General Colin Powell's Rules General Powell says he always tries to keep in mind a number of rules or thoughts to live by, which he has come upon over the years. Here are some of them: 1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning. 2. Get mad! Then get over it. 3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, you ego goes with it. 4. It can be done! 5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it. 6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision. 7. Check small things. 8. Share credit. 9. You can't make someone else's choices. You should let someone else make yours. 10. Remain Calm 11. Be kind. 12. Have a vision. 13. Be demanding. 14. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers. 15. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. (In the military one is always looking for methods of increasing or multiplying your forces.)