Principle 03 · Find North
Write a Life Thesis
A clear sentence can organize a scattered decade.
Without a working definition of what your life is for, every opportunity can seduce you and every setback can disorient you. A life thesis is not a prophecy. It is a concise statement of the person you intend to become, the people or problems you intend to serve, and the standards you refuse to trade away. Write one sentence using this frame: 'I will use my strengths in ___ to help ___ achieve or protect ___, while living by ___.' Keep it specific enough to guide decisions and broad enough to survive a change of job. Review it every quarter. Your thesis should mature as evidence, duty, and wisdom accumulate.
Fieldwork
- 1Draft five versions without trying to sound impressive.
- 2Circle the version that would still matter without public recognition.
- 3Put the sentence where you review your calendar and commitments.