Writing Your Credo: What Do You Believe?

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Writing Your Credo: What Do You Believe?

What do you already know about personal credos?

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain what a credo is, why people write one, its typical contents, and how to use future forms to express intentions in English.

What Is a Personal Credo?

A credo is a personal statement about your core beliefs and principles. 'Credo' means 'I believe' in Latin. It's a guide for making daily choices.

Why Write a Credo?

Writing a credo helps clarify what matters to you, motivates you to live by your values, and can provide direction, especially in challenging times.

Rafael’s Story

Rafael found new motivation after surviving a serious illness. To help himself recover emotionally and mentally, he wrote a personal credo.

What Inspired Rafael?

Facing health challenges made Rafael reflect on his life. His experience led him to focus on purpose, gratitude, and positive habits.

Rafael’s Credo Overview

Rafael’s credo includes acting with purpose, practising gratitude, avoiding complaints, and committing to constant learning.

Key Elements of a Credo

Typical credos include beliefs, guiding principles, and intentions for daily action. They serve as reminders of how we want to live.

What Might a Credo Include?

How you intend to live out your beliefs every day.

Actions

Beliefs

What you think is important in life (e.g., kindness, honesty, learning).

Examples From Rafael’s Credo

Act with purpose, keep a gratitude list, avoid complaining, and learn daily. These illustrate how beliefs become daily actions.

Reflection: Your Own Credo

Think about your own core beliefs. What principles are most important to you? How could you live by them every day?

Comprehension Question 1

Rafael has 'a zest' for life. What other word means the same as 'zest'? a) hope, b) passion, c) problem

Comprehension Question 2

What made Rafael decide to write a credo? (You may answer in Dutch.)

Comprehension Question 3

Match these actions to Rafael’s credo: a) making lasagna for the first time b) helping the neighbour c) keeping quiet about aches d) feeling glad for help from a friend.

Focus: Talking About the Future

Future Forms: Going to, Will, Shall

Use 'am/are/is going to' for plans or predictions. Use 'will' for decisions or offers. Use 'shall' with 'I/we' for suggestions or offers.

Identifying Future Forms

Read Tony Hawk’s credo. Click on all the future forms you find (e.g., 'will', 'are going to', 'shall').

Future Form Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct future form: 'will', 'am going to', 'are going to', 'is going to', or 'shall'.

Example Credo: Fill in the Gaps

I am about to leave a job I hate and...

(I, start) a job I love. (I, work) as an executive assistant.

(I, get) to do what I love. At parties (you, talk), but (you, have) to live with what you do daily.

Further Practice

Your Turn: Write Future Sentences

Write three sentences for a credo, using 'going to' and 'will'. Example: I’m going to live each day fully.

Example: College Student Credo

This student values living in the moment and making the most of daily life. She does not wait for the future to feel happy.

Reflect: Draft Your Own Credo

Think about your guiding beliefs and write your own credo. Use at least one future form to express your intentions.

Share and Discuss

Lesson Summary

A credo is a guide for life based on your beliefs. Writing one helps clarify your values and set intentions for the future.

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