Do you have something you want to get fixed? If we look around us, there is usually something that needs attention. What got us to thinking about this topic was noting that there was a Fix It Clinic recently in the area. The Clinic focused on encouraging the repair of broken items, thereby reducing waste in landfill areas. If we wanted to get somewhere and we had a broken compass, perhaps they could fix the compass so it would keep us on course.

Then we started thinking about what seems to be happening a lot in our world today.  People can get so hurt and angry. If someone takes the wrong seat on an airplane or steps ahead of them in line, they can easily get furious and start a fight. Young people sometimes hijack cars and do some crazy driving until they crash. Anger and revenge show up at what should be happy celebrations, such as birthday parties and people get hurt or even killed. We wonder, in cases like these, have some people completely lost their moral compass? As Mehrnaz Basssari says, “Without a moral compass, the human mind will justify anything.”

We wish that a moral compass could just be taken to the Fix It Clinic and come out totally fixed a couple of hours later.  But it’s not that easy. It takes work and time to fix a moral compass and get back on track. So, let’s look at some of the ways to fix a moral compass.

For us, the first way is to look to our Higher Power, who is God. Maybe you have another name for where you get your spiritual guidance. Following the teachings and adhering to the principles that are good for all is an effective way to stay on track. Taking time to read, meditate, pray, and reflect can bring wisdom to make good decisions. Why these activities are important is because many of the values learned come from our spiritual life.

Another value that helps our moral compass keep our life on course is to love people. That’s about not just loving people we know, but also loving people as part of a larger community and world. We are all humans trying to exist together.

The Golden Rule from the Bible (Matthew 7:12) says, “In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you”. This is another guide for how to treat people. How often do we see people fighting and holding grudges over their differences, yet underneath they know this is not helpful for anyone. When people have a moral compass with this Golden Rule, they would be more fair, kind, and respectful when interacting with others.

Families are also a way for people to develop their moral compass. Some families have learned how to treat each other well and they have good values. Some of these values include the ones listed above and the value of teamwork. As they watch out and stand up for each other, harmony and peace can be the result. Instead of competition, there can be supportive help for each other. Brad Henry would agree. He says, “Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.”

Unfortunately, some families don’t know how to build a moral compass. Instead of working together, they become jealous, angry, and undermine each other. Their actions can be very real and hurtful. When families don’t work together, we encourage people to look to people outside the family to learn ways to develop their values and moral compass.

Other people who are good at teaching values and helping others to live their lives by a moral compass, are good examples for everyone. Sometimes these people are in positions of leadership and other times they are friends and neighbors who you trust, and you know are ‘good people’. We need more of these people in today’s world.

What about you? How is your moral compass? Are you feeling strong in your values? Do you worry that you could be enticed to stray from your values? Pam Farrel says, “We all need a moral compass. Before you say or do anything, check your inner G.P.S. by asking, ‘Does this show respect for God People Self?’”

With Pam Farrel’s advice and the methods we’ve mentioned, you won’t need to find a Fix It Clinic to get your moral compass fixed. You’ll be able to have an accurate moral compass to keep you on course for your best life.

Chanhassen MN residents, Doug and Lynn Nodland are success coaches and owners of The Balance Center in Excelsior. Contact them at WeCare@TheBalanceCenter.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2023 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.