I learned this phrase from Dr. Kevin Elko, my favorite sports and business psychologist.  Consider this a powerful superpower of how to live your life.

Think of a thermostat. You set it at home and the temperature remains constant. In contrast, the temperature outside varies based on external conditions. In life, being the thermostat means standing firm in your principles and values, no matter what’s happening around you.

In today’s world, everyone reacts to their “feelings”. But feelings fluctuate throughout the day—happiness, irritation, sadness—and can easily throw you off course if you let them dictate your actions. Dr. Elko emphasizes that while it’s natural for feelings to change, allowing them to control your behavior is where problems arise. If someone irritates you and it negatively impacts your work, that’s on you. It’s essential to stick to your principles—like hard work and focus—and not let fleeting emotions derail you. Don’t let others land their planes on your runway. Keep your thermostat set and don’t let the temperature alter your behavior.

Your thermostat is basically your life principles. Living by principles is crucial for several reasons. They provide consistency in decision-making, ensuring that you maintain integrity even in challenging situations.

Let’s look at a logical example. If one of your core principles is to work hard and maintain focus throughout the workday (which it absolutely should be), but you allow yourself to be derailed by someone’s unkind remark, you’ve let your emotions override your principles. If this distraction results in poor performance for the next hour or even the rest of the day, you’ve essentially allowed your temporary feelings to trump your fundamental values. You’ve chosen to let someone else’s behavior dictate your actions, effectively surrendering control of your productivity and professionalism. This is a clear instance where being the “temperature” rather than the “thermostat” has led to a negative outcome.

Now, let’s consider an alternative scenario where you handle this situation in alignment with your principles:

When faced with an unkind remark, you acknowledge the emotion it triggers but choose not to let it control your actions. Instead, you remind yourself of your principle of hard work and focus. You might take a brief moment to process the interaction, perhaps through a few deep breaths or a quick walk. Then, you consciously recommit to your work, possibly even using the incident as motivation to be even more productive. In this case, you’ve demonstrated emotional intelligence and resilience, staying true to your principles despite external negativity. This approach not only maintains your productivity but also reinforces your integrity and potentially sets a positive example for others in your workplace.

People trust and follow those who demonstrate consistent values, making principles a foundation for leadership. When your actions align with your principles, you experience peace of mind and are guided toward long-term success rather than short-term gains.

To live as the thermostat, start by defining your principles clearly. Articulate your core values and beliefs so that they guide your actions. Stand firm in these principles; don’t compromise them for temporary convenience or popularity. Lead by example—let your actions speak louder than words. Continuously educate yourself to deepen your understanding of why these principles matter. And be humble; standing by your principles doesn’t mean being rigid or judgmental.

Warren Buffett emphasizes integrity as a non-negotiable trait in both business and life: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.”  Mahatma Gandhi, said, “In matters of conscience, the law of the majority has no place.” I love that one.

Dwight D. Eisenhower said, “The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably is integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.”

The test: Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.

Living by principles doesn’t mean you’re inflexible or unable to adapt. Instead, it means you have a solid foundation from which to make decisions and navigate life’s challenges. It’s about having a clear sense of what you stand for and using that as a guide in all situations.

In practice, this might mean turning down a lucrative business opportunity because it conflicts with your ethical standards. It could mean speaking up against injustice, even when it’s unpopular to do so. It might involve admitting to a mistake and taking responsibility for it, rather than trying to cover it up or blame others.

Integrity and principles are not just about big, dramatic moments. They’re about the small, everyday choices we make. Developing and living by your principles is a lifelong journey. It requires constant self-reflection, learning, and sometimes, course correction. But the rewards are immeasurable. You’ll build trust, earn respect, and most importantly, you’ll be able to look at yourself in the mirror with pride and satisfaction.

In a world often lacking a moral compass (that’s a human behavior evidenced by thousands of years of evidence, so get used to it), strive to be steady and principled individuals whom others can rely on. Be the thermostat that reflects truth and virtue accurately, not the temperatures that fluctuate with every passing trend or pressure.

Don’t let your “feelings” dictate your life and your actions.  That’s a loser mentality that works very well for the mediocre wanderers of life who make poor spouses and terrible employees. 

As you navigate life’s challenges, let your principles be your guide. They will serve as a steady anchor in turbulent times and a clear beacon in moments of uncertainty. Remember, it’s not about being perfect—we all make mistakes. It’s about consistently striving to live up to your values and learning from the times when you fall short. In the end, your legacy will not be defined by your achievements or possessions, but by the principles you lived by and the impact you had on others.