Always do the right thing
Paul White's nationally distributed syndicated column, “Always do the right thing” is published in 22 publications across seven states. This includes the following newspapers and digital publications: Midland Daily News (MI), SFGate (CA), Seattle PI (WA), Connecticut Post (CT), Laredo Morning Times (TX), Huron Daily Tribune (MI), The Telegraph (IL), and more. In this article, you will learn about the power of doing the right thing, how to embrace it, and live a life full of joy and happiness.
Here’s a profound quote: “The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it.” The quote is attributed to General Norman Schwarzkopf. Schwarzkopf played to win…regardless of the cost…and in many cases the cost was measured in people either living or dying. He had some pretty hard decisions to make in his lifetime that involved doing the right thing. Let’s face it, we all do.
But if we know what the right thing is, why is it so doggone hard sometimes to do what we know we should? Could it be that WE are the ones making it hard? Can we train ourselves to do the right thing first and over-analyze it later or has our society taught us to reduce the value of doing the right thing and embrace the temporary high of doing what feels good in the moment? Is your mind swirling right now? Great, that’s a good first step in a positive direction towards “inner peace.” (You): Did he just say “inner peace?” (Me): Yes, I did!
When was the last time you had a deep conversation with someone about the role honesty plays in your life and in our current society and culture? I’m imagining right now that the answer is never. Honesty seems to have taken a nosedive as a valued asset in a people’s lives. Just use reality TV as an example. The people winning it all are the ones who most creatively lie and get away with it. And that fascinates us.
Is it the short “thrill of the moment” that makes people attempt to cheat, or lie, or misrepresent, or make false claims, or spread untruth? If honesty is such an important building block in the foundation of a person’s character, why aren’t there more examples of leaders in our society that became great due to the strength that honesty has played in their life? Maybe there are, and our current personal radar system has a flaw in its design.
Take local leaders from any religious group. You know…. people in your own community. They all place great value on honesty and telling the truth, many based on the ninth commandment “You shalt not bear false witness against your neighbor” which in more modern language means “Don’t Lie.” While local religious leaders aren’t perfect, they’re as close to embracing a “Don’t Lie” character trait as a group of people can be. They consistently exhibit the character trait of attempting to ALWAYS do the right thing. Seems like we can learn a lot from this leadership group.
I believe that leaders in all the non-profit organizations in a community form a similar group of people that live a life showing there’s great value in ALWAYS doing the right thing. Civic clubs all are based on a foundation of always doing the right thing and business leaders who are members are encouraged to grow this character trait in both their business and personal life.
An example? Rotary has a motto: Service above Self. That self-explanatory statement helps make doing the right thing a natural part of a member’s everyday life. There’s an excellent chance that people who regularly volunteer fall into the same category. Yoda might say “The 'always do the right thing' character trait is strong with this one.”
Okay, look…. truth is, our personal actions define our personal character. So why do we judge others by their actions, and we judge ourselves by our intentions? Do our intentions allow us a get-out-of-jail-free card when it comes to doing the right thing? When we look in the mirror, shouldn’t we judge ourselves the same way we judge others? If we ever want to experience “Inner Peace” the answer is YES!
One of the primary goals of all religions, meditation, and martial arts is to seek and find inner peace within our own being and existence. Inner peace is a natural medication that can improve our health, prolong our life, deepen our relationships with others, and bring us consistent joy. The quickest path to acquiring inner peace is living a life ALWAYS doing the right thing.
Like Schwarzkopf said, ““The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do.” It doesn’t have to be hard; it needs to become habit if we want to discover its true power and fly down the path to inner peace in our life. Just commit to YOURSELF, that from this day forward, you will always make an honest attempt to do the right thing in any situation that arises in your life. Data shows that it takes about 21 days to create a new habit. Are you willing to always do the right thing, and make it a subconscious habit, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of inner peace?
Hey…YOUR LIFE MATTERS! Want proof? Read Andy Andrews's book “The Butterfly Effect” and find proof that everything you say and do matters…to ALL of us in this world…forever! Now, imagine a world where everyone is committed to ALWAYS doing the right thing. WHOA! There’s a whole lot of GOOD in that vision…and it can all start with YOU deciding to at least be trying to make “always doing the right thing” a habit that defines your character. If you do, then you will be granted the free additional gift of inner peace.
Now, that may be the best deal you ever receive in your lifetime. So, get busy doing the right thing each day. You’re worth it…and I believe in you! GiddyUp!
In addition to being a nationally syndicated columnist, Paul White is an author, motivational and inspirational speaker, entrepreneur, podcaster, and life coach located in Midland, Michigan. He offers self-help and culture development to start your journey towards consistent growth and joy. If you’re interested in getting in touch with Paul, please submit an inquiry via our Contact Page.