I've been doing a lot of reading lately and one thing I keep coming across is to set specific "core values" for yourself. Write down your core values and read them every day. Use them as a guideline to help make everyday life decisions easier and to help you be the person that you truly want to be. One article that really helped me figure out my core values was written by Craig Ballantyne of earlitorise.com. I can't find a link to the article. I believe it was actually from an ebook of his. He has many core values that I truly believe in. I borrowed some from him and created some of my own to make my list of core values. I will give credit to the ones I borrowed from him.
Here is my list:
1) Get to bed as early as possible and do not wake up past 8am the latest (I'm usually up by 6:30). The only exceptions are when there is a planned event that must be attended, when at the firehouse or during emergency situations. Also, Do not drink caffeine at least 4 hours before bedtime and do not drink alcohol at least 2 hours before. (Partially Craig Ballsntyne)
2) Maintain a Healthy lifestyle which includes sticking to my exercise routine and a healthy diet. Always maintain excellent cardio health. Always eat the healthiest meal possible in any situation. Try to limit the consumption of processed foods and stick to a diet of whole, natural foods.
3) Avoid spending unnecessary time on the phone or looking at useless internet sites. Avoid social media as much as possible unless for business purposes. (Partial CB)
4) Avoid all prescription medications unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Avoid pain meds at any cost. Never become dependent on any kind of medication whatsoever. Always find naturals alternatives.
5) Create a to-do list at the end of every day and follow the to-do list first thing the next morning. (CB - Since I started doing this, I have been getting a lot more accomplished. It really works!)
6) Record, in a journal, any major lessons that I have learned that day, any mistakes I have made and any problems I have solved. Write down anything I am thankful for that day. (CB - This is another one that really does wonders)
7) Avoid confrontations with anyone, in-person or online. This is a waste of my time and energy. Arguing only causes the other person to argue back and defend themselves even further. If I have caused harm, apologize and fix the situation. If someone simply does not like something I have done or something that I do or disagrees with me, that is fine, do not get into an argument about it. Simply take a deep breath, relax, breathe out and refocus my effort back on my work and goals. (Partial CB- Read books by Dale Carnegie to learn more about this)
8) I will not be the person that I don't want to be. I will not be petty, Jealous, or envious, or give into any of the lazy emotions. I will not gossip or speak badly of others, no matter who I am with or what environment I'm in. I will not be negative when it's easier to be positive. I will not hurt others when it is easier to help. (CB)
9) NEVER lie, cheat, or steal. Always be honest and tell the truth, even if the truth may hurt. Always remain loyal and faithful to all close to me, including my future customers. Always treat them with the utmost respect. In business, always be honest about everything. Never screw anyone over. Only make a transaction if the transaction is not only benefiting you, but the other person involved as well.
10) Always remember that "it will all be over soon". This serves in good times and bad. In hard times, or during intense physical effort or discomfort, I know that it will all be over soon. A small amount of suffering now will be forgotten later when I will enjoy the rewards of my work. In good times, I will remember that life is short, and I must make things count now, no matter how good things are going. i must never let myself become soft and lazy, because I have too much to accomplish in a short time. (CB)
11) Everything that happens to me - good or bad - is my personal responsibility. I blame no one but myself. These are the choices I have made- this is the life I am living. I create my own luck. I will accept the consequences of my action. (Partial CB)
12) I will always give 100% in everything I do or and cause I strongly believe in. If I'm going to half- a$$ something then I might as well not do it at all.
13) I will always keep the child within me alive. I will laugh every day and laugh often. I will make others laugh at every opportunity. I will always try my hardest to brighten up the day of everyone around me. (Partial CB)
I read these to myself a few times a day to embed them into my mind. Even though I follow each one as best as I could everyday, by reading them each day, it will eventually come more natural to me. I also let my future wife read them so that if I happen to stray from them, she could remind me and get me back on track.
What are Your "Core Values"?
Here is my list:
1) Get to bed as early as possible and do not wake up past 8am the latest (I'm usually up by 6:30). The only exceptions are when there is a planned event that must be attended, when at the firehouse or during emergency situations. Also, Do not drink caffeine at least 4 hours before bedtime and do not drink alcohol at least 2 hours before. (Partially Craig Ballsntyne)
2) Maintain a Healthy lifestyle which includes sticking to my exercise routine and a healthy diet. Always maintain excellent cardio health. Always eat the healthiest meal possible in any situation. Try to limit the consumption of processed foods and stick to a diet of whole, natural foods.
3) Avoid spending unnecessary time on the phone or looking at useless internet sites. Avoid social media as much as possible unless for business purposes. (Partial CB)
4) Avoid all prescription medications unless ABSOLUTELY necessary. Avoid pain meds at any cost. Never become dependent on any kind of medication whatsoever. Always find naturals alternatives.
5) Create a to-do list at the end of every day and follow the to-do list first thing the next morning. (CB - Since I started doing this, I have been getting a lot more accomplished. It really works!)
6) Record, in a journal, any major lessons that I have learned that day, any mistakes I have made and any problems I have solved. Write down anything I am thankful for that day. (CB - This is another one that really does wonders)
7) Avoid confrontations with anyone, in-person or online. This is a waste of my time and energy. Arguing only causes the other person to argue back and defend themselves even further. If I have caused harm, apologize and fix the situation. If someone simply does not like something I have done or something that I do or disagrees with me, that is fine, do not get into an argument about it. Simply take a deep breath, relax, breathe out and refocus my effort back on my work and goals. (Partial CB- Read books by Dale Carnegie to learn more about this)
8) I will not be the person that I don't want to be. I will not be petty, Jealous, or envious, or give into any of the lazy emotions. I will not gossip or speak badly of others, no matter who I am with or what environment I'm in. I will not be negative when it's easier to be positive. I will not hurt others when it is easier to help. (CB)
9) NEVER lie, cheat, or steal. Always be honest and tell the truth, even if the truth may hurt. Always remain loyal and faithful to all close to me, including my future customers. Always treat them with the utmost respect. In business, always be honest about everything. Never screw anyone over. Only make a transaction if the transaction is not only benefiting you, but the other person involved as well.
10) Always remember that "it will all be over soon". This serves in good times and bad. In hard times, or during intense physical effort or discomfort, I know that it will all be over soon. A small amount of suffering now will be forgotten later when I will enjoy the rewards of my work. In good times, I will remember that life is short, and I must make things count now, no matter how good things are going. i must never let myself become soft and lazy, because I have too much to accomplish in a short time. (CB)
11) Everything that happens to me - good or bad - is my personal responsibility. I blame no one but myself. These are the choices I have made- this is the life I am living. I create my own luck. I will accept the consequences of my action. (Partial CB)
12) I will always give 100% in everything I do or and cause I strongly believe in. If I'm going to half- a$$ something then I might as well not do it at all.
13) I will always keep the child within me alive. I will laugh every day and laugh often. I will make others laugh at every opportunity. I will always try my hardest to brighten up the day of everyone around me. (Partial CB)
I read these to myself a few times a day to embed them into my mind. Even though I follow each one as best as I could everyday, by reading them each day, it will eventually come more natural to me. I also let my future wife read them so that if I happen to stray from them, she could remind me and get me back on track.
What are Your "Core Values"?
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