What Is Your Personal Master Life Plan

By Tim O'Brien

Consider this: it is a good idea to have a written reminder of the major ideas that guide your life. In a personal Master Life Plan, it is the statement of personal beliefs.

The idea is to develop a single page of your "personal guidelines for living." Then, each week, reread these guidelines. This keeps what is important to you, fresh in your mind.

And after you finish your weekly reading, turn the page over, then date and initial it. This shows you how consistent you are. Keep your guidelines in a convenient, easy to remember spot. Placing them in your weekly planner, so you will see them each week when you turn the page, works well. The weekly reading, of what is important, will help you to develop self understanding and self awareness.

Reading these guidelines will give you motivation during moments of challenge. They will also help to remind you, "This too will pass," during both times of elation and discouragement.

As a starting point for writing your personal guidelines, here are the guidelines that I read. These are my personal important points.

1) I accept full responsibility for my life, so I can determine true cause and effect relationships.

2) I will take a personal private retreat twice per year. Only away from the crowd and demands of office and family can I think and plan effectively.

3) I perform priority, goal and time analyses regularly to be certain where I am headed is where I want to be.

4) I take one hour of daily solitude to meditate, contemplate and become intimately acquainted with myself.

5) Q.T.I.P. Quit taking it personally. Develop calm detachment. "I have no more faith in the judgment than I do in the judge."

6) Remember the B.R.E.A.D. formula to manage stress. I Breathe with my diaphragm. I use Relaxation techniques regularly. I Exercise aerobically. I have a positive Attitude. I eat a balanced, low fat Diet.

7) Honesty in all actions becomes dependability, which others define as integrity: "This above all: To your own self, be true." Shakespeare.

8) Do no harm, to myself, to others or to the world. This is the tenet of non-violence of Ghandi, Ahimsa, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

9) Engage in worthy work to be a part of the evolutionary solution.

10) Cultivate self discipline to focus energy and attention. Consistency and moderation over time nurtures success and prosperity.

11) Tithe. I share some of each of my resources and talents with others. This increases my awareness of the abundance around and available to me. Through sharing I display confidence and faith.

12) L.G., R., B.H., & H.O.P: "Love God, Relax, Be Happy and Help Other People."

Now it's your turn, write your own guidelines for living to help you stay focused and clear on your purpose and intentions.