Thinking & Feeling

“The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think.” Horace Walpole

Monday 16 November 2009

50 things everyone should know how to do

Self-reliance is a vital key to living a healthy, productive life. To be self-reliant one must master a basic set of skills, more or less making them a jack of all trades. Contrary to what you may have learned in school, a jack of all trades is far more equipped to deal with life than a specialized master of only one.

While not totally comprehensive , here is a list of 50 things everyone should know how to do:
1. Build a Fire
2. Operate a Computer
3. Use Google Effectively
4. Perform CPR and the Heimlich maneuver
5. Drive a Manual Transmission Vehicle
6. Do Basic Cooking
7. Tell a Story that Captivates People’s Attention - don't know about captivating but I tell stories all the time...
8. Win or Avoid a Fistfight - sort of, but not for real.
9. Deliver Bad News
10. Change a Tyre - yeah I can change a car WHEEL or bicycle TYRE.
11. Handle a Job Interview - plenty of times, both sides of the desk.
12. Manage Time
13. Speed Read - nah, I can scan quickly, but my actual reading speed is quite slow.
14. Remember Names
15. Relocate Living Spaces
16. Travel Light
17. Handle the Police
18. Give Driving Directions
19. Perform Basic First Aid
20. Swim
21. Parallel Park
22. Recognize Personal Alcohol Limits
23. Select Good Produce
24. Handle a Hammer, Axe or Handsaw
25. Make a Simple Budget
26. Speak at Least Two Common Languages
27. Do Push-Ups and Sit-Ups Properly
28. Give a Compliment
29. Negotiate
30. Listen Carefully to Others - sometimes, but I'll say no. I talk too much.
31. Recite Basic Geography
32. Paint a Room
33. Make a Short, Informative Public Speech
34. Smile for the Camera
35. Flirt without Looking Ridiculous - erm. nope I am pretty sure I look ridiculous.
36. Take Useful Notes
37. Be a Respectful House Guest
38. Make a Good First Impression
39. Navigate with a Map and Compass
40. Sew a Button onto Clothing
41. Hook up a Basic Home Theater System - not tried, but I can do hi-fi, TV, DVD & video recorder!
42. Type
43. Protect Personal Identity Information
44. Implement Basic Computer Security Best Practices
45. Detect a Lie
46. End a Date Politely Without Making Promises - what does that mean..?
47. Remove a Stain
48. Keep a Clean House
49. Hold a Baby
50. Jump Start a Car

I think I am pretty functional and self-reliant!

3 comments:

  1. I like this list... not that I'm anywhere as capable as you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pretty impressive! I think I'm going to do it too...

    ReplyDelete