By Mark Andrew Beach

Since the newness of the new year still lingers, I felt it fitting to revisit the topic of resolutions and goal-setting. Of course, this process can begin anytime—regardless of the calendar—but with fresh starts in the air, now feels like a natural time to dive in.

In that spirit, I want to talk about two key ideas when it comes to putting your life in order. While it all begins with a life vision (a topic for another day), today, I want to focus on something foundational: personal creeds.

By now, most readers have realized there’s no single “secret” to success or prosperity. Like a diamond with many facets, success has depth and dimension. And metaphorically speaking—aren’t we all diamonds in the rough?

So where do we begin? With a personal creed.

A creed is simply a statement of beliefs—core truths we choose to live by. The word itself comes from the Latin credo, meaning “I believe.” A personal creed can be written as affirmations and reviewed daily, allowing those truths to sink in and become part of your lived reality.

I’ve written and recorded my life vision, and now I’m incorporating a personal creed into that vision—something I can live by and internalize. When someone intentionally lives by a personal creed, they begin to cultivate a powerful character trait: integrity. To me, integrity means your inner world and outer actions are in alignment.

What does a creed actually look like?

This past week, I studied the creed of a great and honorable man, George Albert Smith. Though he wrote it over 100 years ago, I was so moved by it that I’ve chosen to adopt it—almost entirely as-is—with only minor modifications. His words still ring deeply true, and I share them here with my own reflections:

1. “I would be a friend to the friendless and find joy in ministering to the needs of the poor.”

The phrase find joy stands out to me. Joy is a choice. When I serve others, I consciously choose to do it with happiness and love—not out of duty or obligation, but from a place of genuine gladness.

2. “I would visit the sick and afflicted and inspire in them a desire for faith to be healed.”

I love that this focuses on inspiring desire. Anyone who’s been sick knows how helpless that can feel—for them and their loved ones. Encouraging a desire for faith, for healing, feels powerful and deeply compassionate.

3. “I would teach the truth to the understanding and blessing of all mankind.”

In the area of prosperity and abundance, there is truth and there is error, whether it is religion, relationships, health, or other sciences. Our purpose often carries a message of truth unique to us. Discovering and sharing that message is one of the great keys to our fulfillment—and success.

4. “I would seek out the erring one and try to win him back to a righteous and happy life.”

This echoes the previous point. Sharing truth isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about restoration. Through our words and actions, we can gently guide others back to joy, alignment, and truth.

5. “I would not force people to live up to my ideals but rather love them into doing the thing that is right.”

This may be one of my favorite lines. Love, not control, is what transforms. It elevates both giver and receiver. When we approach relationships from a place of abundance and creativity, rather than fear or scarcity, we all win.

6. “I would live with the masses and help solve their problems that their earth life may be happy.”

There’s humility and groundedness in this. It’s not about separating ourselves or seeking prestige—it’s about walking among people and lifting together. When we elevate others, we rise too.

7. “I would avoid the publicity of high positions and discourage the flattery of thoughtless friends.”

Notice this doesn’t say avoid high positions—it says avoid publicity. True leadership isn’t about the spotlight; it’s about service. And sincere friends build us up without empty praise.

8. “I would not knowingly wound the feelings of any, not even one who may have wronged me, but would seek to do him good and make him my friend.”

This is the hardest one for me. In the competitive world of business and beyond, it’s easy to want to retaliate when hurt. But to respond with kindness, even when wronged? That’s a high calling. Yet those who master this principle become not only stronger—but divinely compensated in other ways. Imagine the transformation that could come from turning enemies into friends.

9. “I would overcome the tendency to selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in the successes of all the children of my Heavenly Father.”

This is easy for those who operate from the creative plane—harder for those who feel stuck in comparison. For me, I am always happy for others when they succeed. I am never jealous or covet their wealth or prosperity. I seek them out to sincerely congratulate them and find out how they did it, so that I may genuinely learn from them, for they, by their success, become my teacher.

10. “I would not be an enemy to any living soul.”

I strive to see people as God sees them. I want good for everyone. If I’m genuinely committed to loving others as God does, then I can’t have enemies—only opportunities to love more fully.

11. “Knowing that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.”

Some try to separate the laws of success from the laws of the Creator. I don’t. I include God in every part of this journey. Sharing truth, abundance, and purpose with others is not just a calling—it’s a sacred privilege.

So here it is—my new personal creed.

It’s been a joy to reflect on these timeless principles and integrate them into my own life vision. As you consider your direction this year—whether you're just starting or refining your path—I encourage you to explore your own creed. Reflect on your mission, your purpose, your message to the world.

And as you embrace that truth, it will sustain you—spiritually, emotionally, physically, and financially.

If you let it.