What code do you live by? As a sovereign nation, what would your rules be? Take inventory of your personal, family, cultural, and spiritual values. Start with what is clearly wrong and right to you. Then imagine a test of your mettle. What sovereign statements will you hold true to under the heaviest of pressures?
For example, if you say you would never steal, would you steal if your children were starving?
Write it Down
Any time you face a major fork in your life’s journey, write down your personal sovereignty. If you don’t, the pressures of life may force you into a mold that you never wanted to fit.
Here are some items from a few of my personal sovereignty lists.
- I will make business decisions considering my faith and family first.
- I will never go on another job interview again.
- I don’t care if you think my long hair is unprofessional.
- I get to drink really good tea.
- I get to choose my inner circle. I will surround myself with people who do not drag me down emotionally, spiritually, or physically.
- I will not work nights or weekends without a spectacular reason and extra compensation.
- I will not accept less than I am worth.
What convictions will get you closer to where you want to be? If you decided not to go back to school so you could spend more time with your children, would you take a job that would have you working more hours than necessary? (A 40+ hour workweek is not the only option!)
Follow Through
Your personal sovereignty is only valid if you stick to it. You must believe you have the right to set your own rules and you must follow through on them. Integrity is a most prized attribute. Sign and date your personal sovereignty list. Carry it with you or hang it up where you’ll see it regularly. Consult it any time you face tough decisions.
