What do you stand for?
What will you absolutely not tolerate from others?
Do you stand for anything?
What are your personal values?
I’ve observed a decline in both the understanding of and the use of a personal creed and how it ties directly into your boundaries with others. I remember back in middle school all the students were given a family crest project. You had to research your surname and come up with facts about your family, chose words that reflected what your family stands for, and create a colorful family crest with pictures.
Your homework is long overdue sir. You too must do this project and start figuring out what you are about before your dead and codify it somewhere…especially in those brain wrinkles of yours. Doing this provides the structural integrity in which you will draw guidance, strength, and even purpose from. It’s something that is important to do practical work on and pass to your children. It’s the backbone and basic framework you will draw from.
Here are a few simple steps to incorporate this into your life:
Conduct Self Reflection: Identify your core values and write them down. Some common ones would include things like Honor, Respect, and Integrity. Ensure that you take into consideration your character traits, goals, and that it aligns with your purpose.
Codify your creed: This is a clear and concise statement not a book. Use positive action statement-based language. What do you want instead of stating what you don’t want. Your creed must be both personal and authentic. What you are about instead of what you think others want to read. “I or My” statements will help make your creed personal.
EX: “I strive to live with integrity, my words have meaning, and I follow up my words with decisive action.”
Live by your creed: Print your creed and display it in the areas you need to. Office, vehicle, garage, man cave, wherever. Refine your creed as needed. This is a living document. Use your creed as a guideline to make difficult decisions. Share your creed with your family and others. This can aid in keeping you accountable and allow you to find support as needed.
An example of a creed: “I will live a life of purpose, guided by integrity and my mission. I will make a positive impact on the world through embracing challenges as opportunities and engaging in lifelong learning. My actions are driven by the unshakeable desire for the well being of my family, myself, and those around me. My life has meaning, and I will seek out holistic fulfillment as I do not get to live this life again. “
Many men find themselves lacking clear direction in life. Developing a creed is a phenomenal first step to get you on the track you want to be. You should implement this immediately.