We live in a world today where it is not uncommon for morals and personal values to be exchanged for success and quick money. People start out energetic with big ideas and a plan to make a difference. Yet, far too often is the temptation of bending the rules in order to achieve personal success succumbed to. We try to justify our change in behavior. "I just need to 'play their game,' for a little while, then I will have more power and be able to enact the change that I planned!" We are obsessed with the idea that "the end justifies the means." Well, I am here to say that it doesn't. It will surely not be the easiest way, but it is important to never lose oneself in the world. To not become jaded and tired, succumbing to the corruption around you. To never sell out.

It can start as something simple, writing about a topic that you know will be widely accepted and reach a large audience rather than writing about the important, controversial topic that you felt strongly about. We begin to deteriorate our original motives and energy for good when we move into the gray area. The "it isn't technically going against what I originally set out for." Selling out seldom occurs suddenly all at once. It is more often your choices slowly, unconsciously changing you.

It can be so easy to make these changes when we are taught to strive for success, power and wealth. Living in what becomes a more and more materialistic world all of the time. Working day-to-day, the customers begin to look less like people and more like customers with orders. Unconsciously, we allow our perception and entire outlook to change, which changes us in the process. It will be a constant effort to think of your actions. To maybe at times sacrifice what seems like "an easy deal." There is no guarantee that the decision to not sell out will pay off financially in the end. It gets to a point where your priorities need to be put into perspective. What is more important to you, money and success? Or helping people?

It is not to suggest that everything you do in your life must be radical, thought-provoking or controversial and serious. It is, however, saying plan out your actions by what will not "cause a ripple or an uproar." By catering to what the masses like and accept rather than what you find truly important. Then it is time you take a moment, and see if somewhere along the line you lost yourself, and consider that it might be time to "buy yourself back again."