Personal Manifesto

A Personal Manifesto is a powerful tool that helps us stay on the path when discomfort rises and doubtful thoughts kick in. It forces us to connect to what we want from this life, and what we grant ourselves, providing direction when we need it.

I know, I know that I know more than I think I know

Whenever I re-read my manifesto, something inside me moves and I am left with a lump in my throat. It’s like I forgot who I am for a second, and then there’s this list reminding me of all the things I’ve already learned or want to learn.

Most of the messages on there are things I was once afraid of, or still am. In daily life it is so easy to fall back in a rut and hide in comfort and reactiveness. Going through the motions and waiting for a better day to come, not finding any real fulfilment, satisfaction or relief. So I need these reminders to keep me brave. To go out and explore on my own that life that I’ve been given. To make the most of it and to feel alive.

I created my first Manifesto in January 2021, prompted by my coach. As usual when trying new things my mind tried to convince me it would be a waste of time. But I do like a bit of homework and accountability, so I put myself to it, two hours before our next session.

The result is something I couldn’t have foreseen. It’s a mixture of personal guidelines, compass, reminders and “too scary so it’s probably needed”. I can probably say that I should look at it more often. But should’s are banned from my dictionary so I’ll have to come up with something better. 

One thing that always brings me back to my list is when a client moves through something difficult and I can see that light going on in their heads. Whether there is tears, laughter, astonishment or sheer joy, I always know this is what it is about. And I need to make sure my compass keeps leading me there.

Writing your own

If you want to create your own personal manifesto, here are some things to keep in mind that have helped me manage perfectionist tendencies. A Personal Manifesto is:

• always fluctuant
• changing and developing with you
• not an absolute truth (because such a things doesn’t exist)

My Manifesto