Very few of us routinely re-examine our core beliefs or write down the principles that guide our lives. How often do you write out your basic beliefs, or explain them to a friend or loved one? How often do we even think about where we’re going in life or what we absolutely, positively stand for?There is a saying that “if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything”. We live in a world that encourages lots of work and activity, but not the ability to think clearly about what it all means. No wonder so many people get taken advantage of!

We all know that under stress we tend to get so focused on the source of our stress that we miss even the most essential things in life, like eating lunch and telling our kids we love them.

With so many requests for our time, our money and our energy, it is critical we stay anchored and focused on the life we choose and our values. Here are some steps that can help:

• Define your fundamentals. If you haven’t done so in a while, take the time to write down those ideas and principle most dear to you. Know your fundamentals, the principles that guide your life.
• Review them with a trusted friend or loved one. Test your beliefs to see if they stand up to questions and if you can defend them reasonable and clearly.
• Keep a daily journal. I’m being called by the universe to get into this habit. I’m not as consistent as I would like to be. But I’m working on it. In your journal, note where you have missed the mark. Don’t beat yourself up, just get back on track.
• Match your schedule to your values. Do your priorities show up in your schedule and your checkbook? If not, make the minor adjustments before you need to make major ones.

For thousands of years, sailors have known the value of keeping an eye on the north star. They keep their hands on the tiller and check their course often. In modern life, we are rarely encouraged to do the same and it’s easy to be led astray. Know your guiding principles and stick to them.