Life after the election: Ten rules to live by

Today I voted on the way to work. I hope you do the same. I don't know who is going to win the election. Those of you who read this blog know my sentiments regarding one particular candidate's tax policies, but that's not what this post is about. This is about life after November 4th. Before today is out our country will have elected a new President. That is pretty cool, I don't care whose sign you have in your front yard. So no matter who you vote for here are my ten tips for life after the election.

1. Pray for the President. It doesn't matter who is in office; it is a gargantuan responsibility. He's going to need help and you would be wise to ask God to lend him a hand.


2. Accept responsibility for yourself. Blaming someone's tax increase for your lack of success is as absurd as lamenting the absence of a social program to make your life easier. If you don't accept responsibility for your life you can't change it. And the "Change" you need has to come from the person in the mirror.


3. Be thankful. If your candidate wins the election be grateful that you were able to get him into office. If the other candidate wins the election be thankful that your neighbor was able to get him into office. I would much rather have a President elected by the guy across the street than one appointed by a council, commission or despot I never saw.


4. Don't wait for politicians. If you see something that you think needs to happen get creative and start the ball rolling. If you don't know what to do start asking people. There is nothing worse than someone who uses government inaction as the excuse to complain. If you're surprised that Uncle Sam doesn't move as fast as he needs to you're either VERY young or you haven't been paying attention.


5. Read a book. When the election returns are through turn off the TV. In fact, turn it off for the entire month of November. If you want to make a difference come inauguration day read a book written by or about the winning candidate. You'll be more respected and a lot more engaging in conversation if you do your own homework rather than regurgitate the views of Shane Matthews or Rush Limbaugh. Doing your own thinking starts with doing your own reading.


6. Be gracious. The 2000 election and it's aftermath was the most contentious political environment of my short life. I don't remember the way all my friends and associates voted, but I remember the ones who made asses out of themselves. Life is about relationships, not elections. If you can't partake in the democratic process and be civil to those you disagree with you're missing the whole point. It's a peaceful transfer of power, not a gloating or sulking one.


7. Be realistic. For as long as there have been elections there have been candidates promising doom and gloom if their opponent is elected. Four more years of Bush isn't going to send the country to hell in a hand basket and an Obama Presidency isn't going to turn the country into an EU surrogate. It's easy to imagine the worst in any situation because it requires you to do nothing. Imagining a world that's better off, even if things don't go your way means you have to work. Welcome to life.


8. Save. I don't care who you want for President you need to spend less than you make. It's simple math. Your choices are a life on your terms if you save or a life on the government's terms if you don't. No offense, but I don't want to depend on any politician for mine and my family's financial well being.


9. Give. It doesn't matter who you are; you can find someone worse off. Whether it's time, money, health, family, employment, knowledge, compassion or faith...you have something that someone else needs desperately. We are wired to give. There are many examples of people throughout history who reached the pinnacle of financial and material success only to find that giving provided the one true, lasting payoff. If you want to be rich financially, emotionally or spiritually, you must give. Don't wait until you've got a million dollars in the bank to learn such an important lesson.


10. Decide. The one thing you have complete and total control over is your decision to think, feel and act right now. Your decision NOT to be joyful, thankful and encouraging is the only thing standing in the way of a wonderful life. It's not a politician, it's you. It's your decision. You can literally change your life with a decision. That's exciting! I don't care who's on your ballot.

Comments

[Wanda Brannon]

Thanks, I needed that! I'm a little uptight about this election. You put things back into perspective.

[Annette Dahlke]

What a fantastic outlook! This is the best advice we have gotten lately next to our pastor's, which reminded us that God is in control no matter who wins the election! I am going to take your list to heart and suggest it to others I talk to. You are the "renaissance accountant"! So much more to your professional advice than numbers. Thanks for sharing.

[Mike M]

Very well said my friend!

[Danielle Anders]

Wow! You have really put things in perspective! Thanks for the excellent spin!

[Jamie]

Excellent read! Very well said!

[Tanya Williams]

God Bless America.

[Josie Brannon]

Always the right words, Joey. You need to share this with evreryone on your conact list. Which I'm sure you already have. Thanks for sharing this and I'm proud of you. :)

[Mark Sabuda]

Joey, very well written. I will be sharing this with others. Thanks for posting.