What Do You Stand For?

If you turn on television these days, invariably you will be hit with political advertisements. One party’s ad will state what the candidate stands for. Another party’s ad will attempt to denigrate that same candidate. As a consumer, without doing independent research and employing critical thinking skills, it’s difficult to know what to believe.

Given the global and political turmoil we find ourselves in, I’ve been reflecting on what I stand for. In 1979, I raised my right hand and took an oath to defend the Constitution and the United States. The Oxford Dictionary defines an oath as “a solemn promise … regarding one’s future action or behavior.” I did not take my oath lightly, and throughout the years I felt accountable to live the words I spoke that day. I still do. It’s part of who I am and what I stand for. 

I believe leaders, including myself, have a responsibility to lead with integrity, honor our words, and do what we can to uplift those around us. We have the opportunity in every facet of our lives to do exactly that. Imagine the changes that we can make in our worlds.

What do you stand for? When you look at your life, what would you raise your right hand for and swear to uphold in your life? 

I recently had someone say to me, “I don’t watch the news because I can’t do anything about it.” Don’t throw away your power. What you do each day matters. Every day you show up and lead with integrity, you make a difference to those around you. You model behavior that encourages growth and inclusion, finding common ground to build on. You inspire others to do the same.

This Week’s Challenge: Examine these questions: What do you stand for? When you look at your life, what would you raise your right hand for and swear to uphold in your life? Get clear about what you care enough about to make a solemn promise regarding your future action(s) or behavior.