Have you ever had a situation that really bothered you?
What did you do about it?
Many years ago I heard this quote ‘If you can’t stand for something, you’ll fall for everything.’ This has had a tremendous affect on my life and those that I associate with. I say that because I will express my opinion when things or situations are going into an area that I feel would be detrimental.
The reaction I get is varied. I get people that say that they admire me for standing up for my values. I get some who act very juvenile, in that they feel hurt that someone would have a differing opinion than them. I get the occasional person that just gives up.
Why do I tell you this? It is because of what a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Benjamin Disraeli said. His quote was “Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.” In other words many challenges will come up in your life that you have no control over, but you do have control over your behavior.
So what are you going to do the next time a situation bothers you?
Oh yes Tim, frequently and I learned a long time ago that if I want to be able to live with myself and sleep at night, I must stand up for what I believe no matter how controversial or unpopular that may make me.
The problem in our modern society is that people have lost the ability to distinguish between adversaries and enemies. Disagreeing on an issue or speaking out as a matter of principle is taken as a personal insult by the other side.
Adversaries can argue till the cows come home about principles and still be friends afterwards. Enemies must always look for a way to obliterate their opponents literally or figuratively.
Standing up and speaking out has cost me dearly, cost me my freedom for a short while and almost my life, but I have a clear conscience.
I have to admit that I look for opportunities to speak out,while still maintaining a level of politeness, it is great fun.
Peter
I smiled when I read that you ‘look for opportunities’ to speak your mind. I think this is great, as if we don’t make people think what type of people will be part of business or life.