Influencing Principles: The Core of Personal and Ethical Growth

Principles are the bedrock upon which our lives are built. They shape our decisions, influence our actions, and guide us through life's challenges. Often, it is the moments we experience the most profound impact of these principles that stick with us the longest. One such example I can share is a lesson deeply ingrained in my psyche due to a personal tragedy.

My father, grappling with a heart attack, still insisted on taking me jet skiing, keeping his promise, and tragically, passing away in the process. The profound lesson from this experience is that keeping one's promises is not just about adhering to external norms but also about honoring the commitments made to those we hold dear.

Key Influences

The development of these principles is a multifaceted journey influenced by a diverse range of sources. My parents have inherently played pivotal roles, shaping me into a person of integrity and a sense of right and wrong. My peers have also been instrumental in fostering discipline and self-preservation. Yet, the most profound influences have been from a range of cultural, philosophical, and scientific viewpoints:

Scriptures from various world religions Classical books of ethics from Western philosophy Self-help literature Psychological, sociological, economic, and political studies Personal experiences

A significant part of my early influences came from scouting, learning from my stepdad and mother, and the myriad experiences that allowed me to explore different aspects of life through reading, films, and personal growth.

The Core Beliefs that Govern My Life

Three fundamental beliefs govern my life and decisions:

My Faith in Jesus and God’s master plan The desire to glorify God through my life The understanding of the Gospel, which emphasizes the importance of sharing life lessons to spread hope and encouragement

These beliefs liberate me to forgive those who have wronged me, rather than harboring bitterness and depression. They allow me to approach the future with excitement and not anxiety. Moreover, these principles also motivate me to share my life experiences and thoughts with the world through videos, thereby inspiring and encouraging others.

The Bullshit Meter and Kindness Meter

In addition to these core beliefs, I rely on two internal mechanisms to guide my actions: the bullshit meter and the kindness meter. The bullshit meter helps me discern when something is not genuine, impelling me to stick to my principles of truth and justice. Meanwhile, the kindness meter acts as an indicator to take action when I see something that can be improved, ensuring that my principles of compassion and empathy are upheld.

Conclusion

Our lives are not merely for our own benefit; our experiences and knowledge are tools to be used for the betterment of others. This is the essence of sharing and caring. By aligning our actions with these guiding principles, we can foster a community that is more understanding, compassionate, and truthful.

Ultimately, understanding and integrating these core beliefs and principles can profoundly impact our personal and ethical development, making us better prepared to navigate life's challenges with grace and integrity.