Choose Core Principles

It is so important to take the time to formalize your core principles.

When I started this process myself, it took me over a week to figure out what I truly hold most dear and what I take the most pride in. I still see this as a dynamic process, and my own core principles will always be re-evaluated based on new circumstances. Nonetheless, it is important to have them. For example, my core principles are Quiet Diligence, Dream Big, Enjoy the Journey, and Dependable Execution.

Having formal and explicit core principles provides a cornerstone for all decision making. If they truly reflect the person you want to be, then you can use them in any dilemma, with the point being that all decisions align with your overall vision and values. 

If having concise representations of complex concepts is difficult for you, like it was for me, then I suggest adding smaller affirmations that contribute to the larger core principle.  For example, within quiet diligence, one affirmation is “I believe in practicing humility and letting actions speak louder than words”.