Conviction or Compromise?

Many a time, I have had to say ‘Yes’ when the need is to say ‘No’! I have had to make such compromises as part of my daily routine. I cannot be ruthless in getting things done. If I need to achieve results, I also need to compromise, cajole people to walk along with me. The art of taking people along with you is the art of management. This calls for making regular compromises in the corporate world. After all, popular sayings such as George Herbert’s ‘A lean compromise is better than a law suit’ is one such. Also the one that says, ‘The swift wind of compromise is a lot better than the sudden jolt’, support my view.
In the words of E.E.White, ‘I arise in the morning between a desire to improve the world and a desire to enjoy the world. This makes it hard to plan the day’.
I am faced with the confusion, Conviction or Compromise?
People feel that by going to temples and purely by performing religious rites they can attain communion with God. But spirituality truly lies in being devoted to your duty, your work, to be content and above all, being true to yourself and to all the other people who have faith in you. One who has the courage to be honest and positive under adverse circumstances is truly spiritual”, says music maestro Jagjit Singh, Padma Bhushan and Sahitya Kala Academy Award winner.
The mind is restless, forceful and strong, it is more difficult to control the mind than the wind.
Bhagwat Gita says, ‘You have the right to do your duty. Don’t think that you can create the benefits of duty. Don’t seek happiness in not doing your duty’.
While performing your duty, do not try to do something for others, because you want them to do certain favors to you. The easiest trap in the world is to begin to renegotiate your principles just a little bit to pay back a friend or do something nice for someone, who has done something nice to you.
Conviction is the conscience of the mind. Mahatma Gandhi  had once said that it is worthless unless it is converted into Conduct. A ‘No’ uttered with deep conviction is better than a ‘Yes’ merely uttered just to please someone or worse to avoid trouble.
We should never for the sake of peace and quietness of mind, deny our conviction. Always remember that the height of your accomplishment will equal the depth of your convictions (William F. Scolavino).
If you stand, stand. If you sit, sit. But, do not wobble (Zen Master Umman). Be absolutely clear about who you are and what you stand for. Refuse to make petty compromises.
Great leaders made choices that were self-consistent and those that brought them fulfillment. They may not make popular choices, but they always follow their inner conviction.
Courage and conviction are the powerful weapons. It will be sweeter if you hear about your convictions through other’s lips.

God bless

Drdd