Life principles v4.0

Two years back, I started a simple morning practice – I’d start the day by reading a few notes from my synthesis of a few principles/themes that emerged from my Stoicism reading journey. Over the past two years, these expanded to include other principles/ideas that I held dear and included an articulation of my aspirational virtues.

The purpose of the practice was to quickly remind myself of a few ideas that matter at the start of the day. When it’s done well, it grounds me and inspires more equanimity. But the expanded length made it hard to focus on all ideas at once.

The challenge with such exercises is that it takes a few attempts to clarify your thinking. And the clearer it becomes, the simpler and more integrated it is.

So, as I work through my annual reflections, I took another pass at a simplified set of principles for my morning routine. I’m excited about the simplified version 4.0.

1. Starting point: It all starts with integrity – make and keep commitments. We can’t always do or make “big” commitments/things – but we can do the small things with extraordinary care.
   
2. Mission: Contribute by working on things that matter, build relationships by playing long-term games with long-term people, and choose learning by seeking new experiences and not fearing mistakes – instead, focus on a creative, constructive, and corrective response.
   
3. Operating principle: Create clarity of vision, bring relentless constructive energy, and build systems and teams that deliver results.
   
4. Building blocks: Health, close relationships, and money are the core building blocks to a good life. Write out your approach and check in every weekend.
   
5. Gratitude: Take the time to be thankful for all the luck and the privilege that enables us to choose minor discomforts to get what we want done. It doesn’t matter how the day unfolds – you never know if a good day is a good day. And there’s always something to be grateful for.

I have it ready on the Notes app on my phone and I look forward to testing this out in 2024.

This is my way of wishing myself more wisdom and equanimity in 2024. I wish you and your loved ones the same.