1- What Are Driving Principles?

Driving principles are fundamental guidelines that individuals choose to live by. These principles are broad, overarching pieces of advice that influence one’s actions and decisions, reflecting one's core values and personality. They act as a compass, guiding behavior and choices in various situations.

2- Why Have Driving Principles?

Driving principles serve several crucial purposes:

• Guide for Action and Decision: They provide a framework for making decisions and taking actions.
• Personal Alignment: Following these principles helps individuals achieve more, stay true to their personalities, and maintain good behavior.
• Consistency: They ensure consistency in actions and decisions, leading to better outcomes.

3- Characteristics of Driving Principles

3.1- General Nature

Driving principles are generalist by nature. They are not specific pieces of advice but rather broad criteria that guide decision-making and actions. A good driving principle is one that can be applied in various situations, leading to improved outcomes.

3.2- Differentiation from Advice

While advice tends to be specific and situational, driving principles are more general and can give rise to several pieces of advice depending on the context. This makes them more versatile and broadly applicable.

3.3- Qualities of a Good Driving Principle

A good driving principle is one that the individual finds implementable and is willing to incorporate into their life. It should be practical and resonate with the individual's values and goals.

4- Framing Your Principles

Framing driving principles involves a thoughtful process of defining, refining, and prioritizing them.

4.1- Starting Point

Begin by identifying the type of person you want to be and the qualities you admire. From these qualities, derive your driving principles.

4.2- Avoiding Overload

It’s important not to have too many driving principles. The goal is to identify and focus on those that provide the most value and benefit.

5- How to Be Principle-Driven

The challenge lies in consistently applying your driving principles in relevant situations.

5.1- Internalizing Principles

Having strong mottos can help in remembering your principles, but to ensure they resurface at the right time, they need to be integrated into your processes. Pausing to think in situations and consciously recalling your principles can be beneficial.

5.2- External Visualization

Before acting, visualize someone else performing the action. This external perspective can help you identify the most admirable way to act, which often aligns with your driving principles.

5.3- Action-Oriented Application

Regularly review your driving principles and find ways to apply them in your ongoing projects and tasks.

5.4- Creating Systems and Workflows

Develop systems and workflows that incorporate your driving principles, ensuring that you follow them by default in your daily activities.

6- Examples of Driving Principles

Here are some examples of driving principles, along with their rationale:

6.1- Do What Others Are Not Willing to Do

Why: Pushing yourself to tackle difficult tasks fosters growth and distinguishes your results from the norm.

• Benefit: Forces growth and differentiates outcomes.

6.2- Perseverance and Improvement

Why: Success often requires multiple attempts and continuous improvement.

• Related Notion: The law of large numbers.

6.3- Expanding Time by Multiplying Experiences

Why: Making the most of time by seeking diverse experiences.

• Motto: "10 years in 1 year."

6.4- Implementing and Re-implementing

Why: Implementation is crucial for influencing your world and improving conditions.

6.5- Focusing on What Is Important

Why: Deliberate focus ensures attention on what truly matters.

6.6- Maximizing Opportunities

Why: Reframing and seeking opportunities prevents boredom and enhances life quality.

6.7- Pushing Opportunities to the Limits

Why: Many endeavors lack a clear finish line; continuous effort ensures goals are achieved.

6.8- Focus on Few Ideas at a Time

Why: Intensive focus on one idea ensures thorough understanding and execution.

6.9- Utilizing Leverage

Why: Leverage allows for the mobilization of more resources than one can manage alone.

6.10- Smart Positioning

Why: Reflecting on optimal positions simplifies life and enhances effectiveness.

By understanding and implementing these driving principles, individuals can lead more consistent, fulfilling, and effective lives, aligning their actions with their core values and long-term goals.