“A mans got to have a code, a creed to live by, no matter his job.” John Wayne
As many of you know, my mission is to promote The Code of the West by inspiring and challenging others to live their lives with the values and ethics we can learn from the American Cowboy.
I thought today would be a great time to re-visit the code and challenge each of you to make 2019 the year you set an intention to focus on the kind of person you want to stand for, and how you want to be remembered. What is your personal brand? Your brand is a core set of beliefs. It is the expression of your character, that guides your behavior.
An intention is stronger than a resolution. It is a call to action about something you desire. Wayne Dyer defines intention as “a strong purpose or aim, accompanied by a determination to produce a desired result.” When you set an intention, you begin to create more clarity in your life. Intention is based on awareness. Every day, review your intention and ask yourself “Did I live today as the kind of person I stand for?”
Let’s review the Code of the West:
Back in the days of the western frontier there were no laws on the range. The cowboys developed rules of behavior that became known as the Code of the West. These unwritten rules were based on fair play, respect, loyalty and pride.
The Code of the West is still with us today and cowboys still honor and live by the code.
As I was growing up, I became aware of this concept of the Code of the West. I remember telling myself in certain situations, ‘This person lives by the Code of the West. This person is honest, hard working and does what he says he is going to do. I can depend on this person.’
When I started working I was aware that some of my co-workers, managers and business owners held these same values, while others were lacking in these principles.
The old west may be gone, but the Code of the West remains. You do not have to cowboy for a living to live by the code. Each of us has our own personal brand. Take some time and think about what you stand for. What are your core beliefs and values? How do you want to be remembered?
James Owen, author of Cowboy Ethics, listed 10 principles that capture the essence of the Code of the West:
- Live each day with courage.
- Take pride in your work.
- Always finish what you start.
- Do what has to be done.
- Be tough, but fair.
- When you make a promise, keep it.
- Ride for the brand.
- Talk less and say more.
- Remember that some things aren’t for sale.
- Know where to draw the line.
Wishing you a very Happy and Prosperous 2019!
Live the Code
Cindy
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