You surround yourself with people who lie to

You surround yourself with people who lie to you and you call them friends. You distance yourself from people who tell you the truth and you call them enemies. And you wonder why your life never improves.

Someone who cares about what you say

Security comes from someone who knows you and sees you how you want to be seen. Someone who will always text you back when they have a free moment. Someone who cares about what you say and how you say it. These are the acts of love that help us construct a steadier sense of self.

Big problems need big solutions

If something seems too hard to fix, we might just ignore it. And if fixing it means upsetting a lot of people, we might act like there's no solution. People don't like talking about death because it's scary and there's no easy fix. But over time, we've learned to change society's views on things like smoking in public. Big problems need big solutions that often rely on changing how we think as a society.

Reputation follows you everywhere

It is not worth it to be greedy over a single transaction. Even if you're not going to work with the person again. Even if you think word won't get out. Even if you think this is your one shot to make it. Reputation follows you everywhere.

Nothing you love is lost

Things, people—they always go away, sooner or later. You can't hold them, any more than you can hold moonlight. But if they've touched you, if they're inside you, then they're still yours. The only things you ever really have are the ones you hold inside your heart.

Never expect people to say yes

Never expect people to say yes. Everyone is busy and balancing multiple priorities. Your request is not their responsibility. When you're told no, move on lightly and freely. The world is full of opportunity.

Always ask for what you want

Always ask for what you want. Many people are happy to help—if the request is direct and specific. In a surprising number of cases, something remarkable is possible if you dare to ask.