The Top 10 Personal Operating Principles

Originally Submitted on 2/7/2002.

Many years ago, inspired by Steven Covey's 7 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, proactively 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 and mental selves.

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.

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.

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