Defining Your Personal CORE Philosophy
Introduction: Building the Foundation of You
Everyone lives by a philosophy—a guiding set of beliefs and values that shape how they approach life. Often, this philosophy goes unexamined, leading to decisions that may not align with who we truly are. Understanding yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, values, and core identity is the first step in building a solid foundation for achieving your dreams. Without this clarity, it’s easy to climb the wrong mountain or, worse, build success on a shaky foundation. This chapter will guide you through creating your personal philosophy, using the tools provided in the Focus CORE PDF to help you discover what makes you, you.
The Miracle of You
Gary Vaynerchuk reminds us that the odds of being alive are 4 trillion to one. You are not here by accident. Your life is a miracle, and understanding your identity is the key to ensuring that this miracle is lived to its fullest potential. Before setting grand goals or pursuing dreams, it is essential to confront and understand yourself. The process involves answering tough questions, confronting fears, and defining truths about your life.
The CORE Philosophy Framework
Using the Focus CORE framework, you can explore four key areas that define your philosophy: your love language, personality, values, and identity statements. Additionally, this chapter will guide you in completing the Identity Statement and Transform Your Mind fields in the Focus CORE PDF, as these are pivotal in crafting your philosophy.
1. Identity Statement: Anchoring Yourself
Your identity statements define who you are at your core. These affirmations are vital in grounding you during life’s challenges and ensuring you stay true to your beliefs and aspirations. Without a clear identity, it’s easy to be swayed by external pressures or lose focus.
- Take Action: Write down five identity statements that reflect your core values and who you aspire to be. For example:
- “I am resilient in the face of adversity.”
- “I am someone who values kindness and integrity.”
- “I am a creative thinker who seeks solutions.”
- “I am a person who uplifts and empowers others.”
- “I am committed to personal growth and learning.”
2. Transform Your Mind: From Fear to Faith
Transforming your mind involves identifying the lies or fears that hold you back and replacing them with truths that empower you. This shift in mindset is critical for overcoming self-doubt and building confidence.
- Activity: In the “Transform Your Mind” section of the PDF, list the top five lies or fears you’ve believed about yourself. For example:
- Lie: “I’m not good enough.”
- Lie: “I’ll fail if I try something new.”
- Lie: “I’m defined by my past mistakes.”
- Lie: “I don’t deserve success.”
- Lie: “I’m incapable of change.”
Next, counter each lie with a truth that reaffirms your worth and capabilities. For example:
- Truth: “I am enough just as I am.”
- Truth: “Every failure is a stepping stone to growth.”
- Truth: “My past does not define me; my actions do.”
- Truth: “I am worthy of success and happiness.”
- Truth: “I am capable of evolving and improving every day.”
Post these truths in a visible location where you can reflect on them daily.
Real-Life Example: Emma’s Transformation
Emma always felt like she wasn’t enough. Growing up in a family that valued academic achievement above all, she internalized the lie that her worth was tied to her grades. When she became an adult, this belief affected her career and relationships, as she constantly sought external validation.
Emma decided to complete the Focus CORE exercises, focusing on her Identity Statement and Transform Your Mind sections. She wrote identity statements like, “I am worthy of love regardless of my achievements,” and “I am a compassionate leader.” She also identified lies such as, “I’m not good enough,” and replaced them with truths like, “I am enough just as I am.”
By regularly reflecting on her identity and truths, Emma built confidence and clarity. Today, she leads a nonprofit organization and mentors others in overcoming self-doubt.
Taking Action
Once you’ve completed the exercises, consolidate your answers into a one-page guide. Print this guide and place it where you will see it daily, such as on your refrigerator or in your planner. This visual reminder will keep you focused on your core philosophy and guide your decisions.
Stop and Start Actions
- Permission to STOP: Identify habits or behaviors that no longer serve you. Write them down and give yourself permission to let them go.
- Permission to START: List new habits or practices that align with your philosophy. Commit to incorporating these into your daily life.
Conclusion: The Power of Self-Understanding
By creating your personal philosophy and filling out the Identity Statement and Transform Your Mind fields in the Focus CORE PDF, you lay the groundwork for a life of purpose and integrity. This foundation enables you to pursue your dreams without losing sight of who you are. Remember, understanding yourself isn’t just an exercise—it’s a lifelong journey that will empower you to face challenges and seize opportunities with confidence and clarity.