We’re faced with decisions each day. It’s not enough to know the difference between right and wrong. The important thing is to convert those principles into words and actions. Given the option, would you rather choose the right path, even though it’s difficult, or the easy route, knowing that you’ll be compromising your standards? The West Point cadet prayer sums up their position well: “Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong.” Do you choose convenience over principles?
11 Ways Folks Choose Convenience over Principles
It may be easier to:
- Sugarcoat bad news rather than tell it like it is.
- Sweep a problem under the rug rather than address the issue head-on.
- Create low expectations rather than set “stretch” goals.
- Look the other way rather than reprimand a star performer for unethical behavior.
- Point a finger rather than admit a mistake and learn a valuable lesson.
- Throw money at a problem rather than make good use of what we have.
- Follow the crowd rather than remain true to our beliefs and values.
- Promote a quick-fix solution rather than address a problem’s root cause.
- Distribute resources equally rather than set priorities and make tough choices.
- Maintain silence rather than speak up against injustice.
- Encourage dependency rather than provide people with good opportunities as well as the tools to succeed.
Compromising your principles, even one time, can be a terrible mistake. As the saying goes, “Watch your thoughts, for they become words. Watch your words, for they become actions. Watch your actions, for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny!” The fact is, knowing what’s right isn’t as important as doing what’s right.
What Do You Think?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
This post is adapted from BOOKSMART: Hundreds of real-world lessons for success and happiness, by Frank Sonnenberg.
Additional Reading:
Never Lower Your Personal Standards. Never!
Are You Blurring the Line Between Right and Wrong?
Be Honorable for Your Own Good
Live with Honor and Integrity
Do You Lead By Example?
Knowing Isn’t Doing
23 Ways to Spot a Hypocrite
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AsmaYaqub says
Absolute formula of internal peace is this,and actual struggle too ,,thanks for such realistic moral lesson!!
Frank Sonnenberg says
Thanks Asma. I’m glad you like it.
Best,
Frank
Sunita Rajiv says
I am a great fan of your articles for they have the essence of experience, failures and successes.
You clear out many doubts in your candid approach of the topic.
Thanks for writing and sharing.
GOD BLESS YOU!
Frank Sonnenberg says
Thank you so much Sunita. You made my day 🙂
Best,
Frank
Kathleen D Carroll says
Love these 11 points. I’m printing & posting them in my office as a reminder for me & my family members. Thank you.
Frank Sonnenberg says
Hey Kathleen
I’m so glad you like the piece. Enjoy 🙂
Best,
Frank
Shirley Rivera says
Many of us if not all of us had chosen to walk the easy road rather than the less traveled road. We do compromise in a lot of situations because we refuse to wait that long. We want results right away.
This year I am going to do better. I need to be tactful and honest to address the root of the issue. With God, every thing is possible.
Thank You!
Frank Sonnenberg says
Good for you, Shirley. Thanks awesome!
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank