“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus
Your personal creed is a guiding light that illuminates your values, aspirations, and the path you choose to walk in life.
Crafting your personal creed is a process that creates a profound declaration of who you are and who you strive to be.
I think of a personal creed as a way to define and refine what you stand for.
In the world of business and innovation at Microsoft, I’ve learned the incredible power of personal creeds.
Writing personal creeds has been a vital part of training and development at Microsoft, shaping individuals into leaders who not only understand their values but also actively embody them.
My personal creed me of what truly matters, what I stand for, and the person I aspire to become. It inspires me to reach greater heights while keeping me grounded in a strong foundation of principles.
You can use your personal creed to light your path, lead you through challenges, and guide you toward a life of purpose, authenticity, and boundless possibilities.
It’s time for an empowering expedition. I’ll teach you how to write your personal creed that can become a living testament to your extraordinary journey.
What is a Personal Creed?
A personal creed is a statement of the basic beliefs that guide how you live your life.
A personal creed serves as a reminder of what you stand for and aspire to be, offering clarity and purpose in your journey through life.
A personal creed is a set of guiding principles, values, or beliefs that you hold dear and use as a moral or ethical compass to shape your behavior, decisions, and overall way of life.
It is a deeply personal statement that reflects your core convictions and serves as a source of guidance and inspiration.
A personal creed often outlines what matters most to you, your fundamental beliefs about life, ethics, relationships, and personal growth.
It can encompass a wide range of topics, including principles for living a fulfilling life, how to treat others with respect and kindness, and the values that should guide your actions and choices.
Many people create personal creeds to remind themselves of their most cherished values and to help them stay aligned with their principles in the face of life’s challenges and decisions.
Why Write a Personal Creed?
When you write your personal creed, you gain clarify, confidence, and conviction.
Here are 3 key benefits of writing your own personal creed:
- Guided Purpose: Crafting a personal creed gives you a profound sense of purpose by clarifying your core values and beliefs. It’s like charting a course for your life, allowing you to navigate challenges and decisions with unwavering clarity.
- Empowering Resilience: Your creed becomes a resilient anchor during life’s storms, reminding you of your inner strength and principles. It’s your source of motivation to persist, adapt, and overcome obstacles, fostering growth and self-discovery.
- Transformative Impact: A well-defined creed is a driving force for positive change. It empowers you to make choices aligned with your values, strengthening relationships, and inspiring actions that leave a lasting, meaningful mark on the world. Your personal creed is a catalyst for a purpose-driven life of authenticity and impact.
Example Personal Creed #1
I believe in the power of continuous learning and growth.
I am committed to helping others achieve their full potential by sharing knowledge, insights, and strategies for success.
I value clarity, focus, and purpose in all my endeavors, and I strive to live a life of high performance and innovation.
I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and change, and I am resilient in the face of setbacks.
I prioritize meaningful connections and collaboration, recognizing that we achieve more together than alone.
I am dedicated to leaving a positive legacy by making a difference in the lives of those I touch and leaving the world better than I found it.
Example Personal Creed #2
I believe in the power of kindness and empathy.
I will strive to treat every person I encounter with respect, compassion, and understanding, regardless of their background or beliefs.
I am committed to continuous learning and personal growth, always seeking to improve myself and contribute positively to the world. I value honesty and integrity in all my actions, and I will stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult.
I cherish the importance of family and meaningful relationships, and I will prioritize the well-being of my loved ones.
I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that life offers, and I will approach each day with gratitude and a sense of purpose.
Example Personal Creed #3
I believe in the power of adventure and entrepreneurship.
I am committed to pushing boundaries, taking risks, and pursuing innovation in all aspects of life. I value creativity, fun, and the joy of exploration, and I strive to create businesses that make a positive impact on the world.
I embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, and I am fearless in the pursuit of my dreams.
I prioritize the well-being of people and the planet, and I am dedicated to using my resources to make a difference in the lives of others.
I am grateful for the opportunities life has given me, and I am determined to continue pushing the limits of what is possible.
One of My Favorite Personal Creeds
One of my favorite personal creeds is by Daphne of Joyful Days long ago.
Here is her process and below is her creed:
- Who you are
- Your purpose
- Your relationships: family
- Your relationships: the world
- Your grounding: acceptance
- Your grounding: action
“I am more than I appear to be. All the world’s strength and power rests inside me. I am master of my fate and captain of my soul.”
“My purpose is to grow; to be a better person today than I was a week ago. I make the world a better place by first being better myself, then sharing what I know with others simply and humbly.”
“I am enveloped in my family’s love. Their support frees me to be everything I can and want to be. I in turn provide for and protect the people I love most in the world.”
“All things are one. There is a part of me in each person; there is no ‘other’. Every person owns a beautiful story; I learn best by listening, not judging. By learning about another, I learn about myself.”
“The people I love do not belong to me; they have every right to think, speak, and act as they wish. Things don’t always work out the way I want; I can grumble, or I can grow.”
“I live each day as if it were my last. My motto is to think deeply, speak gently, love much, laugh a lot, work hard, give freely, and be kind. I am happy and grateful that I am becoming all I was born to be.”
12 Questions to Create Your Own Personal Creed
Here is a simple set of questions to act as a template to help you create your own Personal Creed:
- What are your core values? Consider the principles and values that are most important to you in life. What beliefs guide your actions and decisions?
- What inspires you? Think about the people, experiences, or ideals that inspire you the most. What aspects of these inspirations resonate with you deeply?
- What kind of person do you want to be? Reflect on the qualities and characteristics you want to embody in your life. How do you aspire to show up in the world?
- What are your goals and aspirations? Consider your long-term goals and what you hope to achieve in various aspects of your life, whether it’s in relationships, career, personal growth, or other areas.
- How do you want to impact the world? Reflect on the positive contributions you want to make to society or the world at large. How do you want to leave a lasting legacy?
- What challenges have you overcome? Think about the challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve grown from them. How have these experiences shaped your beliefs and values?
- What principles guide your decision-making? Consider the ethical or moral principles that influence your choices. How do these principles help you make decisions in difficult situations?
- What brings you joy and fulfillment? Reflect on the activities, experiences, or relationships that bring you the most happiness and fulfillment. How can you incorporate more of these into your life?
- What legacy do you want to leave? Imagine how you want to be remembered by others. What impact do you want to have on future generations?
- How will you live your creed daily? Think about practical steps and behaviors that align with your creed. How will you integrate your values into your daily life?
- How will you hold yourself accountable? Consider how you’ll ensure that you stay true to your creed over time. What mechanisms or practices will help you maintain your commitment?
- What is your personal motto or guiding phrase? If you were to distill your creed into a short motto or phrase, what would it be?
Dare to Dream, Dare to Define, and Dare to Live Your Creed
Creating your personal creed is like setting sail on a thrilling adventure.
It’s a chance to chart your course and set your compass by the stars of your own values and beliefs.
Your personal creed becomes your anchor in the storm, reminding you of your purpose when the waters get rough.
Your personal creed is more than a statement. Your personal creed is a bold declaration of who you are and who you aspire to be.
As you journey through life’s uncharted waters, let your personal creed be your guiding star.
It’s your promise to yourself and the world—a promise to live with passion, to embrace challenges with courage, and to leave a positive mark on this world.
Your creed is your personal brand, reflecting the very essence of what makes you unique.
So, dare to dream, dare to define, and dare to live your creed each day.
As I’ve learned in my own adventures, it’s in the pursuit of your deepest convictions that you discover the boundless potential within you.
Let your creed be the wind in your sails, propelling you toward a life of purpose, adventure, and impact.
It’s not just a creed. It’s your personal legend, waiting to be written.
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