Do you stand up for what you believe in?
Many times we're faced with situations that ask us to compromise our values. It could be a job offer with a company you don't respect. Or, your beliefs might be in the minority and you risk losing friend or family as a result. Or, maybe you don't agree with your boss…but are afraid to rock the boat for risk of losing your job. When confronted with these situations, it is sometimes difficult to stand your ground.
Unfortunately, the more we compromise our beliefs, the more of a negative impact it has on our mental wellbeing. And, the more we compromise our values, the more we continue to do so. On the other hand, when we stand up for what we believe in, the benefits have an enormously positive impact:
Self-Confidence: When others tell us what we should think, feel and do, it eats away at our self-confidence. We begin to distrust our own instincts and lose the ability to decipher what we really believe versus what everyone wants us to believe. Although it may be difficult at first, the more we stand-up for ourselves, the more we build our self-confidence. The more you honor your intuition, the easier it gets, and the more confident you'll become.
Strong Sense of Self: If we give into others' opinions, whether right or not, we start to lose our own identity and start to forget our own beliefs. Further, the less you allow yourself to think freely, the more you become a follower without your own direction. On the other hand, the more authentic you are to your needs and viewpoints, the more you will understand your sense of self.
Self-Respect: Would you respect someone who went against their own values because it was convenient or because it was more popular? Probably not. And, with good reason. It is far from admirable, or for that matter, respectable. Yet, when you see someone with a less popular opinion who stands their ground (assuming the opinion or belief is founded in ethical principles), you'd most likely have great respect for them. Same goes for the way you perceive yourself. The more you stand up for your beliefs, the more self-respect you will develop.
Integrity: In a time when so many individuals are dishonest, do things to better themselves at the expense of others, expose their personal lives for a chance to be famous and do what feels good in the moment without thinking about the consequences, integrity is a characteristic that is especially unique. Doing the right thing or standing up for your beliefs may not be easy, but when you do, you know that you'll be able to look yourself in the mirror and feel good about yourself. You'll know that you did the right thing and that you had integrity.
Independence: There are two things to consider here: First, if YOU don't stand up for yourself or your beliefs, then how can you expect others to? And second, the person who you should ALWAYS be able to count on to stand up for you - no matter what - is you. What this means is that the more you stand-up for your beliefs, the less you will rely on others to validate them. You'll reinforce your independence and ability to stand on your own two feet without anyone else to support you.
We wouldn't be human if we didn't make mistakes or give into what was easier once in awhile, but learning from those mistakes and standing for what we believe in the vast majority of time is what is most important.
Do you believe in yourself? How has it helped you to reach your goals and be successful?
Originally posted on sheerbalance.com - Copyright 2010
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