A Moral Compass For Battling Shadows
A Moral Compass for Battling Shadows
The figure silhouetted by the orange-yellow headlights was built like a brick house–solid, stubborn, and with little chance of being knocked over.
Without taking my eyes off of The Brick in front of me, I quickly noted my surroundings.
We were in abandoned parking lot in an out-of-the-way part of town
It was completely dark (except for the flickering headlights of the Ford Mustang)
Kate was standing behind me near our bike with an empty gas tank.-
The Brick was boiling mad and getting angrier every moment; we couldn’t outrun him.
“She’s not your girl anymore, Rex. And I won't stand by and watch you hurt her.” I glared into the Brick’s tiny pig eyes and slowly positioned my arms into the cover and drive position, helmenting my head and preparing for a defensive charge.
Rex cursed, clenched his fists, and jerked toward me. But I was ready for him.
We all enjoy a good story. Why? Because we’re human—and we’re subconsciously drawn to drama, intrigue, mystery, suspense, and the age-old struggle between light and darkness. Beneath each narrative and character, there exists a tangled web of personal principles and beliefs.
Remember, in my last blog we discussed how everyone operates by a certain set of principles.
The excerpt above is just such an example of principled action. What can we immediately identify about the storyteller? He’s prepared; he consciously or subconsciously values situational awareness; he won’t back down from a fight; he’s willing to sacrifice himself for Kate; he seems able to control his fear; and so on.
Okay, now it’s time for the exciting part. Let’s work together to identify your own personal code of ethics!
1. Self-Reflection:
Start by engaging in deep self-reflection. Think about your core values, beliefs, and principles that guide your life. Consider the experiences and events that have shaped your values—what kind of person do you want to become?
2. Identify Your Values
Identify the values that are most important to you. These may include honesty, integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, empathy, and many more. List them and rank them in order of importance.
3. The “Clarity Step”:
Consider the situation that is creating a problem in your life. You can use this situation as a guidepost for future situations—how did you handle that situation? Did your actions align with your actual values? What will you change next time?
4. Draft A Mission Statement:
Write a concise mission statement that encapsulates your core values and principles. This statement should serve as your ethical compass. It might begin with "I believe in..." or "My values are..." and then list your core values.
5. Clarity Rules:
Develop clear and specific guidelines or rules that elaborate on how you intend to apply your values. Consider the different aspects of your life, such as your work, relationships, community involvement, and personal growth.
6. Seek inspiration:
Who do you admire? Philosophers, leaders, ethical role models? What inspiring values do these people have? Just make sure that your personal code remains authentic and reflects your unique values.
7. Review and Refine:
Your personal code of ethics isn't set in stone. It should evolve and adapt as you grow and gain new experiences. Regularly review and refine it to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with your values and goals.
8. Consult With Others
Feedback from people you trust is invaluable! Friends, family members, or mentors can help you refine and clarify your principles.
9. Commit to Your Code:
Once you've constructed your personal code of ethics, commit to living by it. Use it as a guide to make decisions, resolve ethical dilemmas, and maintain consistency in your actions. You will trust yourself more and gain the trust of others when your actions match your intentions!
10. Practice Self-Awareness:
Cultivate self-awareness to ensure that you consistently align your actions with your code of ethics. Regularly assess your behavior and make adjustments as needed.
Here’s something fun to try: re-watch your favorite movie or flip through a well-loved book and look for the underlying motives of the characters. How do their actions correspond with their values? In the popular classic, Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth, the book's heroine and main character, maintains a strong sense of familial loyalty and commitment to genuine love throughout the entire book. These principles continually guide her actions and decisions.
If you’re ready to discover more about personal ethics and a step-by-step approach to inform your personal life, let’s chat! You can also explore my blog for more helpful tips on everything from relationships skills to productivity.