“If you talk the talk you need to walk the walk. “

That’s a saying we’ve all heard and probably have all said at one time or another. This last week that statement hit me square in the face, I found myself walking down a path that I shouldn’t have been on, something I would have discouraged others from doing. I like to consider my self as a man of my word, a gentleman. Someone who unwaveringly sticks to his convictions, standards, values and rules, but I found myself being hypocritical.

It’s easy to compromise sometimes when it comes to standards and values, but it is something you cannot afford to do. Sure it is not the sexy thing to do and sometimes it is going to be harder to stick to you standards and not compromise, but in the end you won’t regret sticking to your convictions.

Be wary of those who question and try to entice you to lower your standards “just this once”, these people most likely don’t hold themselves accountable to their own standards, they aren’t your true friends. A true friend will respect the standards and values you live your life by, even if they don’t completely understand them. When I feel like I’m getting pressured about my standards, I take a moment and remember why I set the standard, I also read things that help me stay the course. Over the last six months I’ve been following the blog of James Michael Sama ( Jamesmsama.com ). James tailors most of his writing towards rekindling chivalry, he writes about being a gentleman and sticking to your standards. If you haven’t read any of his work go check it out. These things help me get my mind straight, reconvicted and resolute on how you should act.

Whether its work or any kind of relationship, set standards for how you want to live and then go out and try as hard as you can to hold yourself accountable to those standards that you set. You won’t be perfect, no one is, but you will be better off for it.