Sometimes, life surprises us with moments of reflection. I remember vividly having a captivating conversation with a taxi driver. While stuck in traffic on my way to the airport after hosting a South by Southwest meet-up on neural diversity hiring, he curiously asked about the key to my success. His question inspired me to jot down my 7 rules to live by. Continuing with the Best of Killer Innovations, I share them with you in the hope that they'll assist you in achieving personal and professional triumphs.

My 7 Rules to Live By

Stay connected to the people who matter most.

Keep in touch personally, not just electronically. Nurture deep relationships with loved ones.

Listen more, talk less.

Be genuinely interested in others, actively listen, and ask questions—end conversations by offering help.

Make commitments you're genuinely committed to.

Don't make false promises. If you can't deliver, be honest and find alternative solutions.

Don't get caught up in credit.

Credit will find its rightful owner. Embrace teamwork and acknowledge others' contributions.

Acknowledge and encourage others.

Success is a result of collective effort. Express gratitude and provide words of encouragement.

Handle criticism with compassion.

Pause before responding. Count to ten or wait a day. Choose compassion over rudeness. Seek advice before reacting.

Set priorities based on the “5 Fs.”

Faith, Family, Friends, Fitness, and Finance. Filter demands based on these priorities.

Now that you have my 7 rules to live by, create your own set to achieve personal and professional success. Before you start, let me just tell you one thing: success is personal, so your set of rules should be, too. Think about what matters to you, what principles guide you, what values you hold dear. Create a set of rules that aligns with them. And don't forget to make them actionable, measurable, and realistic. Remember, these rules to live by are not a one-time thing. They're a continuous practice that helps you grow, learn, and become a better version of yourself.

To learn more about rules to live by, listen to this week's show: The Best of Killer Innovations: 7 Rules to Live By.