What’s Driving Your Actions and Decisions?

I was teaching a group of young leaders the other day and the question came up, “How do you stay on the right path? The young leaders wanted to know how can you avoid making ethical mistakes.

 I shared with them my simple formula for evaluating my actions, decisions and behaviors. It’s a simple acronym that helps me remember to make the best decisions and follow the best practices in life.

I call it the S.H.I.P Principle! It stands for “Standards, Humility, Integrity and Philosophy.” Whenever I get ready to make a decision or take an action I ask myself does it line up with my S.H.I.P Principle. If it doesn’t pass the test, then I walk away. 

We are all headed somewhere in life, whether we set a definite course or not, we are headed somewhere. Some people are aimlessly traveling through life without any directions or guidance. This leads to a life of regrets and wasted time and energy.

When you think of the word ship, it could apply to a cruise ship, cargo ship or a war ship, all used to carry something or transport something. I would like to also add a life ship to this list; you are the carrier of purpose, genius potential and great talent. But it can all be damaged in a matter of seconds.

Some of you may remember the track star Marion Jones. A highly celebrated athlete that lost everything in a matter of seconds because of a choice she made. In an interview Marion said “If only I took a moment to think about my decision, I wouldn’t have gone to jail.”

When you think about the S.H.I.P Principle, it will make you stop and ask the important questions.

Does what I’m about to say or do line up with the Standards I have set for myself. Everything I try to do is done in a sprit of Humility and servitude, so I ask myself does this action line up. Next I ask myself is it in keeping with my Integrity. Lastly, does it measure up to my personal Philosophy and beliefs in life?

If it can pass the S.H.I.P Principle then I am safe. The young leaders walked away with a quick way to evaluate their decisions and actions.

What do you use to measure your decisions and actions? Leave a comment.

Dr. Will
Author, Genius Potential
America’s #1 Leadership Life Trainer

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