A healthy act of courage is in being able to stay true to those things in which you believe.  Many people will set aside their beliefs and values in order to gain something they believe is important to them in some fashion or will sway to public opinion.  So how do you stay true to your beliefs and values in times of being tested?

Do not be fearful of standing up for your beliefs or values even though it is such a personal thing or because it is outside the “norm” of most others around you.  Many factors come into play when dealing with our value system to include:  environment, culture, religion and experience.  There is no “one” value system yet there are certain things we all hold precious.  Standing up, and holding firm, about your value system takes both courage and personal integrity.

Standing up requires the following:

• Consistency
• Assertiveness
• Confidence
• Ability to hold a discussion
• Logical reasoning
• Ability to consider consequences
• Delay of gratification

Know that your belief system will be tested throughout your life in many different ways.  The moral tests we experience along with our ability to navigate issues help us to become more conscientious people.  Being consistent shows others we can be trusted as we are true to our own belief system.  In the grand scheme of life, it always matters that we “do the right things”.

“I’m not looking to be famous, but I want a body of work and a moral character that is deserving of fame.”  — Jonathan Tucker