How far would you go to win acceptance? Would you lower your standards, mimic inappropriate behavior, or compromise your values to please others? Or are you unwilling to sacrifice your principles for any price?

It’s easy to say that you’ll lower your standards, one time, to gain acceptance from the in-crowd, but what do you forfeit in the process? The fact is that you are responsible for the consequences of your actions — regardless of how others behave. As André Gide, Nobel Prize winner, said, “It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.”

The problem with compromising your principles is that everyone likes you except yourself.

What Is the Trade-Off for Gaining Acceptance?

If you want to be true to yourself, here are 15 guideposts worthy of consideration:

Do you:

1. Do what you want or what’s expected of you?
2. Think for yourself or follow the pack?
3. Dream big or let others discourage you from trying?
4. Define good for yourself or let others determine it for you?
5. Set high standards or let toxic people drag you down?
6. Determine your priorities or let others hijack your day?
7. Lead by example or mimic bad behavior?
8. Seek the truth or allow yourself to be swayed by public opinion?
9. Voice your opinion or maintain silence?
10. Stand up for your beliefs or blow with the wind?
11. Forge ahead with confidence or second-guess your opinions?
12. Listen to your conscience or fall victim to temptation?
13. Make yourself proud or appease the in-crowd?
14. Think before you act or blindly follow orders?
15. Live with honor or compromise your principles to win acceptance?

Be True to Yourself

It’s not always easy to listen to your conscience, do what’s right, and stick to your principles, but the reward for living with honor and integrity is huge. After all, you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

Never lower your standards, compromise your integrity, or dishonor your name for others.

I understand that you want to be admired and accepted by others, but it’s equally important to follow your heart and be true to yourself in the process. As Dr. Seuss said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” It’s your life. Your journey. Live each day in such a way that it makes you proud. Don’t settle for anything less.

Check out Frank’s new book, The Path to a Meaningful Life

Are You True to Yourself?

Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.

Additional Reading:
Never Lower Your Personal Standards. Never!
Reputation: You Can’t Run from Your Shadow
Are You Blurring the Line Between Right and Wrong?
Moral Character Matters
Would You Do Something Unethical If You Could Get Away with It?
What Does Your Name Say About You?
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

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