Central Principles

1. UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS: Emotions (also referred to as "feelings") are internal, physical-chemical sensations that provide you with important information about yourself, others, and your environment. Acknowledge your feelings, but use your head to make decisions.
   
   
2. MANAGE YOUR THOUGHTS: Every action and every feeling is preceded by thought, whether conscious or unconscious. Success and happiness, therefore, depend first and foremost on what you think. Strive to adhere to the Three Rules for Successful Thinking: Think Kindly, Think Objectively, and Think Constructively.
   
   
3. DISTINGUISH YOUR FEELINGS FROM THE FACTS: Feelings do not change facts. Strive to distinguish your feelings from the facts.
   
   
4. FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL RATHER THAN ON WHAT YOU CANNOT CONTROL: In any situation there are things you can control and things you cannot control. Focus your attention on what you can control rather than on what you cannot control.
   
   
5. RECOGNIZE YOUR INHERENT WORTH: Feelings of self-worth fluctuate throughout life, but your intrinsic worth and identity is a God-given fact that is secure and permanent. You have value inherent in yourself independent of your feelings, your actions, or your accomplishments.
   
   
6. BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR YOUR PERSONAL SECURITY: Your security in life depends more on how you manage yourself than on any other person or thing.
   
   
7. SET YOUR MINIMUM STANDARDS: In any situation or relationship there are minimum requirements or standards you consider necessary for it to be acceptable (quite different from ideal or perfect.) While still striving to obtain the ideal, define your minimum standards. Measure quality or performance as being above or below your minimum acceptable standard.
   
   
8. CARE FOR YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH: The health of your mind, body, and emotions depends on proper and consistent nutrition, exercise, and sleep. Strive to eat moderately, exercise regularly, and to get sufficient sleep.

   Rule of thumb: Eat three well-balanced, low-fat meals a day; exercise twenty to thirty minutes, three to four times a week; and sleep seven to nine hours a night.