Non-negotiables are like tree roots; they are deeply planted and have evolved over time. You may not even recognize that many of the core values you currently have, have been placed there by your parents and other community leaders who helped raise you. The environment in which you grew up and what you believe about yourself have defined the very person you are right now.

While the intentions are good, it’s not a good idea to allow the people or places in your life to define you 100%. A large majority of who you are should be who you desire to be. The transition into adulthood allows you the opportunity to revisit your values and redefine or replace the ones that need to be revised. We call this list your non-negotiables.

Non-negotiables are things that you cannot live without. They could be your personal or professional code of ethics, ideas about how to treat other people, beliefs about what you should stand for in life. These non-negotiable values define who you are and help guide your decision-making process. Everybody has a list of non-negotiables that they live by, but it’s also important to note that what you think you want may not be what you actually need or want.

Non-negotiables are the ideas about how people should act, which things in life are acceptable and unacceptable. For example, one individual might refuse to use profanity in their vocabulary, while another might place major importance on their religious beliefs.

For instance, perhaps even the most successful person in the world has experienced ridicule or doubt from others about their aspiration. If you let these things get to you, it could inhibit your ability to reach that same level of success.

It is essential when choosing non-negotiables like your religious beliefs, personal values, or how you choose to present yourself through your actions and words to others that you choose wisely. Do not let anyone else tell you what is right for you because it is up to you to determine what’s important to you and act accordingly. Take the time to reflect on the things that are most important to you and make a list of non-negotiables that reflect those values. Remind yourself of those non-negotiables daily and use them as a guide for decision-making.

Non-negotiables aren’t just about your professional life; they can be applied to many aspects of your personal life as well, such as how you choose to live, what friends you keep, and who you date or marry. It is up to you to decide what is important to you and act in accordance with your personal code of ethics.

When it comes to defining your non-negotiables, remember that it’s not about what other people want for you; it’s about what you want for yourself. It is up to you to live a life that is authentic to who you are. So, what are your non-negotiables? Define them and own them! What do you stand for?

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