Why You Should Have a ‘Personal Manifesto’ and How to Write One

I want to talk about something deeply transformative and personal—something that has the power to redefine how you approach every single day of your life: creating your own personal manifesto. If you’re feeling a little lost, stuck in a rut, or just looking to add more intention and purpose to your days, then this is for you.

You might be wondering, what exactly is a personal manifesto? Simply put, it’s a declaration of your core values, beliefs, and life philosophy—a written statement that serves as your North Star, guiding you in making decisions, taking actions, and setting goals. It’s like your personal mission statement, but with a lot more soul!

Why You Need a Personal Manifesto

I know firsthand the power of having clarity in your life. My own journey has been anything but straightforward—from battling childhood leukemia to dealing with heart failure and navigating the challenges of motherhood and owning a medical practice. Throughout all these experiences, I’ve found that having a clear sense of purpose and direction can make all the difference. And that’s exactly what a personal manifesto provides!

Here’s why I believe everyone should have a personal manifesto:

Clarity in Decision-Making: When you know your core values and what you stand for, decision-making becomes easier. You can quickly discern what aligns with your beliefs and what doesn’t. A personal manifesto acts like a filter for your choices, helping you stay true to yourself.
Increased Focus and Direction: Life is full of distractions, and it’s easy to get sidetracked by things that don’t matter in the grand scheme. Your personal manifesto keeps you aligned with your goals and values, ensuring that your time and energy are directed toward what truly matters to you.
Empowerment and Confidence: Knowing who you are and what you stand for empowers you to act with confidence. You become less susceptible to outside influences and more committed to your own path. It’s a powerful feeling to wake up each day with a clear sense of purpose.
Motivation and Inspiration: On those tough days when you feel like giving up, your manifesto can serve as a source of inspiration. It’s a reminder of your “why”—why you’re here, why you do what you do, and why it’s worth continuing the journey.
Living Authentically: Your personal manifesto is a reflection of your authentic self. It’s a commitment to live your truth, not someone else’s version of it. In a world that often tries to fit us into boxes, your manifesto is your way of saying, “This is who I am, and I’m proud of it.”

How to Write Your Personal Manifesto

Now that you know why having a personal manifesto is so important, let’s dive into how to actually create one. This process is deeply personal, so take your time with it. There’s no right or wrong way to do this, but here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Reflect on Your Core Values

Your personal manifesto should be grounded in your core values—the fundamental principles that guide your life. To uncover these, start by asking yourself some deep questions:

What matters most to me in life?
What principles do I refuse to compromise on?
When do I feel most alive and fulfilled?
What are the qualities I admire in others, and why?
What experiences have shaped my beliefs and values?

Spend some time journaling your answers. Look for recurring themes or words that stand out. These are likely to be your core values. For example, you might find words like “integrity,” “compassion,” “growth,” or “freedom” coming up frequently. Write them down—they will form the foundation of your manifesto.

Step 2: Define Your Purpose

Your manifesto should articulate your purpose—your “why.” Why are you here? What do you want to contribute to the world? This can be challenging to pin down, but think about what drives you, what gives you a sense of meaning, and what you’re passionate about.

Ask yourself:

What is the impact I want to have on the world?
What unique gifts or talents do I have that I want to share?
If I could solve one problem in the world, what would it be?

Your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing (though it can be!). It might simply be to live a life filled with love, kindness, and authenticity. Whatever it is, write it down.

Step 3: Identify Your Goals

Your manifesto should also include your long-term goals. These are the things you want to achieve that align with your values and purpose. Think about different areas of your life—career, relationships, health, personal growth, and so on.

Ask yourself:

What do I want to achieve in my career or work?
How do I want my relationships to feel and look?
What are my health and wellness goals?
What kind of person do I want to become?

Write down your goals, and make sure they are specific, measurable, and aligned with your values and purpose.

Step 4: Craft Your Manifesto

Now comes the fun part—writing your manifesto! There’s no set format, so feel free to get creative. Your manifesto could be a letter to yourself, a list of statements, a poem, or even a combination of different styles. The key is to make it feel personal and meaningful to you.

Here are some prompts to help you get started:

“I believe in…”
“I stand for…”
“My purpose is…”
“I am committed to…”
“I choose to…”
“I refuse to…”

Combine your core values, purpose, and goals into a cohesive statement. Don’t worry about getting it perfect on the first try. This is a living document that you can refine over time.

Step 5: Make It Visible

Your personal manifesto is a tool for daily inspiration and guidance, so make sure it’s visible. You might choose to print it out and hang it on your wall, save it as the background on your phone or computer, or carry a copy in your wallet. The idea is to keep it somewhere you’ll see it often, so it can serve as a constant reminder of who you are and what you stand for.

Step 6: Revisit and Revise

Your personal manifesto isn’t set in stone. As you grow, evolve, and learn more about yourself, your values, purpose, and goals may change. Make it a habit to revisit your manifesto regularly—perhaps every six months or once a year—to see if it still aligns with who you are and where you’re headed. Don’t be afraid to make changes as needed; this is your personal guide to living your most authentic life.

Examples of Personal Manifesto Statements

To help you get started, here are a few examples of personal manifesto statements that might inspire you:

“I believe in living a life of courage, compassion, and creativity. I stand for kindness, authenticity, and growth. My purpose is to inspire and empower others to live their fullest lives. I am committed to being a lifelong learner and a beacon of light in my community. I choose to approach every day with gratitude, curiosity, and a sense of adventure.”
“I refuse to settle for a life that is less than extraordinary. I believe in the power of resilience, the magic of connection, and the importance of integrity. I am here to serve, to learn, and to love fiercely. I will use my voice to speak my truth and my actions to make a difference.”

How My Personal Manifesto Has Changed My Life – Dr. Lisa Koche

I want to share a little about how having a personal manifesto has changed my own life. As someone who has faced significant health challenges, I know how easy it can be to feel lost or overwhelmed. My manifesto has been a guiding light, helping me stay focused on my mission to heal and empower others. It reminds me every day of why I do what I do, even when things get tough.

For example, my manifesto includes a commitment to growth and learning. This has pushed me to continuously seek new knowledge, explore innovative health practices, and stay curious about the world around me. It also includes a commitment to authenticity, which has empowered me to share my personal story openly and connect with others on a deeper level.

Final Thoughts

Writing a personal manifesto is one of the most powerful things you can do to align your life with your deepest values, purpose, and desires. It’s an act of self-love, self-awareness, and self-empowerment. And remember, this is your manifesto—there’s no right or wrong way to create it. It’s all about what resonates with you and makes your heart feel full.

So, take some time today, grab a journal, and start crafting your personal manifesto. I promise it will be one of the most transformative exercises you’ll ever do. And when you’re done, don’t just tuck it away—live it every single day.

Sending you all love, light, and the courage to live your truth.

Be well,

Dr. Lisa