The Blueprint
- Malik Howard
- Feb 1, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: May 17
- Wear gratitude like a cloak and it will feed every corner of your life.
God bestows the gift of thankfulness so we don't take our blessings for granted. In the midst of life’s difficulties, gratitude helps us continue to trust God by recalling His faithfulness.
- Be where your feet are
Be present. Don’t let your spirit be subdued or your happiness restrained by a day you can’t get back—or one that hasn’t arrived yet.
- Express yourself
What worries you controls you. We’re human—our emotions shape us, even the unpleasant ones. Don’t suppress them. Ignoring them only makes them heavier and stronger.
- It's okay to not be okay
Embrace the lows and give yourself grace, just as you do during the highs. If we had control, we’d stay in the highs or at least in the middle—but if you flatline a heart monitor, you’re dead. The ups and downs mean you’re alive.
- Run your own race
Comparison is the thief of joy. It steals satisfaction from our own lives by giving us a measuring stick for things we envy. Focus on you.
- Spread love
Love is the one thing we can never have or give enough of. Let your light shine on everyone, like the sun does on every soul.
- Self-love is the greatest love of all
Love yourself first, and everything else falls into place. When you change inside, the world around you changes, too.
- Love is a choice
Our actions determine whether love thrives or fades. If someone chooses you—for better or worse—hold them close. That kind of love is rare.
- Ego love vs. Pure love.
Ego love seeks to possess, control, or get something in return. Pure love is selfless. It respects the other person without trying to change or control them—only to support and share in their life.
Don’t let anyone use your soul to feed their ego. Go where the purity is.
- The power of giving flowers.
Let your last words to someone always be, “I love you.” Tell people how much they mean to you and acknowledge their impact while they’re here.
- Pay things forward
Selfless giving is the art of living. We rise by helping others rise.
- The gift of grace.
You never know what someone is going through. Be kind. We're all fighting silent battles—it's part of the human experience.
- Integrity is everything.
It’s the hallmark of greatness. Have a strong moral compass and do the right thing, even when no one’s watching. The high road is always respected.
- EQ is the new IQ.
When emotions rise, logic falls. Emotional intelligence is powerful. To influence someone’s mind, you must first connect with their heart. Empathetic listening provides psychological oxygen.
- Master the art of forgiveness.
Forgive others as quickly as you expect God to forgive you. Letting go of what’s hurting your soul is one of the bravest choices you’ll ever make. Peace requires forgiveness—and one day, you may need it, too.
- Don’t get too high, don’t get too low.
Character isn’t who you are when everything is going your way. It’s who you are when the bottom falls out. Embrace the journey.
- Who cares what people think?
Don’t let others’ opinions become a prison. Free yourself.
- Own your insecurities.
No one critiques you as harshly as you do. Embrace your imperfections.
- Be true to yourself.
Figure out who you are—and be that on purpose.
- Live your purpose.
God placed you here for a reason. Find it, embrace it, and live it daily—otherwise, you’re just wasting air.
- Don't expect you from others.
No one owes you anything. Just because you wouldn’t do it doesn’t mean they won’t. Don’t take it personally.
- Why not you?
Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “Why not me?” Stay humble, and don’t fall into victimhood. Empathy is power rooted in compassion.
- Control what you can control.
Focus on what you can change. As long as you do your part, that’s enough.
- Accountability is everything.
Your decisions shape your life. Don’t blame anyone else—own it.
- You can't change anyone but yourself.
When the wind shifts, adjust your sails. Time is precious—don’t waste it trying to fix others.
- You are your greatest investment.
The more you put into your mind, the richer your life becomes.
- "What you tune into you turn into."
Exposure leads to expansion. You will achieve greater levels if you are exposed to higher levels.
- Your network is your net worth.
Build meaningful relationships. Align with people who share your values, and you’ll go further than you could alone.
- Be the CEO of your own life.
Think big, dream big, and believe big—and you’ll see big results. Move like a CEO. Surround yourself with people you’d trust as your COO.
- The power of the tongue.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Your words build or destroy. Speak your desires into existence.
- Mustard seed faith.
With faith the size of a mustard seed, you can move mountains. That’s all it takes.
- Anything is possible.
Hard work, discipline, and dedication can make anything happen. Look around, every day we are living in someone else's idea that was put into action!
- Abundance > Scarcity.
Don’t be a pawn when you’re meant to be a king. Growth only happens outside your comfort zone.
- Perception is everything
Instead of complaining about the thorns, be grateful the bush has roses.
- Never stop learning—life never stops teaching.
Get mentors. Imitate greatness. Read, travel, listen, and grow. New experiences create a new you.
- No risk, no reward.
Forget living modestly—take the leap. 50% of 100 is better than 100% of zero.
- Compound interest is the 8th wonder of the world.
Those who understand it earn it. Those who don’t, pay it. Learn to invest early—your future depends on it. Not investing is the riskiest move you can make.
- Money, money, money.
Be financially literate. Understand delayed gratification—it’s key to building wealth.
- Assets > Liabilities
Know the difference. Master the game.
- Health is wealth.
Never take your health for granted—it’s your greatest gift.
- Mental health is mental wealth.
Prioritize your well-being. Therapy, journaling, nature, meditation, rest, movement, and nutrition are all part of self-care.
- Work to live, don't live to work.
Balance matters. No one says on their deathbed, “I wish I worked more.”
- Work hard, rest harder.
Which sounds better: working hard to rest, or resting well so you can work better?
- Set boundaries.
People treat you how you allow them to. You can be kind and still say no. Boundaries protect your peace.
- Keep your energy sacred.
Energy is your essence. Protect it fiercely from negativity. It’s your divine right.
- Heal your inner child.
Don’t let your trauma time-travel. Do the work so you don’t bleed on those who didn’t hurt you.
- Protect your sexual energy.
Every sexual exchange is energetic. Only share intimacy with people you’d want to become—mentally, emotionally, spiritually.
- The truth about relationships.
Relationships require effort. It’s not always pretty—but it’s worth it when both people show up with grace.
- Communication is the foundation.
No relationship survives without trust, honesty, and communication.
- Cherish your friends.
Love them deeply. Whether for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, everyone in your life is a teacher.
- You can’t possess people—only experience them.
Life is fleeting. Treasure your time with others, and be grateful for each connection.
- Days are created, not made.
You control how your day goes. Attitude is everything—and it's always adjustable.
- Brick by brick.
Getting 1% better each day compounds into greatness. Micro wins lead to macro victories.
- Love yours.
The goal is to fully live—boldly and deeply. Experience everything life has to offer.
- No excuses!
You’re born looking like your parents, but you die looking like your choices. Make them count. It has to work—or it has to work.
- Welcome to life.
Life expectancy in the U.S. is 77 years. You’ll face rejection, heartbreak, loss, and pain. But also love, joy, growth, and light. Embrace it all.
- We write our own eulogies.
What do you want to be remembered for? Show up every day as the person you want to be when you’re gone.
- Aspire to inspire.
Greatness is within you—we were made in God’s image. He left His fingerprints on your soul.
Aim high. Pursue your purpose. When you do, you’ll inspire others to do the same.
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