It seems that we live in a society that is not sure just what they belive, or what they should belive. Many seem to think one way and then act in a different way. This is not healthy for the person that is conflicted in this way or for the people and relationships that are impacted by this incongruity.

Beliefs are things that we understand as being factual and truthful, but when we are introduced to new information that disproves our belief, we can negotiate a new belief. Think about when you were a child and the thought of Santa Claus brought a giddiness to your day. Now that you have matured and have been introduced to new data and information you now have an adjusted belief in him. Your belief was negotiated.

Morals or values are something that are more deeply rooted and come to us through our family of origin, our culture, our religious beliefs. These are thoughts that are not negotiated and that when we go against them in action, thoughts, or speech, we feel uncomfortable and uneasy. These morals and values are what guides us and makes us strong, unique individuals.

With that being said, our ethics come into question, where do we align them. Undoubtedly we need to align our ethics and how we conduct ourselves and our business with our morals and values. By doing so our ethics become something that people can count on us to be consistent with. If we align our ethics with our beliefs, then we have as much negotiating ability with them as we do our beliefs. We cannot be congruent with ourselves or with anybody else for that matter if we keep changing who we are, what we belive, or how we act in each separate occasion.

To be known as a person with a high degree of ethics, you need consistency and unwavering dedication to what you belive. We can’t ride the fence, take a stand and stand for what you know is right and what is best.

Successful people are consistent and by being consistent they are consistently successful.