Here is the first version of my Principles. It will remain, save typos, unedited, though a second, which will be subject to edits as life evolves, will also be posted for comparison. As well, for the sake of future iterations and to remain a list, it will not include this paragraph, or the next. A note on editing: I know tenses and methods of expression don’t match term to term (i.e.: “Gratitude” doesn’t have a verb, but “Be vulnerable” does), but that’s because each is written in the way I feel it best conveys my intent and sentiment.
Part of this is borrowed from a list of lists I wrote on 08 December 2016 called “The Ideal” while on a flight to Kentucky, just days before an looming, catastrophic, and necessary breakup. Understanding the need for vulnerability and in a moment when honesty’s hand is forced on the self, it was instrumental to realigning, nay finding, myself. It’s here been combined with thoughts collected over more than a decade, and principles often distilled to three words or less. These principles are to permeate all categories, and every decision and aspect of my life. Without further adieu:
Principals:
– Gratitude
– Be vulnerable
– Simplicity
– Have fun
– Avoid absolute terms
– Experiencing over Conquering
– Experience over Certainty
– Deliberate Life over Convenient Life
– Time over Money
– Satisfaction over Money
– Relationships over Money
– Freedom over Stuff
– Quality over Quantity
– All In. All. Fucking. In.
– Eyes open
– Heart open
– Integrity
– “Don’t fight the problem; decide it.” – General George C. Marshall
– “The ability to delay gratification is directly related to success.” – Rudy Klapheke
Relationships:
– Love and take care of the self so as to feel whole, and have something to give
– Friends that feel like family
– Romantic involvement as an option, not a need
– Capacity for both selfishness and love
Fitness:
– Workouts in support of lifestyle
– Through eating, not deprivation
– Body image based on reasonable standards
Art:
– Do for the expression
– Simple gear
Financial:
– Goals, not just “saving for the future”
– Frugality as a tool, not a method of self-denial
– Active investing
Living Space:
– Fully-functioning minimalist
– Low Maintenance
– Art
Self-Employment Ideas:
– Trading
– Start a coffee shop, beginning with a coffee street cart
– Develop programming skills sufficient to be an independent contractor
– Rental properties
– Life / Work balance, in that order
Work for Someone Else Ideas:
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“In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower