Get dirty, but remain clean

What gets covered in dirt but always stays clean? Soap.

Navigating life as a ‘soap’ in this dynamic, merciless world poses the question: How can one swim with sharks and dance with wolves without getting dirty? Achieving success in a realm of corruptive crony capitalism, where triumph is less about merit and more about being at the right place at the right time, is a formidable challenge. In such system, know-who is by far more important than know-how. Ethical standards have been turned upside down; if you don’t cheat and you pay your bills on time, you’re perceived as a poor businessman. If you’re unfamiliar with the art of bribing, you end up without a contract, seen as naïve, outdated, and ill-suited for contemporary times.

For some, this environment serves as the perfect alibi to play by the corrupt rules, to indulge in unscrupulous activities, justifying it with ‘there is no other way’ or ‘come on, everyone is doing it; should I aim to be more catholic than the Pope?’. The mantra ‘Honest people are fools’ has spread so widely that those who cling to ethics start doubting their sanity. It leaves the younger generation pondering, ‘Why invest in hard work and education when becoming an influencer or selling online nude photos promises instant fame and a life of luxury?”

Others react to this reality with apathy, choosing not to engage and instead of tapping into their potential, they remain inactive, either unemployed or settling for a low-profile job. They typically fall into one of two categories: those who console themselves with justifications like “I may be poor, but at least I have peaceful dreams,” or those who stress their moral superiority by criticizing the successful.

Maintaining purity is simple when you’re secluded in a Tibetan monastery or living as a hermit in a remote mountain cave, but how does one stay virtuous while also being productive? Is it feasible to possess the cunning of the Wolf of Wall Street while maintaining a child’s innocence and keeping your integrity intact? Can one have dirty hands but still stay clean?

Of course, I am positive it is possible. Here are Here are several strategies to strike that fine balance between embracing challenges, engaging with society, striving for achievements, and at the same time upholding your ethical principles and values:

1. Define Your Values – The first step in navigating the murky waters of engagement without losing yourself is to have a clear understanding of your own values and principles. Consider values as the roots of a tree; only those with deep, sturdy roots withstand the fiercest winds. What are the non-negotiable aspects of your character that you refuse to compromise on? And it’s not about the values we parrot because they sound commendable. Do you really live your values, do you practice integrity, honesty, compassion and respect? Are these principles the pillars that guide your decisions and actions, ensuring you remain faithful to your true self even when external pressures mount?  Would you accept a lucrative job offer from a company whose products contravene your values? Or start a profitable venture in the realm of unhealthy food? Would you purchase cheap sunglasses knowing they were stollen? Or download a movie without paying for copyrights?
2. Improve Your Skills – Possessing world-class skills opens more doors for you. Strive to be best in your field, rather than simply acquiring a diploma just because it makes your CV looks good. Luka Dončić, Novak Djokovic, or Pep Guardiola aren’t asked for their CVs; their excellence speaks for itself. Skills foster self-confidence, so the harder it is for anyone to compromise your integrity. You’ll have the strength to say NO to political parties that expect unreasonable compromises, or to a humiliating boss. You won’t be forced to accept just any job out of desperation to pay bills. Once you recognize the vast opportunities the world offers, you’ll be ready to respond confidently to any ‘Take it or leave it’ offer. Only people with exceptional skills can afford to replace their bosses, whereas those without are easily replaceable.
3. Pursue Continuous Personal Growth – Beyond professional skills, invest in your continuous personal development. Learning from your experiences, reflecting on your actions, and being open to altering your strategy are crucial for upholding your integrity. Personal growth means gaining a deeper insight into yourself and the world, which in turn, empowers you to interact with it more effectively and ethically.”
4. Birds of a feather flock together – Surround yourself with people who share your values and ethics. A supportive circle doesn’t just offer guidance and wisdom but also serves as a moral compass in tough times. These bonds can be a source of strength, reminding you of the importance of staying clean, and maintain your integrity even when you find yourself in a mess.
5. Nurture your inner child – Seek out beauty in everything and preserve your inner purity and the sense of wonder that comes with a childlike spirit. Seeing the world through a child’s eyes was one of the secrets behind the legendary Picasso’s success who famously said, ‘It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.’
6. Don’t be too harsh on yourself – The dirty hand also means that if you work, you will make mistakes. You will not avoid some dusts; no one is a saint. However, when slip-ups occur, don’t let them discourage you, it just means you’re a human.  It’s never too late to make your future clean, regardless of your past mistakes.

If you can’ be a soap, take the lotus as your role model.

The lotus’s home is in a muddy pond, where the water is unmoving on the surface. Surrounded by muck, mud and dirt, it would be easy for it to complain and to use them as an excuse to remain unclean itself! However, there in the dark, the lotus learns to draw nutrients from the mud, using them to fuel its growth. And so it grows, and the pod slowly rises and surfaces above the water, then the mucky water falls away, as the flower opens into the clean air, finally freeing itself from the harsh life below.

Therefore, don’t let the dirt of your surroundings consume you or dictate your standards. Instead, learn from it, draw inspiration and use it as nourishment to evolve into a better version of yourself. Open each of your beautiful petals to the sun, revealing your true essence and displaying your genuine beauty to the world.

Cheers!