Habits a Man Should Develop

The following are habits that I have cultivated in order to become a better husband, a better father, a better neighbor and a better citizen.  I try to keep these habits and although I do not always succeed, I have seen the benefits in my life. 

1)      Take your family to church every Sunday.  It does not matter if you truly believe or not.  It is important that your children and wife believe you believe and that you will treat them according to the teachings of the Christian faith. 

2)      Pray daily. Pray before sleeping and upon awakening. Say grace before meals. Try to read a Bible verse daily. Show your family that your faith is part of your life.

3)      Shut the TV off and ignore popular culture.  Of course you are going to watch a ballgame or a movie with your family, but don’t let the TV be a focus in your life.  Live your life.

4)      Know your neighbors.  Know their names.  Know what they do. Know their interests. The closer they live the more you should know.  Now of course you shouldn’t be nosey, but they need to know that you care about them, are interested in them and are willing to help them.

5)      Go for a walk in your neighborhood each day.  Say hello to the neighbors. Pet the dogs.  Pick up any trash you see.  Show your neighbors and your family that you care about them.

6)      Cultivate cheerfulness. Remember ACE: Attitude changes everything.  Even if you don’t feel well or are stressed act cheerful.

7)      Avoid foul language in everyday life.  Bad language, if used at all, should be so rare that it warns those around you.   

8)      Always be polite. Say yes ma’am, no ma’am, yes sir, no sir, Mister, Miss and Mrs. Stand up, take your hat off and put your hand over your heart when the National Anthem is played.  Open and hold the door, not just for women and children, but for everyone. 

9)      Appreciate the beauty of the world around you.  Know the names of the flora and fauna.  There is beauty around us everywhere.  See it.  Appreciate it. 

10)   Know how to protect yourself and your family.  Prepare for a disaster. Know how to use different types of weapons. Always try to avoid physical conflict, but life is dangerous and you must be prepared to protect those you love.