Manifesto Report Card

Craig — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:55:34 +0000

Back in November, I wrote and published my “Manifesto.”

But it’s one thing to write this, and another to live it. How am I doing? Great question. I’m figuring this out as I write it:

I am a Father… B

I think I’m doing ok here. My children are taken care of, and loved. Working to teach them every day. Only thing that’s stopping it from being an A is that I’ve not been taking care of myself. But more on that later.

I am a Husband… B

Once again, doing well here, but I can improve on “Operating as a team” with my wife. To be honest with myself, I can assist more around the house. I’m just being honest.

I am a Provider… C

Although I am obviously providing, it’s safe to say my cup is not “running over.” We’ve made excellent progress on the debt front, but this is a long war to fight, and not going to be fixed anytime soon. We didn’t get into debt over night, it won’t be fixed overnight.

As for harvesting more than one source – this is hit and miss. Had a great January, Horrible February, and on track for a mediocre March when it comes to non-wage income sources. I could do better, and I know where I need to improve.

Once again, healthy shows up, as well as empowering myself to provide. Both of these are put off because it’s just not easy now. The truth is – it’s never easy.

I am a Thought Leader… C

Once again, busy is an excuse, but not a good one. I have not spent any time “sharpening the sword” and have not worked at all within the community for positive change. On the positive, I know I’m being a role model to my extended family. I know that I’m training the next generation, and I work to refine my beliefs every day. When I locate the cognitive dissonance, I’m identifying it, and calling it out.

I am an Adventurer… D

And it’s a bad grade by choice. Because I’m working so hard on removing debt, the amount of exploration and fine things have been decreased on purpose. Simply put, it is very difficult to live this creed in conjunction with the “Provider” while remaining responsible. So be it. I’ll take the bad grade here for now.

Areas of improvement

Must continue to work diligently to reduce debt. Every 100 dollars of debt removed can mean a savings of as much as 25 dollars a year. There is no quicker way to the “Adventurer” items than that.
Health. I need to quit smoking. I need to lose weight. I need to stop saying that, and just do it.
I need to stop being afraid of the small loss, and consider lost opportunity cost when working in the stock market. I’ve held one particular stock for over 6 months, with little or no movement on it at all. I should have cut this loose LONG AGO. and moved on

I think this is a good introspective. Final grade? I think it’s a “C”. What’s yours?

My Personal Manifesto

Craig — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:23:20 +0000

I’ve come to a point in my life where I need goals. But I have no idea what those goals should be. I’ve created my personal Manifesto to help validate what my next directions should be.I don’t really have much more to say about this, but will let the document speak for itself.

Creed

I shall only exist once, and for a very limited time. I can choose to plod along my in life or I can choose to enjoy and make a difference in the world. I choose the latter.

I am a Father

I will ensure my children are provided for. This includes clothes, food and shelter, but intangibles as love, education and principles.
I will provide structure and discipline to them, empowering them to be successful in their lives, and giving them the skills to live those lives how they wish to live.
I will teach my children how to think critically, how to question the world they live in, and how to find the answers to those question
I will be healthy in order to pass on my wisdom for as long as possible

I am a Husband

I will ensure my wife is provided for. This includes clothes, food and shelter, but intangibles as love, education and principles
I will receive the love of my wife with open arms. If I need more, I will ask for it.
I will explain my principles to my wife, and expect respect of them.
I will operate as a team with my wife, ensuring our home and family is a sacred.

I am a Provider

I will provide for my family. I will strive for a cup that runs over.
I will diversify. I will harvest more than one source to provide.
I will be free of the chains of debt. I will pay myself first. I will use debt as a controlled leverage tool only.
I will take the steps needed to empower myself to these ends.
I will be healthy to ensure my family and causes are provided for for as long as possible.
I will die self-sustained.

I am a Thought Leader

I will be a role model to people. I will establish my principles, communicate those principles, and live by those principles
I will work within my communities to affect positive change.
I will “sharpen the sword” and maintain my position as an agent of positive change.
I will train the next generation. I will empower them to advance their principles so that they too can become thought leaders
I will define and refine my beliefs. I will work towards eliminating cognitive dissonance.

I am a Difference-Maker

I will make a difference in my communities. I will make the greatest contribution where my influence is the greatest
I will value people over corporations, and neighbors over populations
I will strive to eliminate problems. I will invest in stop-gap solutions only if solutions in the root causes is being advanced.

I am an Adventurer

I will experience life in the fullest. I will venture out of my comfort zone often.
I will enjoy the fine things in life. I will be unapologetic for doing so.
I will seek out new adventures. I will use the wisdom gained to increase the impact of my other roles.
I will embark on these adventures. I will invite others along, however will not require their participation

The Meatstack » manifesto