A simple way to not suck at life

Tom Hanks received the Cecil B. deMille Award at the Golden Globe on Sunday night. In his speech, he offered advice once given to him on how to be a successful actor:

“Know the text, have a head full of ideas, and BE ON TIME.” 

“Know the text” is specific to acting, but “have a head full of ideas” is great advice for almost any profession, and it’s worded so beautifully.

“Have a head full of ideas.”

Hanks says that your ideas don’t even need to be good ideas. Just bring something original to the table.

I love that. I believe in that. The people who I admire most are those who are always trying new things, experimenting with new ideas, and expanding their personal boundaries. These are the risk takers. The innovators. The people who see rules and restrictions as fertile ground for transforming and trampling.

But it’s his last bit of advice that I admire the most: “Be on time.”

Being on time is within everyone’s capacity, regardless of who you are. It doesn’t require any special skill or talent. It does not hinge on your intelligence or experience. It’s simply a matter of affording yourself enough time to get where you need to be.

Being on time is a simple way to separate yourself from the people who suck at life. It’s an indication that you are capable of making the basic decisions required to be punctual.

It’s also a sign of respect. People who insist upon being on time demonstrate great respect for those around them. It’s an acknowledgement that everyone’s time is valuable and therefore should be treated as such.

Think about it:

Of all the things Tom Hanks could suggest to up-and-coming actors, he believes that being on time was amongst the most important.

Of all the things that helped Tom Hanks rise to the top of this profession, he believes that being on time has been one of the most important.

I think he’s right.