Work and life maxims

Here is a list of good work (and life) maxims... I'm sharing these because I think they can be applied to any kind of work, whether you're in gastronomy or selling cars or developing software. Is it philosophy? I guess it is. (Copyright by me, but you may quote me.)

1. Don't run. (Unless the house is on fire.)
2. Never make jerky movements. Move in an efficient, flowing way.
3. Watch.
4. Listen.
5. Ask.
6. Try to memorize as much as you can.
7. Use logic and common sense.
8. Think ahead.
9. Deliver quality and take pride in your work.
10. Pay as much attention to the details as to the whole. (This is what makes quality.)
11. Avoid making noise. Never slam a door. Set things down gently.
12. Don't talk too much; don't talk too little.
13. Be in good spirits. Your mood will transfer to those around you.
14. Be a gentleman, but don't be stiff.
15. Dress right for your job and role.
16. Keep your hands clean.
17. Keep your workplace as clean as you can, but have everything you need in reach.
    
18. Respect everyone.
19. Look what the others are doing, anticipate what they will be doing shortly, and use this knowledge to plan your own work and to make your colleague's work easier.
20. Avoid disturbing others; but if you have to, do it politely.
21. As you finish one piece of work, find the next yourself.
22. Don't mess with other people's things or workplaces. Give them the space they need.
23. Don't do other people's work unless they need or appreciate a helping hand.
24. Don't stand in the way.
25. Check continually if everyone (patrons, colleagues, family) is happy. If they aren't, see what's wrong and what could be done about it.
26. Respect your material and tools.
27. Think of the environment. Keep your footprint low.
28. Don't overfill.
29. Don't underfill.
30. Optimize whatever you're doing, if you can.
31. Accept good advice gratefully. There is no person in the world from whom you can't learn.
32. If something goes wrong, learn from it.
33. Keep your workplace organized. Sort your work by type and priority.
34. Breathe, loosen your muscles, stretch, don't cramp.
35. Work while you can and take breaks whenever needed. Be diligent but don't kill yourself.
36. Work ahead, prepare things for the next shift or the next day.
37. Don't worry about things that don't require worrying.
38. Know what you're doing. Know where it comes from, what it is, and where it is going.
39. If an accident happens, clean it up.
40. No blame.
41. If any resource runs low, refill it or organize the refilling.
42. Health is concern number one. Happiness is number two. Anything that goes against one of these is bad.
43. Keep an eye on the time.
44. If you're buying material, always buy quality. Everything else would be a waste of your and your colleague's time and efforts.
45. If you're buying tools, always buy quality. This means: robust, long-life, simple and effective, easy to clean, sharpen, refill.
46. If you're buying equipment, always buy quality. This means: robust, easy to clean, pretty in its simplicity, not too extravagant, no show-off.
47. If you're building or fitting a room, give equal attention to practical and aesthetic aspects.
48. If you're buying real estate, location and space counts. Anything that has insufficient space or bad location is a waste of money. Whatever other assets it may have are irrelevant.
49. If you're hiring, character is more important than experience and diligence. If you find good character and good experience and good diligence combined in one person, you found a jewel.
50. When looking for a new job, people and working atmosphere count more than what you'll be doing. And what you'll be doing counts more than what you'll be paid.
51. Your job, whatever your part, is always towards the one goal: to make the customer happy. A customer can never disturb you in whatever you are doing because all your other work is of lesser priority than a customer who needs your attention.
52. If any thing of yours, whether big or small, is neither useful nor beautiful, get rid of it. Make space and simplify your life.
53. Keep learning, every day of your life.
54. Welcome any new expericence you get a chance to make.
55. Your body is your most valuable possession. Oil and service it like an engine.
56. Love, respect and reward yourself every day.
57. Praise others for the quality of their work. If you can, make little rewards for them from time to time.
    
58. Always plan for something you look forward to be doing, such as a nice weekend activity or a holiday trip.
59. Be thankful. Happiness lies in gratitude.