Existential Blueprints

       

 Chapter 10

Existential Blueprints

Construction Stage 1.7:  Drafting Architectural & Engineering Blueprints

SAL Model Stage 1.7:  Self-Constitution

"If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."

—Benjamin Franklin

In the world of construction, nothing of significance is ever built without first formulating clear mental images followed by the detailed drawing up of plans on paper. 

These plans will include specific BLUEPRINTS for infrastructure (roads and underground plumbing and electricity), architecture, engineering, landscaping, and anything else that may be required as part of the construction project.

Self-action leaders likewise draft blueprints for their future in the form of a Self-Declaration of Independence and Self-Constitution.

Just as it is hard to overstate the importance of blueprints to a construction project, the potential value of a Self-DoI and Constitution are immeasurably positive in a self-action leader's life. 

Furthermore, just as a human being is infinitely more intrinsically important and valuable than a building or bridge, a self-action leader's Self-DoI and Constitution are ultimately even more important than the blueprints of any inanimate structure.  

Despite this reality, a certain irony exists in the fact that relatively few human beings ever draw up concrete or comprehensive blueprints for one's own life or career. Indeed, at present, only a small fraction of the population undertakes this incredibly enriching and worthwhile endeavor. 

Freedom Focused exists in part to change this unfortunate human phenomenon. If we have our way, the day will come when most people will spend the same kind of detailed planning, thought, study, research, and design on their own lives as an architectural or engineering firm spends on drawing up detailed blueprints of a construction project.

Thus, we invite YOU to join this relatively small, but ever-growing milieu of proactive self-action leaders committed to drawing up comprehensive blueprints for their life. Doing so will expand your vision, encourage and promote action, and galvanize enthusiasm for your journey through life. It will also serve as a visible reminder to stay focused on what matters most to YOU. 

The next TWO chapters will teach you how to accomplish this vital work that will prove incredibly meaningful and powerful in your life and career.  

I am not the first person to use the term "Constitution" to describe a self-help document or personal planning tool. My uncle, Hyrum W. Smith taught the concept of "Personal Constitutions" back in the mid-1990s. (1)

Moreover, a simple Google search will reveal that the terms Personal Constitution and Self-Constitution are not original concepts.

What Freedom Focused offers YOU in this Life Leadership textbook is an original template and guide for drafting a comprehensive Self-Declaration of Independence and Self-Constitution based on the same principles and formats contained in the United States' Declaration of Independence and Constitution—which we at Freedom Focused rank among the most august, authentic, and important historical, political, philosophical, and moral documents in the history of the world. 

We are not alone in this assessment. Many others, including a former 4-time Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, agree—as the following quote so eloquently and impressively attests.

"The American Constitution is, so far as I can see, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man."

—William Ewart Gladstone

Dr. JJ's Story

I wrote my Self-Declaration of Independence on November 16, 2004, during a period of time when I was greatly frustrated by the results I was not getting in my life, especially with regards to romance. 

I wrote my original Self-Constitution in 2001 as a final project in a leadership course my freshman year of college. With the exception of my Doctoral dissertation—which served as the THIRD Edition of the this Life Leadership textbook—this project was the most memorable, meaningful, and significant assignment I ever completed throughout my 19 years of formal education. 

Unlike most school assignments I completed and then quickly forgot about and/or threw away, I continued working on this personal leadership project for years afterward. Over time, this project gradually evolved into the original Self-Constitution template introduced in this Life Leadership textbook—patterned after the U.S. Constitution.

The positive results of brainstorming, planning, drafting, reviewing, and revising—and most importantly—living according to the principles and practices set forth in my Self-DoI and Self-Constitution have been incalculably meaningful and productive in my life and career. 

As I've lived by and honored these sacred personal documents, I've been empowered to intentionally design my future and achieve much personal and professional success. 

My life's blueprints give me perpetual direction, focus, inspiration, and motivation.

They are a concrete conceptualization of my life's overarching vision and mission in conjunction with my deepest held values and beliefs.

They've made it easier to say no to less important things, because I have a much "bigger 'yes' burning inside." (2) These personal documents, which, over time have become precious and sacred to me, have helped me to achieve and maintain a considerable degree of efficiency, effectiveness, organization, and balance in all areas of my life. They help keep me on track, remain committed to my values and goals, and stay inspired and motivated to endure difficult times and continually press onward.  

In Your Journal

• If your present life was a physical structure, what kind of structure would it presently be?

• If your future life was a physical structure, what kind of structure would you like it to someday be?

• What are some things you would like to "Declare your Independence" from emotionally, mentally, physically, or socially?

• What would you like to include in your Self-Constitution?  

 

—Dr. JJ

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA

Author's Note: This is the 440th Blog Post Published by Freedom Focused LLC since November 2013 and the 243rd consecutive weekly blog published since August 31, 2020.   

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Chapter 10 Notes

1.  Smith, H. W. (1994). The 10 Natural Laws of Successful Time and Life Management: Proven Strategies for Increased Productivity and Inner Peace. New York, NY: Warner Books. Page 55. See pages 55-64.

2.  Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. New York, NY: Fireside. Page 157.