12 Edicts I Live By (Inspired by the Spirit of the Twelve Traditions, Rewritten for My Own Path)For years I studied the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous—not because I’m in AA, but because they are one of the wisest, most battle-tested blueprints for any group (or any life) that wants to stay healthy, humble, and focused on something bigger than ego.
Recently I sat down and rewrote them into a personal operating system. No alcohol, no meetings, just a code for how I want to move through the world, lead, create, and serve. Here they are—the short version first, followed by why each one matters to me.The 12 Edicts (Short Form)
Recently I sat down and rewrote them into a personal operating system. No alcohol, no meetings, just a code for how I want to move through the world, lead, create, and serve. Here they are—the short version first, followed by why each one matters to me.The 12 Edicts (Short Form)
- Common welfare comes first—mine follows close afterward.
- Ultimate authority is God (however He shows up in conscience). Leaders, including me, are only trusted servants.
- The only requirement to belong in my circle is a desire to serve others.
- I stay autonomous, except when my choices affect the whole—then I consult.
- My single purpose: care deeply about what I do and help others become as great as they can possibly become.
- I never endorse, finance, or lend my name to any outside enterprise—no matter how shiny.
- I decline outside contributions. My work supports itself or it doesn’t exist.
- I attract through example, never promote through marketing. Word of mouth > megaphone.
- I remain forever non-professional in spirit—paid work is fine, paid “guru” status is not.
- I keep the structure light. Rotating leadership, no thrones.
- I take zero public stances on outside controversies. My name stays out of culture wars.
- Always, always place principles before personalities—including my own.