The principal reason we give for sticking to our guns is that we won't compromise our principles. The proposed notion we are rejecting, out of hand, is often a result of failing to recognize what the other side is attempting to get us to see: "These aren't your father's principles."

A principle is a fancy name for a rule. The question we rarely ask is: "Whose rule will we be breaking?"

No matter how affluent we get to be our principal mode of dress is hand-me-downs. There's something comfortable about old shoes except if they have no "soul" - meaning they truly aren't yours.

If your sole purpose is to live by a rule that you inherited, you often find yourself sailing solo - Translation: Against the tide - Alone.

Too often we argue for our limiting principles. It takes some form of, "That's the way it is" or "My way or the highway."

Your way may not be your way at all, but rather the ghost of Christmas Past. The end result is that you will scare people off because you are too afraid to examine your principles.

This is by no means a suggestion to go along with the crowd. That would be the same sin in a different religion - no inspection of your guiding light.

If you are standing on someone else's principles and they are elevating you above the crowd for a finer vantage point, that's admirable. If you are only standing on them to look down on others who don't share them, it will be a lonely existence.

The principal argument for principles is: Are they working?

Are your rules making things run smoother or are they impediments that keep things from getting done?

"Don't go swimming until an hour after a meal" may be someone else's old rule that keeps you stuck on the beach with your "sink or swim" principles.

It may be time to test the waters on your own without the water wings that were once appropriate.

If your standard line is, "It's a matter of principle," maybe it's time to find out if your principles really matter.

 

All the best,

John