Many years ago, inspired by Steven Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, I created a personal mission statement. In order to fulfill that mission, I also developed a set of 'Operating Principles'. I think of these operating principles as the yardsticks by which I know how closely I am living that mission. Although these are very personal, I choose to share them hoping to inspire you to develop your own.
1. I Recognize God in Everyone
I unconditionally love and accept others, and in so doing I unconditionally love and accept God and myself. I respect, without judgment or reservation, the beliefs and decisions of others as well as their right to those beliefs and decisions.
2. I Walk What I Talk
All of my actions are in harmony with my innermost beliefs and values. I keep all commitments I make to myself and others.
3. I Seek Excellence in All I Do
I approach every aspect of my life with the sincere desire to do the very best I can, using the appropriate combination of skills, talents and resources to produce superior results.
4. I Inspire through Example
I use all of the love, talent and wisdom within me to maximize my potential and to experience life as a rich tapestry, full of love, joy, wonder, abundance and mystery.
5. I Empower through Love
I use all the love, talent and wisdom within me to serve others by helping them uncover the wisdom, strength and power within themselves. I give each person what they need in whatever form they are most comfortable receiving it. I am able to impact every larger groups of people while maintaining time and space for me.
6. I Alone Am Responsible for My Life
I gracefully accept the responsibility for everything present in my life today and graciously claim the power to create everything in my life tomorrow. I employ my imagination, conscience, independent will and self-awareness to create a joyful, harmonious and integrated life. I recognize my greatest power as being the freedom to choose, in every situation. I consciously, pro_actively determine the best alternative and most appropriate response, basing my decisions on conscience educated by principles.
7. I Embrace the Journey
I interpret all of life's experiences as opportunities for learning, growth and contribution. I choose to move without faltering on an upward spiral of growth and change, improving continuously. I desire at all times to be free of limitation.
8. I Honor My Spiritual Self
I am a clear and open channel for God's divine peace, love and light. I carry the inner peace of being connected to God's abundance and energy into every moment of my life.
9. I Honor My Physical Self
I am a radiant expression of God. I am perfectly attuned to the needs of my body and joyously respond to those needs. I nurture myself with healthy food, rest, exercise and relaxation. My life is full of grace, comfort and cleanliness. I enjoy financial security. I recognize that material abundance is a manifestation of the richness of my true self and does not represent a choice between having and being.
10. I Honor My Emotional Self
In all relationships, I freely give and graciously receive love, nurturing and support. Honesty is the cornerstone of all my relationships. I enjoy a warm, loving relationship with a principle- centered person who cherishes me. Our relationship is based on sharing, and choosing to share, our lives, our time and our space with each other.
11. I Honor My Mental Self
I seek to constantly expand my knowledge and awareness of life by regular exposure to new thoughts, ideas, people and places. I explore the world, joyously and without fear.