“My principles are more important than the money or my title.”
Muhammad Ali
A young college student traveled over 300 miles to dispute a travel ticket. When asked why he would not just pay the ticket and spare himself the agony of driving the 300 miles, he responded, “it’s the principle of the matter”.
Principles are important. Do you agree? They provide a moral code of conduct and guide us to behave in a certain way. The principle of the matter is that we must always strive to uphold our values and beliefs in order to have successful relationships. In this day and age, it is more important than ever to stay true to our principles and stand up for what is right.
I say that because there is a “live the way you want to” attitude that permeates our society.
On the other hand, that may have been fine when the world was bigger and one segment of the population had their culture and behaviors but lived so far from others that it had no impact.
Today, the world is smaller. People are on the move constantly. These facts coupled with the world’s population and the fact that people are living longer increase the probability that you will interact with many different people, cultures, and beliefs.
It is likely that we will come across people who believe they can live in any way that’s pleasing to them and not really care about how it impacts others.
Principles Provide Stability
The power to influence began as a business marketing technique. However, the uprise of intertwining social networking and business together created influencers for social settings. The Internet and social networking apps are the playgrounds for influencers. Influencers impact how people feel or what they think. People listen to influencers. People follow influencers.
On the other hand, principles are the foundation of any successful endeavor. They provide a set of guidelines that help guide our decisions and actions, ensuring that we stay on the right path. Once the path is determined, principles help build the foundation of who you are and who you are becoming.
Principles Create a Sense of Direction
Principles help us to know which road leads to success. If you have goals and dreams that you want to achieve, you’ve got to know what boundaries are necessary to solidify your success.
And if the influencer doesn’t have morals or values? Well, if you don’t know where you are going, you could end up anywhere. That’s okay too if you don’t care about what happens to you. People who experience a good life do not leave it up to chance. Do you care about where your life’s journey takes you? Those who do need their own personal principles for several reasons.
Principles Strengthen Your Beliefs
Do you believe in your abilities and the vision you have for your life? Your principles create a framework for success. As a result, your actions align with your principles and the belief that you can succeed increases.
Principles Reveal Values
What’s important to you? Do you value honesty, consistency, and loyalty? What about commitment and dependability? Are these important? Our values keep us grounded and prevent us from going outside the boundaries of the way we want to live.
Macolm X
“A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything.”
Principles For Life
Principles are essential in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to business relationships and everything in between. Therefore, life principles will help us stand when obstacles, adversities, challenges, and life occurs. In this article are some suggestions that will keep us from falling out of character or falling away from the vision we have for our lives. These principles will provide us with a moral compass to guide our decisions and actions, ensuring that we stay on the right path no matter what challenges come our way.
Be A Genuine Person
To clarify, when a person says that you are genuine, they have held you to some high standards and you passed the test. A genuine person is loyal, honest, grateful, kind, and humble.
Happiness Is a Choice
There are many things in life over which you have no control. But, your happiness is not one of them. You control what makes you happy and what doesn’t. No one else is responsible for your happiness.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Have you ever heard people say, “Your attitude determines your altitude”? It does. Your attitude is about how you respond to what happens to you, in you, and around you. It’s mental and it’s powerful. We all have a conversation that constantly occurs in our minds. Keep the conversation positive and inspirational and you will maintain the right attitude to overcome any situation.
Never Stop Learning and Working on Yourself
I have often wondered how people in their 70s, 80s, or even 90s can still have the energy and vitality as the life they did in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. I believe that if you are always learning something new about life or yourself it keeps you energized. If you never stop evolving, you stay vital because you are constantly growing.
There’s Always Something to Be Grateful For
My college professor would often say, “it could always be worst”. Certainly, when you have that philosophy, you know there is always something to be grateful for. No matter what you are going through, it could always be worst. For example, driving in heavy traffic is bad but, driving in heavy traffic in the rain is worst.
You Know Where You’ve Been, But You Don’t Know Where You Are Going
This principle is dearest to me. It is a principle for life from my Mother. It’s about integrity. You know where you have been, but always be careful how you treat others because you don’t know where you are going or who you are going to need in your future.
The way we treat others is a reflection of our character and values. You should never forget that no matter who you are dealing with, they could be helpful in the future. Thus, it’s important to always be mindful and respectful of how you interact with others, as one day we might need their help. Whether it’s an old colleague or a new acquaintance, treating them with kindness and respect is essential for building lasting relationships.
Do Your Best In Everything You Do
Whatever you do, know that you get back what you put in. If you do your best, you get the best. If you do half of your best, you get half back too. We all want to be successful in life, but success is not easy to obtain. It takes hard work, dedication, and a constant drive to do your best in everything you do. Achieving success requires a commitment to putting your best foot forward no matter the task or goal at hand. With consistent effort and perseverance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Let Your Actions Speak Louder Than Your Words
I repeat, let your actions speak louder than your words!
Lip service is free and mainstream. Words float in the atmosphere for only a little while—actions impact. Above all, your actions will accomplish more and create a lasting impact on the people around you.
People often judge you by what you do, not by what you say. Always, let your actions speak louder than your words.
Don’t Own the Actions and Opinions of Others
Keep people’s actions and opinions in the proper perspective. What others feel or think about you is none of your business. Be open to accepting criticism that is meant to make you a better person. Don’t take it personally when people’s actions are damaging and unsupportive toward you. Their behavior is about them. Remain positive and put the responsibility for their actions back where it belongs.
Don’t Do Anything That Wouldn’t Make Your Mother Proud
Last but not least, if you can’t remember anything else written here, don’t do anything that wouldn’t make your Mother proud. For many of us, our Mothers are the first voice of wisdom that we hear. She has given you everything that you need, including love and support. Consequently, the principles of my Mother had a great impact on me because her influence on me is as strong in death as they were when she was alive.
I have given you 10 principles that I live by today. However, I haven’t always followed them. But, each day is another opportunity to evolve. As you develop and grow, more principles will become essential and relevant to your life’s vision.
The world continues to change and is getting smaller every minute. We will encounter people with different beliefs, behaviors, and values. Whatever happens, hold on to your principles, they are the source of your strength for life’s challenges.
