Observe and follow Higher Principles would be a good start in choosing Life Patterns.
As noted in the quote in Self Management, we choose our habits, and then the habits form us. So make sure the Higher Principles we choose are indeed valid and more valuable then others.
Often we are embroiled in Narcissism Of Small Differences without being too conscious of it. It can be argued that Edit Wars started out that way.
What are the Higher Principles?
Maybe Maslows Hierarchy Of Needs is a place to look for ideas? A later section pertaining to "Wiki Higher Principles" may be of more practical and immediate utility.
Work In Progress. Just like life itself.
A scary thought
I have seen lots of material with "listen to the heart" type of slant. Books like "Soul Of An Organization", "The Heart Of Change", etc.
Came across to me these might work if we have been immersed in education of virtuous User Stories when we were young. But the younger generation is taught "Anything Goes" instead.
When a 38yo CEO of a large company starts to listen to his heart, what will his heart tell him?
I am scared.
Reading Material and references
How To succeed in Life by Following Your Heart at www.innerharmony.aunz.com 
Draft Wiki Higher Principles
Meaning all else being equal, the following considerations carry more weight
In descending order of importance
Please use Higher Principles Discussion for deliberations first, before changing the above list.
Anything more concrete than just the words above?
The above is a Prompting Statement. Any takers?
See original on c2.com