My goal in life

Following the advice of Ray Dalio, I am writing down my life principles. These are rules / foundations that I will not override, even if it means sacrificing something else. Those principles start with a clear goal, which is:

My goal is to be a meaningful member of any community I am part of.

This means:

• Being a healthy, fullfiled, and kind self
• Being a caring, faitful and responsible husband and father
• Being a proud son and brother
• Being a trustful, honest and reliable friend
• Being an impactful and respected colleague
• Being a kind and helpful neighbor
• Being a patriot of my two countries
• And ultimately, being a good human who contributes meaningfully to biological and social evolution

My life principles

1. Optimise for Contributions to Communities in Nearest Order

Without sacrificing essential responsibilities to others.

1.1. Weighted benefits and consequenses to near-and-far communities

• Consider the impacts on immediate circiles (self, family) before extending to broader community
• Avoid trade the well-being of self or family for work or external validation
• Likewise, avoid selfishly protect immediate interests at the cost of the broader community

2. Set reflective milestones that contribute to the goal

2.1. Establish reasonable, archiveble milestones for each period

• Set milestones that meaningfully contribute to final goal (remember Goldilocks Rule)
• Regularly reflect to access alignment, learning and adjustment

3. Embrace Truth and Transparency

Radical or not, remember principle 1.

3.1. Actively seek truth through constructive feedbacks and disagreements

• Be explicit about what I want and need - even with family (Radical Candor)
• Speak out, be conversational, and invite open dialogue
• Welcome disagreements and treat as opportunities to uncover truth and learn

3.2. Treat failure and pain as growth opportunities

• Recognize that failure and setbacks are fertile ground for growth
• Pause, refect and write down lessions