Why be a Hypocrite?

At first thought, being a hypocrite is the last thing that aligns with the values of an OG Millennial. Integrity, authenticity, and progress are cornerstones of our philosophy. No one wants to be the person who says one thing and does another. We strive to live by our words, to practice what we preach. We champion consistency, holding others—and more importantly, ourselves—to the highest standards of accountability.

But here’s the thing: being a hypocrite is perfectly okay. In fact, under the right circumstances, it’s not just acceptable—it’s encouraged.

I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “You’re bugging.” But keep reading—let me explain.

This is a nuanced topic that requires a nuanced conversation. However, I’m going to break it down as simply as possible.

You should want to be a hypocrite—but only for one reason: GROWTH.

Don’t be a hypocrite for the sake of convenience. Don’t be a hypocrite because you have no core values or because you’re afraid to stand on your beliefs. Be a hypocrite because you’ve learned something new, something that changed your perspective. Be a hypocrite because you’ve gained knowledge, had new experiences, or been exposed to information that made you realize your previous stance was flawed.

Let’s be real—how often do we hear people double down on bad takes simply because they don’t want to appear inconsistent? They’ll stick to their guns, even when new facts present themselves, just to avoid looking like they’ve backtracked. That’s not strength. That’s stubbornness. That’s stagnation.

Being a hypocrite in the name of growth means recognizing when your old way of thinking no longer serves you. It means acknowledging that the beliefs and principles you once held might have been misguided or incomplete. It means being open to change, even when it’s uncomfortable.

For example, imagine you’ve always believed that success is solely about working harder than everyone else. You’ve preached the grind, the hustle, the sacrifice. But then, through experience, you come to realize that smart work—leveraging systems, optimizing time, prioritizing mental health—is actually more effective than blind hustle. You can either continue pushing the outdated narrative you once stood on, or you can embrace the new understanding and adjust accordingly. Yes, this means admitting you were wrong. Yes, this might mean contradicting what you once said. But if it’s in the name of progress, does that contradiction really matter?

Or let’s say you grew up with a certain perspective on money. Maybe you believed saving was the only way to build wealth, and you dismissed investing as too risky. But after educating yourself, reading books, and seeing real-life examples, you now understand that strategic investing is actually the key to financial freedom. What do you do? Do you cling to your old stance just to avoid being labeled a hypocrite? Or do you evolve, embrace your newfound knowledge, and move differently?

The truth is, refusing to be a hypocrite for the sake of consistency can actually hold you back. Growth requires the ability to admit when you were wrong and to move in a new direction without shame. It’s about having the humility to say, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know, but now I do—and I’m acting accordingly.”

Now, let’s address the other side of this. Being open to change does NOT mean flip-flopping on every issue just because someone challenges your point of view. That’s not growth—that’s weakness. Standing firm in your beliefs is just as important as being willing to evolve them. The key is discernment.

When someone presents an opposing argument, don’t be quick to switch sides. Instead, engage. Challenge them to make a legitimate case. Demand sound reasoning. Be open, but not gullible. Growth isn’t about changing your mind on a whim; it’s about allowing yourself to be persuaded when the logic, evidence, or experience overwhelmingly supports a new perspective.

These discussions can be uncomfortable. In fact, from the outside looking in, they can make one or both parties appear stubborn, unreasonable, or even foolish. But that’s where the real progress happens. Growth is often messy. It requires tough conversations, self-reflection, and sometimes even public contradiction.

Conclusion

I once read something along the lines of: true understanding is when you can’t believe you didn’t understand before. When a new perspective clicks, it should feel so obvious in hindsight that you struggle to comprehend how you ever thought differently. That’s the kind of growth we should all be striving for.

So, should you be a hypocrite? Yes—but only in the pursuit of progress. Be a hypocrite because you are evolving. Be a hypocrite because you are learning. Be a hypocrite because you refuse to be locked into outdated ways of thinking just to maintain the illusion of consistency.

In the end, integrity isn’t about stubbornly holding onto past beliefs. It’s about being honest enough to admit when you’ve outgrown them.

Stay open. Stay learning. Stay growing.

That’s the OG Millennial way.