Long before “knowing your why” became a popular buzz-phrase in business and personal development, the Star Trek franchise had already boldly gone down that path.
Star Fleet General Order 1, more commonly known as the “Prime Directive,” is an overriding principle that guides and influences every decision made by Star Fleet personnel. Kind of a “one rule to rule them all” sort of thing.
While there are different variations to the verbiage of the Prime Directive, the general theme is that Star Fleet personnel are forbidden from interfering with the social, cultural, or technological development of any planet, alien life, or culture. This directive “takes precedence over any and all other considerations.”
Once you know—and agree to adhere to—the Prime Directive, all future decisions become easier to discern. “Hey, should we show this primitive, cave-dwelling species how to use phaser weapons?” No, obviously.
Non-negotiable values
How could implementing a personal Prime Directive be useful in your day-to-day life? A good place to start would be to identify and clarify your set of values, particularly your non-negotiable ones.
I have a friend in recovery from substance addiction. One of his non-negotiable rules is absolutely zero alcohol is allowed in his home or on his property. Period. Not ever. No exceptions—so don’t bother to ask.
This “prime directive” is one thing (of many) that has helped him to remain clean and sober for over two decades.
In Christianity, the Two Great Commandments are to love God, and to love your neighbor as yourself. If you followed these directives sincerely, you would be less apt to say or do hurtful things to those around you, ideally.
If kindness and courtesy were important values to you, would you exhibit road rage to the person who cut you off in traffic? Hopefully not.
If creative, artistic expression was a core value to you, would you continue to stay in your dull, paper-pushing, office job?
If fairness and equity ranked high on your list of values, would you sit by and tolerate injustice, or would you rise up and take a stand?
If a commitment to a healthy lifestyle was one of your driving values, would deciding whether or not to eat that second donut really even be a question? Doubtful.
This might be a hard pill to swallow, but what we say and do and how we live our lives is often a reflection of what we a truly value—even when we claim otherwise.
Your personal Prime Directive
Do you have one rule to rule them all? There is great power that comes from knowing what you will or will not do in a set of circumstances. In many ways, it makes your life easier by removing the guesswork and constant overthinking and re-deciding.
Whenever you get stuck, simply ask yourself, “If [insert value here] is important to me, would I…?”
If you’re not already living by a personal credo, consider giving some thought to implementing a Prime Directive in your life.
If you could use some help clarifying your personal Prime Directive and living in alignment with your values, visit my About page to learn how to work with me 1:1 as your guide and life coach.
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