Have you ever heard someone say, “Hold the line!” or “Stick to your guns!” when they are leaving for awhile and placing you in charge? What do they mean? When I hear that phrase, I think of integrity. Websters defines integrity as: ”Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values : incorruptibility”. I really like that last part: “incorruptibility”. It calls to mind the people I know who are unchanged by outside opinion and influence. Holding the line of integrity is important when you are trying to lead by example and do the right thing for yourself and those who depend on you.
Many times we face situations where people ask us to change to accomodate them personally or accomodate their difficult circumstances. When we face this kind of situation, what is our reaction? Do we consider their point of view and then change? Or do we hold to what we believe is true? It’s tough to balance staying on course with what you believe and also compromising wisely with those who depend on you. How do you know when you should stubbornly stick to your guns?
When should you bend and change course for someone who is close to you?
When should you bend and change course for someone who is close to you? Those are tough questions that I’ve pondered. I have a short list of questions I ask myself before I decide what to do:
- Are they asking me to change for their personal needs or selfish preferences or for the good of everyone involved?
- Looking at my past experiences, where do I see this decision leading me?
- Is there someone more seasoned in my life who can tell me how this may end up?
- Am I sticking to what I want selfishly or am I trying to focus on needs of everyone involved?
- Will I have regrets of any kind if I go ahead with what the other person is asking for?
We affect many people with each of our daily decisions and it’s important to keep that in mind
I’m sure there are many questions that could be asked before proceeding to make the decision, but I always try to work with a short list so I can think quickly and make a wise decision. Everyday I am faced with the wants and needs of others, and I am responsible to make a decision that not only benefits them in the long run, but also the rest of those involved. All of our decisions affect more than just ourselves and the other individual involved. We affect many people with each of our daily decisions and must keep that in mind.
Can you hold the line and make big decisions that might make you unpopular for a short time?
What does this mean to you? Can you hold the line and make big decisions that might make you unpopular for a short time? I know how hard it can be to stand for what you believe, but in the end I always remember that I am the one that I have to sleep with at night. At the end of each day, I want to be at peace with all of my decisions.
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. ~ Theodore Roosevelt
