Compromise.  You WILL be asked to do it.  Today.  The word sounds like a good, “touchy feely” thing to do.  However, more often than not, compromising can be harmful.  We’re taught as children to compromise in situations such as sharing our toys and compromising some of the fun we’d have with a toy in order to allow someone else time with the toy.  In turn they might let us play with their stuff some time.  Very soon though, life begins asking us to make less neutral compromises.  In most cases it means allowing small doses of harm come into our families, our workplaces, or lives in order to temporarily experience pleasure, praise, or success.

Every day, we are asked to compromise things like our integrity, beliefs, health, and values in order to create a false sense of peace or unity with the people around us.  Will you compromise?  If I compromise my integrity by indulging in certain activities I normally wouldn’t in order to “fit in” with a client or my supervisor, then how could I ask my daughter not to compromise herself to fit into a crowd or to please a demanding boyfriend?  I know that seems a little bit of an extreme example, but it’s really not.

Don’t compromise today.  Don’t compromise your ability to create a quality product or premium service in order to make a few more dollars.  Don’t compromise your integrity to lead a client into a decision that’s not best for them.  Don’t compromise your employees by demanding more for less.  Don’t compromise your values to make a sale.  Don’t compromise your family for the receiving of flattery.  Don’t compromise time with your spouse for a project that will still be waiting tomorrow.  Don’t compromise the chance to play dress up with your daughters or wrestle with your sons for football on T.V.

You will be tempted to compromise today.  Will You?