7 Ways to Create Your Personal Philosophy

7 Ways to Create Your Personal Philosophy

Published March 2020

“A strong personal philosophy does more than sustain us through the tragedies of life. It also stains us daily in everything we think and do. It gives us optimism and hope.”
― Chris Prentiss, Zen and the Art of Happiness

When you think about the way you view the world, what you value, your own moral compass, and perspective, what do you see? Creating a personal philosophy helps guide us into the direction that is aligned with our core principles. How you react and respond to situations that happen to and around you is part of your personal philosophy.

1. Introspection. Look within your soul to discover a new light of clarity that gives you hope and makes you feel empowered.
2. Study other philosophies such as religion and spiritual beliefs.
3. Discuss your values and core beliefs with other people.
4. Practice making choices that are aligned with your beliefs.
5. Reframe your beliefs so they work for you and not against you.
6. Find a therapist, life coach, or mentor that can help guide and support you in creating and practicing your personal philosophy.
7. Be patient. Allow your personal philosophy to evolve and develop over time through various experiences and enlightenment.

The reason it’s important to have a strong personal philosophy is that it helps us make decisions and live an authentic life where you can be true to yourself and honest with others you interact with.

10 Questions to Ask Yourself

1. What is the purpose or meaning of your life? What are you most passionate about? What do you value the most in life?
2. Which beliefs resonate with you and which ones do not?
3. What do you want to contribute to the world? What would you like your legacy to be? What are the most important things for you to accomplish in your life?
4. What type of working, living, and social environments are best suitable for achieving your goals?
5. What physical and mental state should you aim to reach in order to achieve your goals and be successful?
6. What do you need every day to live a life that honors your morals, values, and goals?
7. What do you need to release from your life or daily habits to achieve your goals and live a life you feel proud of?
8. What type of music, art, and literature resonate best with you?
9. How do you view conflicts when they arise? In what way do you approach issues in your life?
10. What type of attitude do you have in the general theme of your life?

“Don’t Just

Don’t just learn, experience.
Don’t just read, absorb.
Don’t just change, transform.
Don’t just relate, advocate.
Don’t just promise, prove.
Don’t just criticize, encourage.
Don’t just think, ponder.
Don’t just take, give.
Don’t just see, feel.
Don’t just dream, do.
Don’t just hear, listen.
Don’t just talk, act.
Don’t just tell, show.
Don’t just exist, live.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart