Selecting Your Guiding Principles

We all need to have principles that we live by, which guide us and help us know if we're on the right path. We started this process earlier when we defined purpose and meaning, as well as our values.

This step will allow us to revisit and solidify the set of meaningful guidelines by which to live and operate in our lives. These represent your "Why", or your "Compelling Reason", for doing everything that you do. They will allow you to act with integrity and navigate change, uncertainty, and decision making with grace. These will help you stay focused on things that matter, which will ultimately reduce burnout.

For this exercise, you can use either the worksheet attached below, or simply use the following prompts to write in your journal.

I recommend placing these Guiding Principles in a place where you can see them often.

Write them in the front cover of your journal. Put them on a piece of paper and tape on the wall in your office or on your bathroom mirror. They will serve as your anchor during times of stress, and keep you rooted in yourself and what matters most.

1.Define Your Values. Revisit Week 3 and identify your core values. Write them down in your journal using the following prompt:

My Core Values are:

2.Define Your Purpose and Write Your Meaningful Pursuit. Again, if you did this is week 3, you are all set. If not, simply go to the "Defining My Purpose and Meaning Worksheet" and complete now. Combine your purpose, and where you obtain meaning and write it out in a sentence capturing your meaningful pursuit. Here are some examples:

I want to empower women to live a life true to themselves
I want to be an example of what is possible.
I want to ensure that my children are able to pursue their dreams.
I want to be a support to the people I love

Take a moment to write out three explanations about why you do what you do in your life and work.

My Meaningful Pursuit(s):

3.Combine Your Values Statement and Meaningful Pursuit into a Mission Statement. Using your values and your meaningful pursuits, it's time to craft your personal mission statement(s). These will serve as filters for decisions making, and guiding lights to keep you focused on what really matters.

Here is an example:

Because I value love and truth, I want to empower women to show up fully and authentically in their lives.

Because I value loyalty and generosity, I want to be a source of support for the people I love.

Write Your Mission Statement Here: