A long time ago I was inspired to write a list of rules to live by. Cheesy - maybe - but that’s me! Actually, I can still remember sitting there writing out that list of 15 rules.

Well, I looked at this list for the first time in a long this week. I wasn’t surprised to find that I still believe in every one of those rules. Over the past few years I have not kept up with all of them, but times are a changin’. A new year will soon be upon us; a perfect time resolutions.

For the first time ever, I actually know what my new year’s resolution will be before February! My 2006 New Year’s resolution will be to get back to abiding by these rules - to get back to me.

So here are Justin Cole’s rules to live by. They are, of course, rules for ME to live by but I figured I would share them for all to see. Maybe you can help me stick to them. After all, I will grow through your criticism and support.

1. BE TRUE TO THYSELF – I know what feels right and what doesn’t – don’t ignore your gut.

2. DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL – As long as I am never afraid to fail, I never will.

3. ALWAYS STRIVE TO INCREASE YOUR INTELLECT – I can learn from everything and everyone – Always remember, “What can I learn from this?”

4. SEEK OUT CHALLENGES AND ADVENTURE – Live like tomorrow is another life to explore.

5. HELP OTHERS – Making others happy validates my existence. Strive to make people happy by helping them.

6. DERIVE JOY IN OTHER’S SUCCESS – Remember how hard others work to accomplish things. Celebrate their success and they will celebrate yours.

7. DIVE IN – Learn to be my best under pressure, because once I do I will be able to handle anything.

8. NEVER GIVE UP – Finish what I start, even if it seems unbearable. In the end I will be stronger for it.

9. KNOW WHEN TO LET GO – Finish what I start, but know when it become destructive. Determine what makes it destructive and let those pieces go.

10. BE UNINHIBITED – Don’t be afraid to do what you feel…and make sure you own it. If you take ownership for your actions and your beliefs you will be on solid ground – and happy. Remember, you are only limited to the four corners of your mind - the limitations you face in life are only limitations you set for yourself.

11. NEVER BE ADDICTED – If I feel I am doing something too much, no matter what it is, recognize that and determine if it is harmful.

12. WHEN ENGAGED IN COMPETITION ALWAYS PLAY BY THE RULES AND RESPECT YOUR COMPETITORS – I am competing because I have competition; without them I would be nothing, their resistance making me stronger and more determined. Always respect the rules and your competitors.

13. DON’T ALWAYS TAKE THINGS AT FACE VALUE – Learn to trust others but realize that others may not know as much as they believe they do. Did deep and find the truths on your own.

14. KNOW WHEN TO STOP AND SMELL THE ROSES – Beautiful things happen around me everyday – How many of those things have I noticed today?

15. CHANGE IS LIFE, CHANGE IS MOTION – When I am comfortable, when I am bored, when I am stagnant, I need to remember that change does good. It may be hard, and sometimes painful, but in the long run change defines you – it is who you are.