"Les principes sont des façons de faire face à la réalité avec succès pour obtenir ce que vous voulez de la vie."

Principles, in essence, are the rules or guidelines we live by to navigate reality and achieve our goals. They’re like a compass, helping us steer through the complexities of life, making sure we stay on course toward what we truly desire.

Ray Dalio, the guy who said this, isn’t just throwing around ideas for the fun of it. He’s a billionaire investor, known for his work with Bridgewater Associates, one of the largest hedge funds in the world. When Dalio talks about principles, he's speaking from a wealth of experience—he's seen firsthand how having a solid set of principles can lead to success. He developed these principles through trial and error, figuring out what worked in the high-stakes world of finance and beyond.

Now, imagine you’re an aspiring artist. Your dream is to have your work displayed in galleries, maybe even sell some pieces for a good price. But the art world is tough—you face rejection, criticism, and sometimes it feels like you’re just not making any headway. Here’s where principles come into play. One of your principles might be resilience: you decide that no matter how many rejections you face, you’ll keep pushing forward. You set a rule for yourself to create at least one new piece every week, to always seek feedback, and to never miss a chance to showcase your work, even in smaller venues. Slowly but surely, these principles start paying off. Your portfolio grows, your skills improve, and eventually, you get that call from a gallery interested in displaying your work.

Applying this wisdom in your own life means identifying what you want—really getting clear on your goals—and then figuring out what principles will help you get there. Maybe you’re aiming for a promotion at work. Your principles could include hard work, continuous learning, and building strong relationships with your colleagues. These aren’t just vague ideas; they’re actionable steps. You might take on extra projects, sign up for training sessions, and make a point to grab coffee with coworkers to build those connections. Over time, these efforts can help you stand out and achieve that promotion.

Think about a relatable scenario. Let’s say you're trying to get fit. Everyone knows the common advice: eat healthy, exercise regularly. But it’s not just about knowing the rules—it’s about turning them into principles that guide your daily decisions. You might decide that every morning, you’ll go for a run, no matter what. That’s your principle of discipline and consistency in action. There’ll be days you’re tired, or it’s raining, but because you’ve committed to this principle, you push through. Over time, you start seeing the results—a stronger body, more energy, a sense of accomplishment.

So, when Dalio talks about principles, he’s not suggesting a magic bullet. It’s not an instant fix but a reliable method. It’s about figuring out what you want from life, understanding the reality of your situation, and then setting up guidelines that’ll help you navigate through it effectively. This approach isn’t just for the big dreams but can be applied to any area of your life where you want to see change—relationships, career, personal growth, you name it.

Remember, principles are your personal playbook. They keep you grounded when things get tough, and they remind you why you’re doing what you’re doing. So, take some time to think about what you want, assess the reality of where you are now, and set those principles that’ll guide you toward your goals. You’ve got this.