Do you have a guiding principle in your life, one that helps you make the day-to-day decisions you are called upon to make? Do you have a personal philosophy?
Philosophy, for some, is an intimidating-sounding word. It might conjure images of long-dead, long-bearded, humorless men lecturing others on how to behave.
In reality, though, philosophy just means thinking about your life. If you have ever wondered about the world and your place in it, you have participated in philosophy.
It is one of the oldest areas of knowledge, which makes sense. What differentiates us from other animals is the size of our brain, and using that brain to ponder anything and everything comes naturally to us.
While there are numerous philosophy texts and classes, concentrating on great thinkers over the last two or three thousand years, it can be surprisingly relevant on a personal level. If you develop a set of personal guidelines, and individual mission statement, as it were, you are building a personal philosophy.
For example, one person might choose kindness a core belief. Be as kind as possible to everyone you meet, no matter their age, race, or religion. When faced with an unexpected or new situation, first think: “Can being kind help make this situation better?”
Alternately, someone might reason that the only person they are truly beholden to is themselves. Personal comfort, achievement, and happiness is what is most important. After all, you have just one life, and no one else lives it.
Admittedly, these examples are simplistic. As you live your complicated life, chances are there are a number of different guiding principles and motivations. Still, a personal philosophy is helpful to have, and useful to spell out in detail.
What guides you? What is your personal philosophy?
Related questions: What makes you you? How do we become our best self? Is there a principle according to which you try to live your life? What gives you purpose?
Short answer? Try to know Jesus and be like Him. Sounds crazy, but nothing is impossible with God.
My personal philosophy is to end every day, having made someone else’s life better than it was the day before. Here’s why:
I always find it tough to live up to the people we see online. In a completely interconnected world, there will always be someone who is smarter than me, tougher than me, faster than me…someone who is funnier, more attractive, has more money, and more skilled in basically every field imaginable.
But there’s one thing that nobody can be, and that’s kinder than me. It’s just the nature of kindness that makes it this way. Maybe there is someone more considerate and helpful than me…but they’re too humble to say it. Same for the top 100 most empathetic people. Or the top thousand. Every person would bring the others up and say, “You’re kinder than I am. Look at what you’ve done!”
At the same time, I would never claim to be the most kind person on the planet. But nobody can take that title from me. Just like how I can’t take it from anyone else. That’s the beauty of it.
So I try to bring other people into better lives, better mindsets, better emotional spaces. Even if it’s small—holding the door for someone, making someone laugh, making them feel awe or thankfulness for a small part of their life—it’s enough for me.
I have a fairly lengthy mission statement that addresses personal philosophies connected to each of my roles. The following draws snippets from several of those role missions:
Relationships give my life meaning. Be surrounded by people who care and show respect for one another and are intellectually curious, adventurous, and fun. Be the best friend, family member, and colleague possible. Support those close to me. Be a cheerleader, helping others see their skills and talents, especially as it relates to making change for themselves, their community, or the world. Build and find community in the things that help me be joyful and powerful, which puts me in a place to create the most significant change. Be intellectually curious and crave solutions—love discussing big concepts and nuances. A successful advocate makes change desirable, necessary, and possible. Articulate a vision in which justice wins. Provide tangible actions to reach this future and befriend those who can make it happen. A centered, healthy, and secure soul is the basis for all growth. Foster a strong self through proper self-development, acting with integrity, and frequent reflection aimed at continual growth.