I believe everyone should create their own life principles. They’re not just words on paper — they guide your decisions, help you stay focused, and make life simpler when things get messy.
When I think about it, life is full of distractions, pressure, and endless choices. Principles give you a compass. They tell you what’s worth your energy and what’s not.
Why Life Principles Matter
Having clear principles helps you:
- Make decisions faster and better.
- Stay aligned with your values instead of reacting to circumstances.
- Live with purpose rather than chasing short-term goals.
Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, talks about living a principle-based life. Basically, a life guided by principles is more fulfilling than one based on money, approval, or temporary achievements.
How I Approach My Life Principles
Here’s how I think about mine — and it might help you create yours:
1. Know Your Core Values
Figure out what matters most to you. For me, it’s service and perseverance — with service as the top priority. These are the foundation of everything I do.
2. Pick Your Focus Areas
Decide which parts of life get your attention. Mine are spirituality, fitness, finance, and relationships. Everything else is secondary.
3. Make an Ignore List
Knowing what you won’t focus on is just as important. For example, I avoid watching TV after 10 PM. This frees up energy for things that actually matter.
4. See Life as Service
Approach life as an opportunity to help and serve — at work, at home, with friends. Service gives purpose to everything you do.
5. Write Daily
Writing in a journal every day helps me clarify my thoughts, plan my actions, and stay on track. Even 10 minutes is enough.
6. Do Minimum Work First
At work, I focus on completing the essential tasks first. Once those are done, I can go beyond. It reduces mistakes and keeps priorities clear.
7. Enjoy Every Moment
Don’t wait for big milestones to enjoy life. Find joy in work, learning, and even small daily routines.
8. Value Humor
Humor keeps life light and perspective intact. Don’t underestimate it.
9. Focus on the Journey
Success isn’t just about results. The process, lessons, and small wins along the way matter just as much.
10. Separate People from Situations
In conflicts, address the problem — not the person. It makes resolving issues easier.
11. Plan and Visualize
All things are created twice — first in your mind, then in reality. Visualizing what you want helps you take action with clarity.
12. Remember Problems Are Temporary
Challenges come and go. Solutions are always possible, even if it takes time.
13. Service First, Gratitude Second
If I can do only two things in a day, I focus on helping others first, then reflecting on what I’m grateful for. Ending the day with gratitude keeps me grounded.
14. Ask for What You Want
People often miss out because they never ask. Be clear and bold about your needs.
15. Believe in Human Potential
If someone can imagine it, they can do it. This applies to you too.
16. Persistence Wins
Consistency matters more than short bursts of energy. Keep going, step by step, even if progress feels slow.
Final Thoughts
Life principles aren’t about following someone else’s rules. They’re about deciding what’s important to you and sticking to it.
When you live by your principles, decisions get easier, life feels simpler, and challenges become opportunities.
Start small: pick 3–5 principles today. Write them down. See how they change the way you live.
One Point Ahead 