Algorithms for life

I've been mulling over a big decision for a few days and noticed that I keep asking for people's algorithms for life. When I say that I'm actually thinking about the accumulated wisdom that people follow throughout their lives. Some of the stuff I follow,

1. Give out compliments as directly and as quickly as possible. really think about criticisms before you say them out loud.
2. Never worry about sunk costs when making big decisions.
3. For hard problems, start by doing the simplest thing possible. The rest is just momentum.
4. Don't worry about being the dumbest person in the room. In fact look for chances to dive into stuff you know nothing about.
5. Always take the path that opens up more options. If I'm not sure which that is, I pick the harder one or the one I'm most afraid of.
6. Be good to nice people. You want to encourage them as much as possible.

I'd like to hear from other folks though. Does anyone have any more to share?

Update 1/29/08: Added #6