“Be who you are and say what you like. Those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel

In the reptile world, there is a creature called a chameleon. It changes its coloring to adapt to its surroundings, a self-protective device that keeps it from ending up on its enemy’s dinner menu.

But while this may be an admirable trait for these cold-blooded creatures, it’s a less than desirable characteristics among humans.

It’s critical that we establish standards for ourselves and then adhere to them—a concept that I explored in my current book project, Say “Yes!” for a Change! Otherwise, people won’t know where we stand, what we believe in or who we truly are. What’s worse, if we change our “colors” each time we feel threatened or challenged, we run the risk of not even knowing ourselves.

Each time you are tempted to give way, give in or change positions, ask yourself whose opinion matters more: that of the person confronting you or your own opinion of yourself.

Stay true to yourself.