This may seem to be a given, but if someone were to ask you flat out what your life’s guiding values are, how would you answer? Could you? Do you know what the inviolable, non-negotiables are?

Be able to articulate these clearly. Write them down for yourself and make sure they are actionable. Avoid fluff here—no legacy was built on empty affirmations like “I want to be a better person.”

Oh, and revisit these yearly—at least. Lives change and (some) values change. That’s understandable. What’s most important is that they’re living and actionable.

Here’s an example: If you believe that life is made better through compassion, then endeavor to act on it daily. Know what actionable compassion looks like in situations of pain, happiness, quiet, and high energy. Know the temptations that draw you away from this value and put up barriers for protection.