Here are five things I believe in more than anything else.
These five rules have helped me guide my life, monitor my actions, and let me know what I should do in tricky situations.
I’m sharing these rules with you today because it’s important to me that you know what I stand for. I think that the more we have in common, the more we can connect, and the more we connect, the more we can understand each other.
What follows are my Five Immutable Laws. You can count on me to stand by them every day, whether in KnitFreedom, in my knitting, or just in everyday life.
1. Never Blame the Other Guy
This rule is all about taking responsibility for your actions, and never letting what you think someone else has done come between you and doing the right thing.
This rule has helped me grow and learn when I run into difficult situations. See www.thework.com for my favorite method of turning this awareness back on yourself in the kindest and sweetest way.
2. It’s Not About The Money
Have you ever ruined a friendship or working relationship over money? I have.
Have you ever felt nervous trying to get a few bucks? Thinking of ways people can help you out? I have. And I’ve learned that no matter what, life isn’t about money.
It’s about people, it’s about goodwill, and it’s about putting money aside and making room for things that are real.
Thanks to this rule, in any situation where there’s money involved, it’s trust, friendship, and generosity that will always win for me.
3. Be All You Can Be, No More
Life is wonderfully simple when you don’t have to be anyone you’re not. I discovered this rule recently and it’s been one of my greatest gifts. In other words, I say “No” when I need to, and “Yes” when I can.
This rule makes it so that I have energy left to live my life when there are more things to do than there are hours in the day.
4. Don’t Leave Anything Up To Chance
This is one of my favorite rules because it makes life so much easier.
In my work, this includes checking links before I send them out in an email, testing new coupon codes in my shopping cart, and always making sure there isn’t something else I can do before I mark a customer email as “done.”
In knitting, this rule means counting my stitches easily and accurately, seeing my row markers and decreases for what they are, and never trying to remember anything I could easily re-count or verify later.
At home, the “don’t-leave-anything-to-chance” rule helps me never, ever spill anything on my computer (“Spill-free since 2003!” That’s my motto).
5. Everyone Deserves Help With Their Knitting
When I started knitting, I spent many nights alone and frustrated because I couldn’t figure out some knitting technique or pattern by myself.
I want something different for you! If you’re stuck on your knitting, even if you’ve never bought anything before, you can send us your knitting questions. If we have tutorials on our site to answer your question, we will be glad to point you to them.
If you have purchased a KnitFreedom class, of course we answer all knitting questions related to those purchased classes. And if you are a member of KnitFreedom Premium (Monthly or Lifetime), will will answer any and all of your knitting questions, even pertaining to non-KnitFreedom patterns or projects.
To ask a knitting question, please email us at [email protected]. You can include photos of your knitting mistake if you would like our help deciphering what you did.
Leave a Comment
What do you think of my immutable laws? What are some of yours? Please share in the comments by leaving a reply below.
Resources:
Crocheted Number 7: Moogly Free Crocheted Number Instructions
Self-Discovery: Loving What Is by Byron Katie
Entrepreneurship: The Pumpkin Plan by Mike Michalowicz
It’s Not About The Money (But It Sure Would Be Nice To Have Some More): Implementing “Profit First” strategies: Budget Alchemy by Amber Duggar
Get Knitting Questions Answered: email us
63 thoughts on “The Five Immutable Laws of Business, Knitting, and Life, According to Liat Gat”
My most obsessive rule is never give up. It has cost me many hours of tinking and thinking and rewinding the yarn I just took out, but it has proved to be a real learning curve. If I give up, I never try it again and its lost to me, cables would have been lost, feather and fan pattern that gave me fits, so many things would have been lost to me. So that is my most important rule and it has helped me learn so much and continue to learn.
I LOVE your rules. Especially the one about being generous with people needing help. Great way to begin Chanukah!
I firmly believe the more you give, the more you have.
Love the rules. Thank you and then some.
Thank you Margie! I agree with you, especially when the giving comes without expectations for the receiver. That is true giving and it is its own reward.
xxoo
L
I loved this, I also realize that I have to work on #4. I had so many projects to knit for other people (as gifts) that I overburdened myself and temporarily lost my joy of knitying.
Hi Betty,
Thank you for sharing this. I have a feeling that you’re not the only knitter to have felt this way! I think it’s wonderful to tune in and acknowledge that you feel this. I hope that you are already on the path to more joyous and saner knitting.
Much love to you,
L
Those are wonderful and reflect your loving nature. Mine would be: God is always right.
How do we know? The Bible tells us so..
Thanks for being you.
I agree with your laws – now let us get them into the congress AND all political situations.
I have a friend who’s regularly pissed (in a nice way) that I’m ‘such a good knitter’ (I’m not that good), since she’s been knitting for years and I started only recently. “You know everything” she says. I have KnitFreedom! It’s not me! I’ve got videos! It’s Liat! She’s awesome!
Giving credit where credit is due – it’s all to you!
Hi Claudia, Oh, how I loved reading your comment! I laughed and laughed. You are the BEST! Big hugs to you (and to your friend!).
Wonderful information. Things worth thinking about.
So happy to have you back in my inbox….I used your video tutorial to knit socks toe up two at a time a few years ago and I’ve never looked back! I have sent lots of people to you to learn, because you have provided an excellent resource. Thank you!
Nancy
Nancy, thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words and you recommending my classes to others. That means to world to me!
Love,
Liat
Great rules! I couldn’t agree more. It’s so good to have you back. :)
I thoroughly enjoyed the blog post today. I haven’t read through all the comments so please forgive me if this has been addressed already by another member. I find when someone posts a negative, rude, or otherwise unsavory comment it is best to step back versus posting a knee jerk reply. If I do choose to respond to it I send them a private message addressing the comment in a calm, kind, yet firm manner. Sometimes it is as simple as someone has had as bad day and is lashing out from their keyboard. Other times the person is just not so nice of as human being. Whatever the case turns out to be I have responded appropriately and have established a clear line I do not tolerate bad behaviour online or in real life.
Hi Linnea,
First, what a beautiful name! Second, I wholeheartedly agree with you about people’s replies online. There was a time when I could get pretty hurt by people’s comments, even though like you said they’re just sharing their frustrations.
Now I find that I have infinite love for the people who communicate with me, at least online. I have no facade of perfection to defend, so it is much easier to admit to mistakes and hear what people have to say.
Who among us hasn’t been upset, or disappointed, especially with some online service that promises to really solve a problem or serve you in some way? I certainly have, and so can relate to many others who feel the same.
Anyway, thank you for your thought-provoking reply. I love that you commented here.
L
Very thought provoking. Thank you. Thank you also for The Pumpkin Plan recommendation. Sounds like a good book for my son, dil, and me. I look forward to continued reading of your blog.
Hi Judy,
You’re so welcome! Yes, I think this Pumpkin Plan is the best thing since… Magic Loop? Time will tell! I hope it helps you a lot — actually, I’m positive it will.
I read a lot of things about business when I started KnitFreedom but I NEVER learned the simple and seemingly-obvious-but-totally-genius concepts Mr. Michalowicz teaches in the Pumpkin Plan. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
-Liat
If only everyone could follow these 7 rules. Maybe being a knitter helps us to follow them and be kind to others. On a side note, you have inspired me in so many ways Liat.
You are the knitting friend sitting at my side. I have also made Signature Needles my go to set.
Hi Debbie, great to hear from you!
I agree, I think knitting teaches us MANY life skills, including patience and kindness towards ourselves and others. Every time you improve your own knitting skills, you will find some knitter who is where you were, and you can help them.
Big hugs and enjoy those fabulous Signatures! (I know you do.)
Welcome back! My husband purchased your Continental Knitting course for me as a gift a few years ago and I absolutely love it! :)
I think your rules are spot on and thank you for offering your knitting help if needed. I must admit, I always liked your approach of “don’t panic, take a deep breath” when you’re try to fix a mistake. It’s like your sitting next to me, walking me through the paces.
Hi Sue, thank you for your comment! I love that your husband bought you the Continental Knitting course – what a sweetheart! Please tell him I thank him for bringing you to me.
It means so much to me that my voice is there with you when you mess up. It’s such a gift to realize that a “mess-up” is not a disaster… in knitting and in life!
Hugs to you,
L
I love your life laws. Especially 1 and 4.
They put a stop to that ever replaying movie that
carries on in ones head.
So pleased to have you back with us.
Seven is my lucky number, so love all the rules. I find giving back through volunteering in the community makes my day. I hope that I can someday give back through my knitting skills. Liat, your videos and tutorials are going to help me fulfill my goals. I appreciate reading other knitters ideas and suggestions in your blog. So many talented and supportive people to help out.
Thank you for being you. I love your rules, many of them are also my rules, but unwritten. Glad you have returned. Deb
I am so glad you are back! I have used your videos so many times, especially the one to remind myself how to neatly bind off in the round. You are a true gift to knitters, and I thank you on behalf of all of us!
7 is the number of completion! Bravo to you!
We totally need more to play it forward in this world we call home.
I agree with your 7 immutable laws. They apply in all walks of life.
I broadly agree with 7 basic rules; it’s your relationship with people that make you happy, not “stuff”! My fundamental law is “Do as you would be done by” and you can’t go wrong.
I’d also include “don’t put off what you can do today” as I’m one of the world’s worst procrastinators and it causes me bad vibes!
PS Glad you’re back; you’ve been one on my main sources of knitting knowledge as I’ve learned the craft so thanks for that.
You’re so likable!
Six years ago I was trying to switch from the English style of knitting that I had just learned to continental, recommended by a member of the knitting group at my library as a faster method. Something was happening – the yarn was slipping off my finger I think, over and over, omg so frustrating – and I was hunting around the web trying to understand my problem. I was astonished when, after getting nowhere using other beginner tutorials, your video acknowledged exactly my trouble and offered a way to correct for it which worked instantly. That was a profoundly encouraging knitting moment for me, and I owe you. You’re skilled with your camera, your instruction is focused and full of insight, and you use the most tantalizing yarn. Your bind-off book is thoughtful and adventurous— in its organization/design, its technology, and of course in the array of bind offs offered. I just totally admire what you’re doing.
Hi Meg,
Thank you so much for this amazing comment.
This is my dream as a teacher – to solve the world’s knitting frustrations! I am a fast learner and I always want resources that will teach me exactly what I need to know, clearly, RIGHT NOW. It warms my soul that I was able to do that for you.
Thank you for this sweet feedback. PS – I agree about the bind-offs ebook, it is some of my best work! I still enjoy using it myself as a resource.
Big hugs to you,
L
Great post, Liat! Thanks for sharing. I think they are all important rules to live by.
Wonderful rules, thanks for sharing. Love TheWork. Love that you are spreading the love. Your knitting courses and patterns have taught me two wonderful things: how to ‘read’ my work and counting by 5’s. Both have allowed my knitting to be more about the pleasure and less about ‘being perfect’. I’m glad you are back.
Thank you Kaptain K! What a fun nickname.
I love that you have found two of my most effective and useful tricks for knitting. You know right where the good stuff is!
Big hugs,
L
Thank you for this upbeat and generous post…..made my evening?
Your videos are good. I have learn a lot. I am finally learning how
to fix some mistakes. Like your rules
Hi Deborah, that’s fantastic! I love that you’re learning how to fix mistakes. If there’s anything you can’t figure out how to fix, let me know!
Cheers,
Liat
My husband and I travel a lot and there is one place we visit every year. I recommend that you always treat those you interact with, with respect, dignity and kindness. This really hit home this year when we were recognized from the years we have been coming here and have been treated like family instead of just tourist. All it takes is a few kind words, a thank you and a smile (even if you don’t feel like it).
Hi Tink, what a wonderful story. Thank you so much for sharing. This is a great rule to live by. I had a chance to live this when I was recently in a hospital caring for my mom. I treated all the staff just as you said, and it made such a difference. I felt like my mom and I were the guests of honor! Truly blessed to be surrounded by so many caring, helpful people.
Great to see you again. Yes to all 7. I just call these the guidelines for a happy life.
Thank you!
Excellent and simple rules to live by! It’s great to have you back, Liat!
Thanks! God bless you!
Great rules! I’d add, “Don’t sweat the small stuff…and if one has faith in a Higher Power, everything else IS small stuff.”
Thank you Patty! Great reminder :)
Byron Katie was an instrumental teacher and perspective shifter in my life. “Is it true?” – that simple question can change everything. And yes, yes, yes to everything else. As I sit here reformulating my business and how I want to engage with students and clients next year – great timing!
Woohoo! Thank you Tana. Isn’t it amazing how everything works? Love it and I hope you find lots of benefit from the business resources :)
I agree wholeheartedly with your 7 rules for life and knitting!
Thank you, Liat! I’m a knit teacher, too, albeit on a small scale. These rules ring true. Why do you think it’s so hard for us to believe number four???
Hard to believe?– I didn’t even KNOW about it until recently! I think we get trained to think we have to be all things to all people until something finally gives. Luckily, life is showing us another way…
I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed this post…fabulous…
Thank you Lisa! I love it! Thanks for connecting here.
I totally agree with your 7 rules of life, I would like to add that with the Lord’s help we all can accomplish anything.
Amen…
Thank you for sharing. I agree with all the rules!
I love these rules- for knitting, for life. Thank you for all you share!!
Great ideas
You are indeed a blessing to the knitting world! Now if we can just remember to laugh at ourselves when we make really dumb mistakes, life wil be good!! Thanks for being here.
Thank you Joani! I had a good laugh just a minute ago when someone pointed out I had one of my links in this post wrong. Love it! I just laughed and laughed.
Sometimes you can check things all you want, won’t guarantee it will be perfect. In laughter,
Liat
Haha! I noticed that mistake too – but I don’t need to tell you now ? Great email though xx
<3 <3
Wonderful rules….only wish more people would adopt them!
Great rules, no narcissism! You’re really a sweetie. Thanks Liat ?
Totally agree with your 7 immutable laws of life !