Things Women Should Never Compromise On

 Kimono (similar) - Forever 21 | Jeans (similar)  | Blouse (similar)(similar) - H&M |

 Booties - Dolce Vita | Hat (similar) (similar)- Forever 21 | Watch - JORD

This topic is close to my heart because it's an epidemic that I have seen and experience impact so many beautiful strong women, it's that of settling and compromising what makes you, you. When the first sign of a struggle presents its self, we give in to fit in or fake it to make it. I am no exception, there are many times that it would be so much easier to just take the road of immediate satisfaction or try and justify my actions because of what is right in front of me in the moment. Whether in relationships or in how we live our life, we are continually given opportunities to stay true to who we really are and what we hold close to us. There is so much more satisfaction and reward waiting for those who keep hold of those treasures in life that make up who we are. Just remember, no one is perfect and sometimes the only way we learn to appreciate our uniqueness and identity is to mess up. Messing up isn't what matters, it's how you learn to make a masterpiece out of the mess and begin to live up to your full potential.

Never compromise your DREAMS.
You might have a dream to start your own clothing line or go to med school. Whatever the dream may be, guard it. Don't give up your dream because others can't see your vision. You were given the dream not them. Don't settle for less because others are jealous or intimidated by big thinking or accomplishments. Striving for success is not being a "show off" or a "know it all". Striving for success is you realizing you were given a purpose with the one life given to you and you are going to live that one life to the fullest while becoming the best version of yourself. You have to learn to say no from asking directions from people who have never been to where you are going.

Never compromise your STANDARDS.
Growing up I always told myself that I would never have issues when it came to comprising my standards because I knew I had such a high moral bar already set. It was easy to say when you are in the protection of your own home or even with friends, but once you are out of that safety bubble everything in the world is thrown at you and this is where you have to decide if you still stand by those standards. You will always have others there to question your every move in life. That's just life, but you have a choice whether you are going to let it affect you. Realize that people only understand from their level of perception and ambition. You weren't made to sit back and be average, so why should you have average standards. You and your future are worth not compromising future achievement for present acceptance.

Never compromise your WORD.
Your word is your integrity. As Stephen Covey points out, "honesty is making your words conform to reality. Integrity is making reality conform to your words." Keeping your word is sometimes inconvenient or sometimes uncomfortable depending on the situation. But listen, it's simple and straightforward. If people can't trust your word, they won't trust you. If they don't trust you, then you can't influence them. If you can't positively influence them then you can't make an impact. Everything you are striving for in life, in your career is going to require you to ultimately impact people and events. It comes down to being a person of your word. In other words, a person of character.

Never compromise your TIME. 
Your energy and focus are needed for your goals and the important things in your life. Respecting yourself comes with learning to say no to the things, that yes they might be good, they hinder your end goal. John Maxwell said it perfectly, "Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best."

Never compromise your STYLE. 
Fashion is all about wearing your confidence. If you like a style but it's not too popular in your area, then wear it! It only takes one to start a trend. Fashion sense is like your dreams, not everyone is going to be a supporter but along the way, you will find a handful of fans. But why should that stop you from wearing your favorite pair of fringed jeans. Fashion is your opportunity to let your personality shine through.

Lastly, I just want to say that ten years from now make sure you can say that you chose your life and didn't settle or compromise on it.