Happy Holiday Season, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!
To my business community and friends:
Knowing what we truly desire is crucial. We all harbor goals, dreams, and aspirations. We seek to maintain clarity, focus, and unwavering determination.
We have a purpose; we possess wisdom to share with the world, offering solutions to help others surmount their challenges or fulfill their needs. We pursue our missions with unwavering dedication; our passion burns brightly.
Yet, inevitably, we encounter our first obstacle. "I can handle this," we reassure ourselves as we press forward. We remain undeterred until we confront the next barrier, disappointment, mistake, or hurdle. These challenges deflate our spirits like a piercing arrow, bruising our egos and hearts.
Soon, our inner gremlins emerge—not the cute, cuddly kind, but the ones that turn mean-spirited when provoked.
The nature of our entrepreneurial journey is inherently stressful. Juggling multiple tasks, managing day-to-day business operations, and balancing our personal lives tilt the scales of our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
What truly makes life's journey, whether in growing our businesses, nurturing our families, or both, so challenging is that success depends on understanding the disparity between what we claim to want and what we genuinely attain. The real journey towards success and happiness lies in comprehending this gap.
While achieving our goals and getting what we desire is gratifying and exhilarating, the path to success rarely unfolds linearly. Life is a series of ups and downs, revealing our true character.
Character is the linchpin. Success and happiness are rooted in our daily experiences, to be more precise, in the present moment. We intuitively grasp this truth. Guiding principles enrich our spirits and help us become our best selves, one day at a time.
Living by universal principles offers encouragement, support, and guidance, reassuring us that we are not alone.
Principles align seamlessly with any business mission statement, financial ledger, or family outing plan. They teach us to accept life's challenges and guide us toward solution-oriented, positive action.
Living these 12 principles represents practical strategies for attaining greater happiness and success. Here are 12 ways to achieve what you genuinely desire in life. Before I list them, please consider these concluding thoughts:
• Principles guide us in monitoring our inner dialogue, encouraging us to think beyond ourselves and focus on the broader picture of "we" rather than "me."
• Principles are universally applicable and intended to offer positive support for aspiring to a higher ideal rather than perfection.
• Living by principles inspires, supports, guides, and cultivates acceptance and tolerance towards oneself and others.
• Principles are crafted to foster compassion and love.
• Principles remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, directing us towards authenticity and embracing the unity of all humanity, where brotherly love thrives.
These 12 principles below are tailored for persons in business, no matter what level. While alternate versions exist, these principles apply to nearly everyone.
12 Principles for Living a More Fulfilling Life
The Three Pillars of Principles: H.O.W.
1. Honesty
• Eliminate white lies and leave no room for any form of deception.
• Uphold every promise, regardless of its size.
• Speak the truth, but do so with kindness.
• Pledge to self-examination and exploration, shedding self-flagellation.
2. Open-mindedness
• Step into another person's shoes before passing judgment.
• Challenge your beliefs.
• Distinguish between self-deception and the truth.
• Abstain from casting stones at others, as well as yourself.
3. Willingness
• Ask yourself, "Am I giving up too soon?"
• Assess your willingness to step beyond your comfort zone, even when the desire to quit beckons.
• Imagine a scenario where a million dollars awaits you on the other side of the door. Would you take one more step?
4. Faith
• Embrace the power of universal truths or forces when beneficial.
• Harness the support of religion that uplifts us positively.
• Rely on your cumulative positive experiences and knowledge.
• Engage in spiritual practices and meditation.
5. Hope
• Cultivate hope as a source of confidence and inspired action.
• Focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses.
• Follow the path of those who have walked before you.
• Explore your internal motivations and beliefs.
6. Courage
• While any path may appear daunting, focus on where it leads.
• Each action leads to another, like building strength one repetition at a time.
• Take one step at a time.
Faith, Hope, and Courage Equals Trust
7. Integrity
• Acknowledge your actions, building character and authenticity.
• Experience the satisfaction of resting your head on your pillow at night.
• Free yourself from the bonds of guilt, shame, and remorse.
• Others recognize your integrity.
• Prioritize self-care and balance.
8. Humility
• Accept responsibility for your actions.
• Make amends and restitution promptly.
• Openly admit your mistakes, forgive, and move forward.
9. Justice
• Commit to principled living.
• Advocate for justice for all.
• Participate in your community.
• Demand excellence from yourself while extending compassion to others, but also embrace consequences.
10. Perseverance
• Never, under any circumstance, give up.
• Be intelligent; seek assistance and consider new approaches.
• Adapt your dreams or goals, but maintain an unwavering commitment.
11. Unconditional Love
• Understand that humanity faces struggles, achievements, failures, and successes, with no one attaining perfection.
• Cultivate compassion for yourself and others.
• Acknowledge that perfection remains elusive.
12. Service
• Embrace the paradox of giving—by giving, we keep.
• Recognize that our lives comprise various resources, including people, organizations, governments, and humanity's evolutionary progress.
• Understand that no one stands alone.
Janet Janssen, Life in Business Coach, speaker, trainer
Putting more Power Play Purpose into your work-life flow