ROC Weekly Management & Mindset Segment

Writing Personal Commandments to Guide Your Life and Rehab Center

Having a list of personal commandments can guide you through your professional and personal life. They are a list of truths you have learned that make you and the world a better place. Your personal commandments can help you make decisions, strive for success, be a better person, and remind you of who you want to be. They can reinforce your values and priorities, and serve as a set of overarching principles by which you guide your life.

Personal commandments can help you maintain stability, peace, and consistency as things change. While the people in your life may change, your business may change, and the world around you may change, it is unlikely your values, goals, and principles will. 

How to create your personal commandments

Creating a commandment list can be challenging, so here are a few tips you can use when creating yours:

• Consider what is true for you- Each person’s own commandments will differ, so it is important to consider what is relevant to your life. Focus on your values, strengths and weaknesses, interests, and goals. Consider what works best for you, what history has taught you, the lessons you have learned, and what you already know about yourself.

• Keep them short and general- Your list of commandments should be a guide for your daily life. Avoid making the list too long and try to keep each point general and applicable at any time. Remember, your commandments are not a to-do list, but rather are reminders about who you want to be and the life you want to live.

• Think about important quotes- You've probably heard or read quotes that resonate with you. Keep those in mind as you develop your list of commandments and consider including a couple if they are applicable. Consider common sentiments like “enjoy the process,” “follow the golden rule,” or “forgive yourself.”

• Work with metaphors- Your list of commandments doesn’t have to be literal. If a metaphor best describes the idea you would like to incorporate, use it! Think about ideas like, “Always be careful about where you fish, what you fish for, and with whom you fish.”

• Take time to consider all aspects- When creating your list of commandments, try to think of principles that can guide you though all aspects of your life; personal, professional, spiritual, emotional, etc. You can consider some of the following questions:

  • How should you treat others?

  • How should you behave towards other people?

  • How can you find happiness?

  • What should you be grateful for in life?

  • What should you always try to do every day?

  • How can you be a better team member?

  • What rules should you follow so that the world is a better place?

  • How can you achieve success?

  • How can you find balance in life?

Commandment ideas you can use to inspire your own

Here is a list of commandments you can use to help you write your own:

1. Do it now- Reduce the amount of procrastination in your life and do what you can sooner than later.

2. Take time to think- Take a moment (or two or three) throughout your day to think about your choices and your tasks. This can help you make better decisions and focus on what is important.

3. Trust your instincts- This one serves as a constant reminder to trust your gut and intuitions as you go through life. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to and trust the feeling.

4. Just start- Starting something, no matter how minimal the progress, will help you avoid procrastination, focus your thoughts on the task, and overcome the transition between thinking about something and actually doing it.

5. Reach out- Humans are social creatures, so embrace the people in your life when you need them. Having a bad day? Call a family member or friend. Tackling a hard task? Ask a colleague or friend to help you. The more we realize things get easier with the help of others, the more our challenges will diminish in severity.

6. Forget the past- It's important to take the lessons we've learned from the past and apply them to the present and future- but any regret, guilt, or anger from events in the past? Best to leave it there.

7. Prioritize health- To succeed in life, you need a healthy mind and body. Be sure to care for your emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual health to help make other aspects of your life easier.

8. Budget time and money- Once you control the way to spend your money and time, you will be more likely to afford what you want and need, and have the time to enjoy them.

9. Don’t expect a gold star- Life is not going to acknowledge every good deed or job you do. Do it anyway and treat the achievement as the reward for your work or effort.

10. Think about your future self- In all the actions, thoughts, and plans you make, think about how it will affect your future self and life.

What to do with your personal commandments

Once you have your personal commandments created, it is important to review them regularly. You can keep them in your day planner, on your phone, on your desk, or displayed in your home. Remember, your personal commandments are meant to guide your thoughts and actions based on what you value the most. Ensure they are a constant reminder about how to proceed in life and keep them in a place where they will serve you best.

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