11 Principles to Live By: A Guide to Unlocking Your Potential

Looking back, I recall a period in my own life where I was adrift (more like a decade), directionless. From my college days, to the real and job jumping. With no guiding principles, I found myself lost, constantly second-guessing my decisions. It was as if my internal GPS had only one instruction: "Make a U-turn." I was perpetually going in circles, searching for some semblance of direction.

The turning point came when I finally embraced a set of core values—honesty, giving, committing to commitments and continuous learning. These principles offered a compass, providing clarity and purpose. No longer was I the hapless wanderer; I had a destination and was equipped with the tools to get there. Decisions became easier, goals more focused, and my path much clearer. I realized that living without these guiding principles was like attempting to build a home on quicksand—unstable and destined for collapse.

A life devoid of guiding principles will repeatedly urge you to "make a U-turn," leaving you confused and stagnant. A strong foundation of principles not only directs us but also reinforces our resilience during times of uncertainty, enabling us to unlock our fullest potential. So, remember, while wandering might be fun for a short while, it's the steadfast guidance of principles that truly leads us to success.

1. Develop Awareness of Your Greater Potential

Understanding and acknowledging your potential is the first step toward achieving greatness. Most people operate within the limits of their current capabilities, never fully realizing the heights they could reach. To truly unlock your potential, you need to look beyond your present circumstances and envision what’s possible.

Consider this: every great achievement in history started with someone who dared to dream beyond the status quo. For me, this realization came after the loss of my father to a brain tumor. At 18, I was devastated, feeling like my world had crumbled. Yet, in the midst of my grief, I discovered a profound truth: I had the potential to live a life that honored his legacy, to use my gifts and talents to make a difference in the world. This awareness fueled my journey, propelling me toward new heights of personal and professional achievement.

2. Take Action on What You Want

Desires are the seeds of change, but without action, they remain dormant. It’s not enough to want something; you must be willing to take the steps necessary to achieve it. This principle is about turning your dreams into reality through deliberate and consistent effort.

Action is the catalyst for growth. When you take action, you send a powerful message to yourself and the universe that you’re serious about your goals. Whether it’s starting a new project, learning a new skill, or making a significant life change, the key is to start. The day I decided to start this blog It was a leap of faith, fueled by a desire to help others find their path in life. That single decision set in motion a chain of events that transformed not only my life but others around me.

3. Make Decisions, Not Preferences

There’s a significant difference between making a decision and expressing a preference. Preferences are passive; they reflect what we’d like to happen if circumstances align perfectly. Decisions, on the other hand, are active commitments. They involve choosing a path and taking responsibility for the outcomes.

Making decisions requires courage and clarity. It’s about standing at a crossroads and choosing a direction, even when the path is uncertain. By making decisions rather than expressing preferences, you take control of your destiny. I remember a time when I was chasing money instead of alignment with my values. I had to decide whether to continue down a path that wasn’t fulfilling or to pivot and pursue my passion. That decision was a turning point, one that brought me closer to my true purpose.

4. Commit Fully

Total commitment is a powerful force. When you commit fully to your goals, you tap into a wellspring of energy and motivation. This principle is about going all in, leaving no room for doubt or hesitation.

Think of commitment as a contract with yourself. It’s a promise to pursue your goals with unwavering determination. When you’re fully committed, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. This mindset not only propels you forward but also inspires others to believe in you and your vision. When I launched my VR business, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Yet, I was committed to making it a success, and that commitment has been the driving force behind every decision and action I’ve taken since.

5. Find an Accountability Partner

An accountability partner is a valuable ally on your journey to success. This person holds you accountable for your actions and helps you stay on track when the going gets tough. They are your sounding board, your cheerleader, and your reality check rolled into one.

Choose an accountability partner who shares your commitment to growth and success. This partnership is like a two-way street, with both parties benefiting from mutual support and encouragement. Together, you’ll navigate challenges, celebrate victories, and keep each other focused on your goals. In my life, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the many mentors who have impacted me. Their guidance and support have been instrumental in helping me stay on course, even during the most challenging times.

6. Master the Art of Focus

In a world filled with distractions, mastering the art of focus is essential. Focus is the ability to concentrate your efforts on what truly matters, eliminating the noise and clutter that can derail your progress.

To cultivate focus, start by setting clear priorities. What are the most important tasks that will move you closer to your goals? Allocate time and energy to these tasks and be ruthless in eliminating distractions. Remember, every minute spent on unimportant tasks is a minute taken away from your most important work. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way, realizing that spreading myself too thin only led to burnout and diminished results. By honing my focus, I’ve been able to achieve more in less time, with greater satisfaction.

7. Cultivate Discipline

Discipline is the foundation of success. It’s the ability to do what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like doing it. This principle is about creating habits and routines that support your goals, ensuring that you stay on track even when motivation wanes.

Developing discipline requires consistency and commitment. Start by identifying the habits that will move you closer to your goals, and then create a plan to incorporate them into your daily routine. Whether it’s exercising regularly, eating healthily, or setting aside time for focused work, discipline is the key to making progress. I’ve found that listening to motivational content every morning, studying it for 60 days, has been a game-changer. It’s a simple habit, but one that has dramatically increased my productivity and focus.

8. Embrace Visioneering

Visioneering is the process of creating a compelling vision for your future. It’s about imagining what you want your life to look like and then taking the steps necessary to make that vision a reality.

A clear vision serves as a roadmap for your journey. It provides direction and purpose, helping you stay focused on your goals even when the path is challenging. Take the time to create a detailed vision for your future, and then break it down into actionable steps. This process will not only clarify your goals but also inspire you to take action. My vision for Designing Your Purpose Co. has been a constant source of motivation, guiding every decision and action I take.

9. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful practice that can transform your perspective and enrich your life. It’s about appreciating what you have, rather than focusing on what you lack. By cultivating gratitude, you shift your focus from scarcity to abundance, opening the door to greater joy and fulfillment.

Start each day by reflecting on the things you’re grateful for. This simple practice can have a profound impact on your outlook, helping you stay positive and motivated even in the face of challenges. Remember, a grateful heart is a magnet for miracles. In my life, I’ve found that expressing gratitude for my family, friends, and mentors has helped me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters.

Consider, for a moment, the familiar act of complaining. Complaining is akin to sitting in a rocking chair—it's something that occupies our time and attention, yet it doesn't get us anywhere. Although it may feel satisfying in the moment, it ultimately leaves us stagnant and unable to move forward. Contrast that with practicing gratitude, which propels us to a more positive perspective and encourages proactive behavior.

10. Learn Continuously

The world is constantly changing, and those who thrive are those who are willing to learn and adapt. Continuous learning is about staying curious and open to new ideas, even when you think you know it all.

Make a commitment to lifelong learning. Whether it’s reading books, attending workshops, or seeking out mentors, there are countless ways to expand your knowledge and skills. The more you learn, the more valuable you become, both to yourself and to others. I’ve made it a point to surround myself with people who challenge and inspire me, knowing that their wisdom and experience will only enrich my own.

11. Live with Purpose

Living with purpose is the ultimate goal. It’s about aligning your actions with your values and making a positive impact on the world. When you live with purpose, you wake up each day with a sense of direction and meaning.

To find your purpose, start by reflecting on what matters most to you. What are your core values? What are you passionate about? Once you have a clear understanding of your purpose, use it as a guiding star to navigate your life. This sense of purpose will not only inspire you but also attract opportunities and people who share your vision. For me, living with purpose means helping others discover their path in life, using my experiences and insights to guide them toward a brighter future.

I Hope this Helps you

I invite you to reflect on how each one can enhance your life. These principles aren’t just abstract concepts; they are practical tools for transformation, ready to be applied to your daily life. Remember, the path to personal and professional fulfillment is not a straight line. It’s a winding road filled with challenges and opportunities. By adopting these principles, you are equipping yourself with a powerful compass to navigate this journey with clarity and purpose.

Life is too short for regrets and inaction. Embrace your greater potential, take decisive actions, and live fully committed to your vision. Find strength in your accountability partners, master the art of focus and discipline, and keep your eyes on your ultimate vision. Practice gratitude, continue to learn, and above all, live with purpose.

The world needs people like you—individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo, push their boundaries, and strive for greatness. So, go forth with courage and determination. Use these principles as your guiding stars and watch as your life transforms into a masterpiece of your own making. Here’s to your journey of unlocking potential, achieving goals, and living a life filled with joy and purpose. Remember, the best way to predict your future is to create it. Now, it’s time for you to take that first step.