courage of conviction

the courage of one's convictions: the confidence to act according to one's beliefs

This is a phrase which has been in my mind(and Heart) for quite some time (actually my entire life). Our principal at school - Commodore V N Narayanan, was very much a man of principles. He always kept stressing upon this phrase in his daily speeches.
I want to add, here, that these were THE best speeches(talks) I have heard till now.

This, as I realise now, was the mantra for my life till class 12th. I had sub conciously been influenced by His words that I followed them religiously and backed myself against all adversities. Nobody gave me a chance at securing the second position in class 10th. Nobody , in their wildest dreams, had thought I would crack IIT-JEE. But these are things I did go on to achieve, however small their significance to the world.
This has all been due to the courage of conviction. But here I must confess that I have not followed this principle for the last 3 years and my life has been a drag.
I am now trying to get back to my old life. That life promises less friends yet greater satisfaction.

I hope that people reading this might get a little inspired and try and develop the courage of conviction and respect others people's views. The world will be a much better place to live if all the people had the courage of conviction to do what they feel is right for the country and the world as a whole.

Please give some feedback.
Again, these are just thoughts that come to my mind and may not have been properly presented. So try and grab the crux.