Rule #7: Don’t Re-Invent the Wheel.

Rule number seven: Be smart, don’t re-invent the wheel.

People should not need to be reminded of this really basic rule. The problem is, people re-invent the wheel all the time, so here is their reminder:
 

1. If you can’t say it better, then don’t.
2. If it’s already been done, find out how.

Those two simple restatements of this rule have saved me countless embarrassments and hours of frustration.