Staying True to Your Values In a World That Constantly Tries To Uproot Them

Here’s an unpopular opinion: We live in a society that celebrates free thinking and speech until it goes against the popular way.

With the ever more apparent rise in universalism, certain values are being challenged more and more. Those who desire to stay true to their traditional beliefs are often dubbed “old-fashion” as the masses try to inspire them to assimilate or “progress” with the times.

This aggressive push for conversion may come easier for some, but for others, this can seem like a violation of their conscious and values. Essentially, we all have to decide which of our values we wish to remain married to, and which we are open to changing. The inspiration of our verdict should never come from pressure from others to accept their way of thinking, however, especially if it violates or discomforts yours. Here are some quick tips for staying true to your values in a world that constantly tries to up uproot them.

Guard the Company You Keep

It’s important to have a moral compass that you are consistently guided by. With that, it is equally important to surround yourself with those who are guided by that same compass. The voices that are trying to convince you to compromise your morals may seem loud and many. When you are around like-minded people, however, you start to realize that you are not alone in your values. You also learn that there is no need to compromise yourself in order to fit in. The company you keep should feel authentic. Even if you guys don’t agree on everything, there should be freedom for you to have your values and just be, with no pressure to conform.

This is not to say that you must ostracize yourself from everyone who does not think like you. You will just need to be mindful that the people you are letting in your intimate space, are those who are going in the same direction as you.

Watch What You Consume

The music we listen to, the things we watch, the accounts we follow, and the podcast we stream, all have one thing in common. They are programs, that program our minds to think a certain way, whether consciously on unconsciously.

This is not inherently a bad thing. In fact, if you are listening to motivational messages or an uplifting song, this is a great thing.

Unfortunately, not all media you encounter will feed your spirit the same way. If you want to be intentional about staying grounded in your morals, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t consuming anything that preaches or praises something contrary to it.

Be Okay With Not Being Everyone’s Cup of Tea

Sometimes, with staying grounded in your values comes the necessity to walk alone. This won’t always be because you decided to isolate yourself from others, but rather, because they decided to isolate from you. This just comes with the territory.

That is nothing to fret, however. Regardless of what you stand for, believe in, or support, there will always be those who disagree with you, and don’t like you for it. If you are going to undergo hate regardless, you might as well, undergo it for a reason that is most authentic to you.

Being left out or ostracized is better than being around people that you have to be fake or compromise around.

Whatever you do, stay true to yourself. If something doesn’t sit right with you, do not force it or try to ween yourself to accept it. Never.