5 Key Principles of Strategic Living for a Fulfilling Life

On this third rock from the sun, there are eight billion people scattered across 195 countries. According to the Encyclopedia of World Cultures, there are over 500 unique and separate cultures in the world. Some experts claim there are as many as 3,800 unique cultures and possibly more.

This global number illustrates that many factors influence the answer to the question “how do you live a life of purpose that leads to true fulfillment?”

It all boils down to what is important to you as an individual. What are your values, ideals, and guiding principles that influence your actions and determine the goals you set for yourself? A strategic approach to living prioritizes your values as decision-making influences the life plan you design to enjoy more fulfillment and purpose.

Wouldn't it be great for your every action to have meaning? You know exactly why you are doing what you're doing, the outcome you intend to create, and how your efforts align with your values. You can map out this type of meaningful life by embracing the five major principles of strategic living.

Develop an Intimate Understanding of Your Core Values

Strategic planning of any kind begins with a database of knowledge. This is the information you will use for your action plan. That information should be your values and beliefs to add more meaning to your daily routine. You look forward to each day because your most important guiding principles drive your actions.

Embrace Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Successful leaders know the abilities and shortcomings of all the resources at their disposal. They assign responsibilities according to this information. You should do the same.

Before creating a values-based plan for living your life, be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize actions you can take according to your skills, and delegate or sidestep actions where you need more proficiency.

Use Your Values to Create Short and Long-Term Goals

Strategy can be defined as a detailed plan of action for creating a desired outcome. To enjoy more fulfillment in life, develop goals with your values in mind. Identify what you want to get out of life, what you want to create, become, or experience. Use your values to determine the action steps you will take to make your goals a reality.

Take Daily Action

We are creatures of habit. We tend to do what we repeat regularly, which is how habits are formed. This is why it is so important to take action on your goals daily.

When your brain sees you prioritizing actions that are based on your values, you are rewarded with a dose of dopamine and other happiness hormones that give you a sense of fulfillment every time you work on achieving your goals.

Regularly Review Your Values and Goals

How you look at the world can change many times in your life. Outside influences and major changes in your life can influence what you believe. Based on those guiding principles, you should regularly review your core values and goals to ensure that your strategic life plan will deliver the most meaningful results.