Knitting Rules

I have two rules of knitting. Only two. But they are very important, and breaking them results in heartache. And usually, lots of cussing.

1. Don't panic. Think something's wrong? Take a moment, breathe, maybe put it away for 5 mins or a day or a month. Then come back and reevaluate. Very often, this has helped me avoid ripping--or forgetting this rule has caused massive rippage.
2. Read the directions. Yes, really read them. No, don't just scan: read them. All the way through. Now read them again.

These two rules have helped me avoid much pain. Conversely, ignoring them... oh, the sadness. Simple rules. Obey them.