"In matters of style swim with the current; in matters of principle stand like a rock"

Life’s full of challenges, right? And sometimes, it’s the small stuff that trips us up. The core idea here is to be flexible when it comes to the little things—things like how you dress, how you decorate your space, or even how you talk. But when it comes to the big stuff, the principles you live by, you gotta be solid and unshakeable.

Imagine you're at work, dealing with a project. The way you approach the design can change based on feedback (swimming with the current), but your commitment to honesty and integrity in your work (standing like a rock) shouldn’t budge an inch.

This idea has roots in history. It’s often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s Founding Fathers. Think about the time he lived in—the late 18th century. The world was shifting like crazy, with revolutions and new ideas spreading everywhere. Jefferson and his peers had to navigate through a sea of new styles and thoughts, but their core principles like freedom and democracy? They held those tight.

Let’s bring this to life with a real-world example. Picture a company like Patagonia. They’re all about environmental sustainability. The styles in outdoor gear shift all the time—new colors, new materials. Patagonia adapts to these changes and stays trendy. But their principle of being environmentally responsible? That’s their rock. They’ve even gone as far as encouraging people to buy less stuff. Who does that? A company that stands firm on their principles, that's who.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by identifying your core principles. What are the non-negotiables in your life? Honesty? Respect? Loyalty? Write them down. Keep them front and center. Then, when you face decisions, big or small, you’ll know where you stand. Be flexible with the rest. If you’re at a dinner party and everyone’s talking about a show you’ve never seen, you can roll with it—join the conversation, even if TV shows aren’t normally your thing. But if the talk turns to a topic that brushes up against your principles, like integrity or fairness, hold your ground.

Now, let’s imagine a scenario. You’re at work, and there’s a big push to hit a new sales target. The team’s buzzing with ideas—some good, some not so great. You can swim with the current by being open to new strategies and creative approaches. Maybe you try a new sales technique or adopt a new software tool. But then someone suggests something that feels a bit off—like pushing a product that you know isn’t quite right for the customer. That’s when you stand like a rock. You politely, but firmly, say, “I think we need to reconsider this approach. It’s important we keep our customers’ best interests in mind.”

In essence, live with the flow in matters of style. Adapt, change, evolve. But when it comes to your principles, the things that define who you are and what you stand for, be unyielding. Stand firm. Because in the end, it’s those principles that will guide you through the chaos, giving you a solid foundation in an ever-changing world.