Life Advice: 100 Things You Should Never Do

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.” —The Dhammapada

Life is a journey of constant challenges and upgrades. Along the way, we fall into traps, make mistakes, and hopefully, we learn. True freedom is not doing whatever you want—it’s being able to say no to what no longer serves your peace.

This list of 100 “Don’ts” comes from real-life lessons—from personal regrets, tears of friends, and family reflections. May this mindful checklist help you avoid what drains your energy, so you can preserve it for what truly matters.

1. Self-Growth and Awareness

1. Don’t stop learning
2. Don’t wait until you’re “ready” to begin
3. Don’t measure yourself by someone else’s standards
4. Don’t sacrifice your truth to fit in
5. Don’t complain about the world—improve yourself
6. Don’t fear starting over
7. Don’t drown in games or mindless scrolling
8. Don’t let age define your potential
9. Don’t use “I’m busy” to avoid reflection
10. Don’t expect others to take responsibility for your path

2. Relationships

1. Don’t try to please those who dislike you
2. Don’t take anger out on loved ones
3. Don’t stay entangled with your ex
4. Don’t spread unverified news
5. Don’t lend money too easily
6. Don’t overshare private matters
7. Don’t keep company with constant complainers
8. Don’t flaunt your happiness
9. Don’t pry into others’ secrets
10. Don’t make decisions when emotionally charged

3. Career and Work Ethic

1. Don’t sacrifice health for work
2. Don’t cross moral lines for profit
3. Don’t gossip about bosses or colleagues
4. Don’t mistake company resources for your own skill
5. Don’t stop upgrading your abilities
6. Don’t expect perfect fairness
7. Don’t make promises you can’t keep
8. Don’t date in the office
9. Don’t confide everything to coworkers
10. Don’t let your job become your identity

4. Love and Marriage

1. Don’t marry just to marry
2. Don’t depend financially on your partner
3. Don’t compare relationships
4. Don’t give the silent treatment for too long
5. Don’t lose yourself in love
6. Don’t try to change your partner
7. Don’t ignore signs of abuse
8. Don’t stay emotionally attached to an ex
9. Don’t argue in front of kids
10. Don’t bring up old wounds during conflict

5. Money & Financial Wellness

1. Don’t overspend
2. Don’t invest beyond your understanding
3. Don’t lend money to the unreliable
4. Don’t overlook the value of insurance
5. Don’t leave all your cash in low-interest savings
6. Don’t cosign lightly
7. Don’t max out your credit card
8. Don’t skip tracking your spending
9. Don’t chase small discounts blindly
10. Don’t be afraid to ask for fair pay

6. Daily Habits & Wellbeing

1. Don’t stay up late on your phone
2. Don’t skip breakfast
3. Don’t sit too long without stretching
4. Don’t crash diet
5. Don’t let your space become chaotic
6. Don’t procrastinate laundry
7. Don’t ignore health check-ups
8. Don’t forget oral hygiene
9. Don’t hold your bladder too long
10. Don’t replace water with soda

7. Emotional Mastery

1. Don’t bottle up your feelings
2. Don’t punish yourself for others’ mistakes
3. Don’t drown in regret
4. Don’t fear the future
5. Don’t let envy take root
6. Don’t self-sabotage
7. Don’t suppress your emotions
8. Don’t compare your journey
9. Don’t spiral into guilt
10. Don’t post in anger

8. Family & Parents

1. Don’t be impatient with aging parents
2. Don’t forget their birthdays
3. Don’t cancel family gatherings with excuses
4. Don’t judge the generation gap too harshly
5. Don’t ignore their health
6. Don’t bring work stress home
7. Don’t neglect loved ones for a promotion
8. Don’t wait to show appreciation
9. Don’t boast about your children
10. Don’t control your kids with fear

9. Time Management

1. Don’t mindlessly scroll
2. Don’t delay the essential tasks
3. Don’t multitask excessively
4. Don’t skip rest
5. Don’t get stuck on trivial matters
6. Don’t over-schedule
7. Don’t waste micro-moments
8. Don’t overcommit to socializing
9. Don’t forget to reflect regularly
10. Don’t ignore life’s little joys

10. Life Philosophy

1. Don’t live for others’ approval
2. Don’t fear change
3. Don’t postpone dreams
4. Don’t reject new paths
5. Don’t obsess over the “perfect” choice
6. Don’t ignore your inner voice
7. Don’t let age be a boundary
8. Don’t stop pursuing your passions
9. Don’t forget to give thanks
10. Don’t give up on your better self

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Final Thoughts
This checklist is not a cage, but a soft reminder: “Sabbe dhamma anatta” — all phenomena are without a fixed self. That means we are allowed to grow, change, and make new decisions. Each mistake offers wisdom; each “don’t” can become a doorway to freedom.

Take a moment to reflect:

• Which “don’t” hit home for you today?
• Which are you still working on letting go?

Let’s grow together.
Feel free to share this list, save it, or comment below: What’s one “Don’t” you’re actively working on right now?

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