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In one of the books by Steven Covey, he spoke of a "Personal Mission Statement," where one expresses in writing everything that you would imagine people saying about you at your funeral. Morbid as it may seem, it actually provides a self-defined, well, definition, of personal success. I conducted the exercise and found my definition of personal success. I then created from it my very own Personal Constitution.

After one of these is written, one has a template from which to make decisions regarding how you act and what you do. As long as the decisions one makes and the consequences of those decisions are complimentary to what one has written ,then that course of action will almost effortlessly lead to one's personal definition of success. Here's mine:


Personal Constitution
I, Arriel E. Atienza, in order to form an effective person, establish organization and purpose in life, ensure a directive social presence, provide for personal growth, enrichment and development, promote a lifestyle conducive to a pre-defined and sincerely true definition of success, and secure the traits of objectivity, practicality and decisiveness for myself and those whom I chance upon, do ordain and establish this Constitution for myself.

Article I
The Sincerely True Definition of Personal Success

Section I: When reflecting about me, an immediate family member shall be able to say:
1. We are proud of his accomplishments.
2. He always cared a lot about his friends.
3. He exercised determination to achieve short-term goals and long-term objectives.

Section II: When reflecting about me, a close friend shall be able to say:
1. He always has a smile on his face and a positive outlook.
2. He has a subtle knack for cheering people up.
3. He always helped when I was in need.
4. He worked to present a professional yet complicated and adventurous image.

Section III: When reflecting about me, any teacher or employer shall be able to say:
1. He works very hard in class or at his job.
2. He worked hard and well independently.

Section IV: When reflecting about me, any service organization leader shall be able to say:
1. He gave a significant amount of his time and resources to those who would benefit from them.
2. Those who were mentored by him were very receptive to his words and ideas.

Article II
Directives for Success
Section I: Family-level objectives of existence
1. Be continually searching for and achieving opportunities that will allow loved ones to be proud of your accomplishments.
2. Always give the appearance of caring and concern for friends.
3. Exercise and exemplary level of determination to accomplish short-term goals and long-term endeavors.

Section II: Friend-level objectives of existence
1. Always be receptive and friendly to others in everyday dealings.
2. Sincerely work to place in perspective the feelings of others who are regarded to be in poor humor.
3. Be ever-helpful and assisting to others, provided that it does not result in drastic inconvenience.
4. Strive to present a professional yet adventurous public image that is truly Northwestern.

Section III: Educational/Professional-level objectives of existence
1. Be determined in completing tasks, especially under time constraint, regardless of environment.
2. Strive to be an independent worker.
3. Work to achieve competence so as to disallow influence of adverse exterior conditions.

Section IV: Organization-level objectives of existence
1. Be forward in allocating as much time and as many resources as practical to assist or instruct those who would benefit from your presence or mentoring.
2. Exercise a manner of conduct and level of maturity appropriate for the current environment.


Amendment I
Loyalty to those who Love you

Conduct yourself according to resonable and commonly acceptable standards of living and grooming, not only for ease of social relations but also to be honest to yourself. Be mindful that there are people who are not in your immediate Circle of Concern but who would sacrifice everything to perpetuate your well-being and success. These people would offer their very lives to ensure the very best for you. Although they no longer have the ability to influence you directly, their wishes, whole, loving and sincere as they are, should continually be a source of influence.


Amendment II
Rules of Life Learned through Experience

1. There's a reason you have gut instinct. Trust it, and do what YOU feel is right.
2. Anticipate the future, and if opportune, make accommodations thereto in the present.
3. Nobody gets the benefit of doubt--only the benefit of fact.
4. To succeed, understand exactly how others failed.
5. Never underestimate the power of calling ahead.
6. Carry a form of identification on your person at all times.
7. When in doubt, take the course of action that will lead to the greatest chance of success.
8. Err to the side of wise excess.
9. If you're purchasing something and expect to depend on it, don't "settle" for an untested brand or substandard features just for price.
10. Achieve intimacy with your gear and trust it.
11. Don't get kicked twice by a donkey.
12. Always check the receipt and your merchandise before leaving the store.
13. Never speak for someone when you can't vouch for them.
14. Never pass up an opportunity to use the bathroom, and always use it prior to departing.
15. Learn everything to the level you want to know.




Contact Me

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A. E. Atienza--Pomona, CA
http://www.geocities.com/atzy.geo

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