It is narrated that the sixth Shia Imam, Ja’afar Al-Sadeq (AS) was asked:

What are the basic principles of your life? Imam (AS) replied: Four principals:

1. I realised that no one else carries out my work, so I tried to do it myself (no one else is obliged to do my responsibilities in life; I am responsible for my own actions, my duties must be fulfilled by myself)
2. I realised that God is aware of my acts, so I did not do inappropriate acts
3. I realised that no one else receives my sustenance, so that calmed me down
4. I realised that the end of my time leads to death; therefore I prepared myself for it [1].

[1] Biharul Anwaar, Vol. 75, Page 228.

Source: en.shafaqna.com