PERSONAL CREDO A personal credo should be clear

PERSONAL CREDO A personal credo should be clear and specific. When you read it, it should provide you with a stronger sense of self and a stronger sense of purpose

Definition • A credo is a set of beliefs that drives thoughts and behaviors. • A ‘personal’ credo is one which is created by the individual, and not just one accepted from other people • The word “credo” comes from the Latin, and literally means, “I believe. ” • YOUR personal credo will shed light on you as both an artist and a person

A Personal Statement of Affirmation • Many successful people use a customized personal creed. They think very seriously about the kind of person they want to be, write it down and then read it aloud at least once a day. This guides everything they do in life and moves them daily towards the life they want. • For example: “I am wise, loving and kind. I love people and they love being around me. I invest my time in improving myself, helping others, and making the world a better place. Money comes to me easily and I have more than I need. I am healthy and fit, and look and feel fabulous. Every day brings me blessings beyond measure. ”

Religion…as a source • The most common source of a creed is religion. Many people have a favorite verse in the bible that guides them in their daily living. • Popular verses include: • “Judge not, that ye be not judged. ” • “Work with all your heart, soul and mind, as working for God and not for men. ” • “Forgive not seven times, but seventy-times seven. ” • “Seek first to understand, then to be understood. ”

Literature…as a source • You could use a poem or verse that you find a powerful guide to living. • The following is something frequently used as a philosophy of life, a way of thinking, taken from a poem: You gotta dance like nobody’s watching Dream like you will live forever Live like you’ll die tomorrow And love like it’s never going to hurt

Music…as a source • The lyrics of songs can move us deeply and make us want to be better people and do good things. You could use a line or a whole verse as a personal creed. The following is a popular one: You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine/ Just own the night like the fourth of July / ‘Cause baby, you’re a firework / Come on, show ’em what you’re worth – Firework, by Katy Perry

Music…as a source • OR… In every life we have some trouble / But when you worry you make it double / Don’t worry, be happy – Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Bobby Mc. Ferrin

Music…as a source • OR… Sing with me, sing for the years Sing for the laughter, sing for the tear Sing with me, just for today Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away Dream on Dream until your dreams come true – Dream On, by Aerosmith

Music…as a source • OR… Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten – Unwritten, by Natasha Bedingfield

Music…as a source • OR… If I can see it, then I can do it If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it I believe I can fly I believe I can touch the sky I think about it every night and day Spread my wings and fly away – I Believe I can Fly By R. Kelly

Music…as a source • OR… You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will live as one – Imagine by John Lennon

Wise Words from People…as a source • Sometimes the impact on us of what someone says is so profound that it can change us and the we live forever. • “Leave every person feeling better for having met you. ” • “Brighten every room you walk into. ” • “Walk like you own the world. ”

Inner Conviction…as a source • Like Mother Teresa, you may have had one of those crystal clear revelations that tell you without a shadow of a doubt what you must do. • “Nobody in the world should have to die alone. ” • “Every child must feel wanted. ” • “Live each day as a gift. ” • “The world is a better place for my having lived today. ”

Chance…as a source • I just happened to see this…imagine how it could change the way you live from day to day… Think deeply Speak gently Love much Laugh a lot Work hard Give freely Be kind

A Sample… • From my favorite scene in Bull Durham

Writing Your Credo – Here we go! • 5 specific things you believe in THREE or more of these categories: home, friendship, a higher power, education, injustice (or justice), family, work, being human, love, living • 5 things you do NOT believe in, from any of the above categories (you can start with ‘I do not believe’) • 5 things you believe about art (any kind), music, & creativity or the ability to create • 3 things you WISH you believed in (no limits) • 2 things you USED TO believe in, but don’t any longer (no limits) • what you believe is THE MOST AMAZING thing or event in the known or unknown universe, or simply in your own personal experience.

Other tips… • What helps you experience a sense of purpose and meaning? When do you feel most happy and fulfilled? • What are some basic beliefs, positive or negative, that you hold about human nature? • List some basic core beliefs or simple truths that you live by. • What qualities do you most appreciate in the following people? • • • Your parents or primary caregivers. Your ideal life partner. The friends you most admire. The public figure or role model you most admire. The historical figure you most admire. The religious leader you most admire. • Do you notice any patterns from answering these questions, certain qualities and/or values that keep coming up?

Then…Get Creative • Use these lines to construct a poem that starts, “I believe…” or “I don’t believe…”, or “I am committed to…” etc. depending on how you want to preface the belief that follows • Start adding in WHY you believe these things for all or every other line. See what happens to the poem. • Remove some of the “I believe” statements to create a list-like tone. • Check on your choice of verbs, words, clichés, unintentional repetitions, predictability. Strive for your own, unique voice in every possible way • Go back and look at the sources of inspiration…what are your sources? How can they help influence what you’ve written? • Think about alliteration, flow and cadence or rhythm • Keep revising until you believe it defines WHO YOU ARE AS AN ARTIST AND A PERSON and is the best poetic statement that expresses, from your heart, what you stand for.