Have the Courage of your Convictions

Have the courage of your convictions!

What do you believe in?

Safer roads for your family? Better schools for your children? Cheaper supermarket prices?

Or do you read about the plight of inhabitants of third world countries? Do you worry about cruelty towards animals, long for more knowledge to help the sufferers of terminal illnesses?

Fighting for what you believe in; whether it be standing up to your demanding employer or demonstrating against experimenting on animals, takes courage and fortitude; the kind of bravery that doesn’t flag and the type of spirit that laughs in the face of obstacles. Underlying all this is a steadfast belief that doesn’t falter. What do you believe in? What really makes you want to leap off your soap box and demand change? You can make a difference providing you follow a few golden rules, realise you have the necessary determination and belief to make changes and cultivate an indomitable nature that never ever gives up. Here’s how...

:-) Find out as much as possible about the matter that you feel strongly about. For example if you feel women are under too much  pressure to look young and beautiful then research using the internet and the library to discover any psychological studies that may support your argument and the history of a woman’s desire to improve her appearance. Talk to people who have undergone operations to feel better about their looks and gather as much information as you can to support your claim

:-) Search for groups and organisations that feel the same way that you do. What are they doing to make changes? For example if you feel there is too much discrimination against mental illness in the workplace then you could visit www.time-to-change.org.uk to find out if you can contribute to the cause

:-) Create your own blog or online diary of what you are doing to promote change. Let others know too. If you have a facebook or twitter account, keep everyone updated and urge them to join you. If you find resistance then don’t worry, according to psychology a minority influence can still be powerful, you just have to remain consistent in your views.

:-) If your passionate cause is closer to home and doesn’t involve saving the world but does mean that you could be on your own in your bid to be listened to; such as informing your employer of something important, tackling your child’s headmaster or realising you need a career change, then gain as much moral support as you can from your family and friends. Studies have shown that a support network can get us through illness and trauma so enlist as much personal help as possible.

:-) If your strong belief has a political or social slant, consider contacting your MP. You can air your grievances and discover whether they might be able to help and offer you support. Discuss your ideas of what you would like to do to make the situation better, any research you have done and any other people who can back your claim. Visit http://findyourmp.parliament.uk for more information.

:-) Fancy banging on the black door of Downing Street with a very long petition supporting your cause? Well, you could do this or you could actually send an e-petition which is considered more stress free. There is a step-by-step guide and everything you need to know if you visit the site of the Prime Minister’s Office at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk e-petitions that receive 100,000 signatures or more will be eligible for debate in parliament!

:-) If you feel very strongly concerning issues in your area then why not think about becoming a councillor? There are about 20,000 elected councillors in England. You could join them and tell them how you think the future should be and what changes should be made and why. To find out exactly what is involved in being a councillor and whether you have what it takes visit www.beacouncillor.org.uk

How about taking a leaf out of Susan B Anthony’s  (1820-1906) book?  She campaigned against slavery and the promotions of women’s and workers rights. She gave countless speeches to motivate others to join her cause. Could you do the same?

Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) was a British suffragette who dedicated her life to the promotion of women’s rights and Helen Keller (1880-1968) overcame the frustration of losing her sight and hearing to campaign untiringly on behalf of deaf and blind people. What these women had in common was their determination and passionate spirit. You can cultivate this too.

When the going gets tough and you feel alone in your beliefs, remind yourself of why you wanted to make the situation better in the first place and create small goals that are easy to achieve. Perhaps your ultimate aim is to have a website where people can join and support one another, maybe you are seeking funding for a community project or perhaps you are arranging a peaceful demonstration to show the council how you feel and the journey is long. Don’t give up, remember you will never be alone with how you feel. There will always be someone out there, sharing your dreams of a better future. Find them, keep working at it and one day, you will make an impact on the world!