During medieval times, a system was invented for the purpose of hereditary identification of core values.
Formed within the mold of a shield and individualized according to a recognized system of symbols, The first Coat of Arms was created. While it was initially adopted by royalty, knights and other major power holders throughout western Europe, it was eventually used by priests, town commoners, and peasants.
Fast forward to today, most people don’t go around town holding a life-size coat of arms to display what they stand for. However, every person still lives their life by an individualized set of character traits and Core Values.
These traits and values are passed to us through our environment as well as our genes. They are the building blocks of our personality, and through our actions, we tell the world who we are and what we stand for, wether we intend to or not.
As we go through life, we realize that certain traits open doors while others close them. Luckily, we have the ability to change. Therefore, you should think long and hard about what kind of values you should adopt and which traits you should change in order to maximize your potential.
Once you figure it out, you’ll be ready to create your personal coat of arms. This coat of arms will serve as your life’s blueprint and personal creed. The external side will display the Core Values that you live by as you go through life. The internal side will display the elements that make up your Life’s Meaning.
The reasons that it’s so important to create your personal coat of arms is: A) It will provide you with a decision-making process that is in accordance with your core beliefs and life’s purpose, so that any time you’ll need to make a decision, you will be able to see if it’s in harmony with either your Core Values, Life’s Meaning, or both. And B) it will serve as a constant motivator and reminder of why and what you are working for every day.
The following lists includes the most common Core Values and Life Meaning elements. While you may identify with many of the values and elements on the lists, it is recomended to pick the top 4 within each list in order for you to prioritize and maintain laser sharp focus (remember if everything is a priority, nothing is a priority).
You may find that based on your subjective interpretation, there may be an overlap within some of the Core Values or Life Meaning elements. For example; to me integrity consists of; authenticity, trustworthiness, and honesty. Therefore, there is no need for me to add these elements separately or in addition to Integrity and use up spots.
Think of it like this: which 4 Core Values would you not be willing to compromise on while pursuing the 4 elements that define your Life’s Meaning and Higher Purpose.
See following example of Core Values on a Coat of Arms:

Core Values:
Authenticity
Authoritative
Autonomy
Balance
Boldness
Compassion
Competence
Contribution
Creativity
Curiosity
Determination
Equanimity
Fairness
Faithfulness
Generosity
Growth Mindset
Happiness
Health
Honesty
Humor
Inner Harmony
Integrity
Justice
Kindness
Love
Loyalty
Mindfulness
Openness with others
Optimism
Perseverance
Poise
Popularity
Reputation
Respect
Responsibility
Self-Respect
Spirituality
Trustworthiness
Life Meaning elements:

Achievement
Adventure
Beauty
Career
Challenge
Charity
Citizenship
Community
Fame
Family
Freedom
Friendship
Fun
Hobby
Influence
Inspire
Knowledge
Leadership
Legacy
Meaningful work
Money
Passion
Piece
Pleasure
Recognition
Religion
Security
Service
Stability
Status
Success
Wealth
Wisdom
Work
You are ready to create your personal Coat of Arms. Print the following front template of your Coat of Arms and write on it the initials of your 4 Core Values:
Print the following back template of your Coat of Arms and write on it the 4 elements that represent your Life's Meaning:
Keep your personal Coat of Arms in a safe and easily accessible place where you can periodically look at it. Anytime you're feeling down or have a hard decision to make, look at it to remind yourself why and what you are working towards every single day.
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