Vin’s Rules (NCIS Style)

A while back I was inspired by one of my favorite television shows, NCIS. As a result, I began putting together a list of personal and professional rules similar to those of the show's main character, Leroy Jethro Gibbs.

What always resonated with me about Gibbs wasn't just his ability to get things done. It was the wisdom he shared through his experiences and the principles he lived by. In many ways, he reminded me of my father, a former Navy SEAL and retired NYPD Detective whose resilience, leadership, and sense of duty helped shape many of the lessons I carry with me today.

Over the years, I've collected a set of personal and professional principles that have helped guide my decisions, leadership style, and approach to life. These "Vin's Rules" were not created all at once. They were learned through successes, failures, challenges, family experiences, career growth, and countless lessons along the way.

While some are serious, some are humorous, and others are inspired by great leaders, athletes, and thinkers, each one represents a lesson that has proven valuable time and time again. Looking back, it's interesting to see that several of these rules reflect ideas that would later become part of my "One Minute At A Time" philosophy.

Why don't you post some of your own rules? They don't all have to be written at once. These took years to collect and years to experience. I'm sure a few will sound familiar. Enjoy "Vin's Rules."

1. If it’s easy, nothing is ever easy

2. There’s always a way, no matter what

3. What someone says they want, what someone actually wants, and what they really need in the end are three completely different things

4. Be nice, It’s always better

5. Sometimes you “gotta” roll up your sleeves and do what you “gotta” do

6. It doesn’t matter who was right or wrong before, WE are here to fix it now

7. Just because it’s always been done that way doesn’t mean it’s being done the right way

8. Always work as a team

9. If you need help, just ask

10. Just because it’s on the list, maybe it shouldn’t be on the list anymore

11. Education costs, but ignorance costs much more

12. Nice guys/girls don’t have to finish last

13. Cheap pays twice, sometimes even more

14. “We can do that” - (Must be said with a Brooklyn accent)

15. Sometimes ask yourself, “Why not?”

16. Plan now or do twice later

17. You have to like your job to do it well

18. Innovate or die

19. Someone else’s poor planning WILL BE your emergency. Be ready!

20. Clean up your messes

21. Think global, start local

22. It doesn’t hurt to listen, you never know

23. There really is no real reason to be normal

24. Plans are worthless, but planning is everything (Also a quote credited to President Dwight D. Eisenhower.)

25. It’s fun to do the Impossible (Lesson from Walt Disney. Go to Disney & see what that means.)

26. There’s always something new to learn

27. It’s not over until it’s over! (Yogi Berra was so right on this one.)

28. Right answer for some, is NOT the right answer for everyone

29. Ask questions

30. WRITE IT otherwise you “never” said it

31. Even if the “Yankees” are losing they aren’t necessarily losing.

32. Take time to enjoy the moment & live one day at a time

33. Always have a Plan B & don’t be too skimpy on Plan C either

34. Don’t forget about the CARE AND DETAIL

35. Sit less, Do More!

36. Take it one step at a time, some days, one minute at a time

37. You can challenge “Best Practices” and win!

38. Make your own Luck

39. Don’t run, change your situation

40. You can make today better than yesterday

41. Never ever whisper when you know it’s time to SHOUT! – from Seasick Steve

42. Can’t forget about resting

43. Teaching someone how, goes much further than doing it for them

44. Don’t be a sheep!

45. Celebrate your failures

46. There is no one size fits all

47. Eliminate the silos

48. When you talk to yourself, don‘t beat yourself up

49. Fall down seven times, stand up eight

50. Someone who wants everything will end up with nothing