The Codex Vitae is your life operating manual.
It's a simple idea that has profound effects. I first heard about this idea on Better Humans from Tony Stubblebine. But what is it, exactly?
It's a resource that that encompasses your life's work.
Bits of wisdom, how-to guides, life lessons, quotes that help you, decision-making algorithms, metaphors, rules, laws, basically anything that helps you.
What are the benefits? Let's dive in:
1. Consolidate Your Values
What's important to you?
Have you ever written it down, all in one place? You might notice a theme, or contradictions. Are you being consistent? Have you ever thought about how you think?
Articulated beliefs allow for a more efficient life.
2. Help Future-You
Once you put this in writing, it's infinitely valuable -
especially to your future self. Now you have a guidebook, a fount of inspiration, a refuge from difficulty, a book written solely for you to seek help from.
3. Share Your Thinking with Others
If you publish your Codex Vitae, other people can use it also.
This includes your family & kids. They may reject your 'wisdom' now, but they may want to see how think things through someday. I built mine by copying the best bits of others and adding my own thoughts.
4. Commitment (for now)
Your preferences are your preferences - they aren't a marriage decision.
You can mark your spot and update it later if it serves you. How do you work best? What interests you? What clothes, food, hours, movies, hobbies are your favorites? Write them down.
5. Annual Checkpoint
Creating your codex gives you something to review annually.
I review mine in December when I'm reviewing my year. This is my opportunity to add/remove/modify anything in it, as well as a time to reflect and remember what I've put in over the years.
Some example codex pages for inspiration:
If you create yours, please send me a link!