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Having said that, I have only developed my own personal and business manifestos in the last ten years. Now I wonder why it took me so long.

A personal manifesto is a combination of a life map and values compass. Your map lets you determine your destination and possible routes. Your compass helps you decide which path to take and how you will travel.

In other words, your manifesto sets out where you want to get to and how you are going to get there whilst maintaining your character and integrity.

And if that sounds like a lot of work, it is.

A short and simple personal manifesto

So don’t try to set it all down straight away. Your personal manifesto will evolve as your circumstances change, you make mistakes, and you grow older and wiser. For now, just make a start.

If you have not done so already, begin with a single sheet of paper and write down where you want to be in three to five years in your health, wealth, relationships, work etc.

Then jot down words that you feel reflect the values you live by – authenticity, balance, fame, peace, for instance.

Defining your values

We live life instinctively. Something inside us tells us what’s right without actually crystallising the feeling into words, so working out our core values is not easy. However, the web is full of value lists, so go find one, select five that you think to apply to you and add them to your paper. 

And there you have it, your first draft of your personal manifesto. Work it up by revisiting it regularly and adding to it to reflect your growth and development.

And finally, keep it where you can see it most days. This is not a piece of paper to be held in a dusty drawer. It is your blueprint for life. You live by your manifesto. It is your route to a life of meaning, purpose and integrity so keep it by your side always.

Attributions and references

Photo by Digital Content Writers India on Unsplash.

Read an example of a manifesto at https://crazyforchange.com/manifesto/.