.

  • To attain great success, you often have to start with humble beginnings and work your way up through perseverance.

  • Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes - that’s part of being young. Cynicism and always saying “no” leads nowhere. Say “yes” to grow.

  • Believe solutions are possible and they often come. Stay positive.

  • In difficult times, maintain dignity through your actions and words.

  • Don’t obsess over darkness - turn on the light.

  • Don’t worry what others think - focus on your own work.

  • Take time to appreciate the sounds around you.

  • Practice kindness, keep hope alive.

The key message is that through determination, optimism and grace, ordinary people can achieve great things in life. Difficulties are temporary if you persevere.

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