I continuosly design my life and make choices based on my principles and beliefs. They’re the compass that leads me when I’m lost.
I honestly don’t know why I share them publicly here. I guess putting them out there will help you and me know me better, and hopefully could inspire someone else to share theirs.
1. We Need Something to Fight For
No matter what we do, we need to strive for something. If we don’t have to, maybe because we have enough money in the bank or our life is too comfortable, there’s no reason to get up in the morning and we get depressed.
The dream of getting rich and drinking margaritas on the beach gets sad pretty quickly.
2. Creating Is Better Than Consuming
No matter how bad I am at producing something, it always gives me a much better feeling than spending my time watching someone else’s work.
Writing an article or working on a small side project is way better than dumb-scrolling for an hour.
3. I’m Worthy of My Own Care
It has taken me a rough childhood, many mistakes, and 35+ years to reach this one, but I’ve discovered that unless you have narcissistic tendencies, it’s fairly common to think that you don’t really deserve to be taken care of.
I’ve punished myself too many times for my mistakes. Sometimes, I haven’t understood my needs or been honest enough to get out of some deep places. I haven’t treated myself like a friend who deserves a better place in life. I’ve always believed I’m not good enough, but it’s quite the opposite.
I need to help myself like I’d help someone I love, and this belief can lead me to take better care of others around me.
4. It’s Probably My Fault
There’s disease and sickness, there’s death and unbearable unjust suffering in the world, but luckily for most of us that represents a small percentage of our lives. The rest of the time, most of what happens in our lives is our responsibility and our responsibility alone.
5. Always Seek the Truth
We can seek the truth or live under lies we’ve told ourselves to make us feel better. The problem is we can believe them, but they won’t help us.
Excuses are lies disguised as convenient truths.
6. I Am an Example to Others
I chose not to broadcast my life publicly on the Internet, but whether I like it or not, my daily decisions reflect my beliefs and priorities, and can inspire others to do the same. We’re all like lighthouses.
7. Every Decision Matters
Every single decision matters. It can take me where I want to go or in a completely different direction, so I need to choose carefully.
And by decisions, I mean the tiniest decisions I might have throughout my day. That tempting dessert after lunch? It might take away the energy I need to finish the work in time, so I can spend the rest of the evening with my family.
Am I watching Netflix tonight or going to bed one hour earlier? Well, do I want an extra hour to work out tomorrow or not? Do I want to define my day or wake up tired and sleepy and spend another day without getting stronger?
This principle gives meaning to my life; what I do matters because it means something. Depending on what I choose, life can be better or worse for me and others.
My principles don’t change often, but I’ll reflect any future adjustments here.
Last updated: August 2025