Here it is!

Values - Principles

&

Practices

Several friends asked me to share my values, principles and practice card. It encapsulates the philosophical insights of my life and reminds me of the golden nuggets found along the way. The card is pocket size, so I carry it with me everywhere.

How I Use My Little Card

I use the values section to gauge my environment, thoughts, and people I encounter. When the outside world aligns with my inner values, contentment follows.

I’ve adopted the four Stoic virtues as my principles, my formula for decision making. The list is memorable, and its sequence allows me to make thoughtful decisions quickly. I find these principles especially helpful in times of stress when a pause for clarity leads to better results.

The Stoic Epictetus taught that to experience our best life; we should focus on things within our control, and something I can control is my deliberate practice. The last section on my little card is a list, a list of small things, things done when no one’s looking, things that become little personal victories. Most mornings I study my card while enjoying morning coffee. It’s the perfect time to pick something to practice throughout the day.

This is one of the most content times of my life, and I trace most the reasons back to the values, principles, and practices on this little card.

If the thought of being more content and self-directed is intriguing, I encourage you to print this little card and try it. Carry it with you, consider it, improve it, make it yours.

Happy trails,

Tom