What’s Right Is Right

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What’s Right Is Right

It takes someone special to have the courage, strength, and conviction to do what’s right — especially when there are consequences for behaving that way. That’s called moral character. Some people talk a good game while others make honor and integrity the bedrock of their lives. They believe right is right.

Do you speak your mind or tell people what they want to hear, expose the truth even if it might upset the applecart, and stand up for what’s right regardless of what it may cost you?

Although they may face the wrath of others, I applaud them for their honesty, integrity, and strength of moral character. Here are 10 ways to stand up for what’s right.

10 Ways to Stand Up for What’s Right

Tell it like it is rather than what folks want to hear. Credible people are open, honest, and forthright. They don’t beat around the bush, spin the truth, or exaggerate claims to make something sound better.

Disclose wrongdoings rather than overlook impropriety. Every time you excuse immorality or fail to speak up about corruption, you’re complicit in dragging society down. As Plato said, “Your silence gives consent.”

Remain true to your values when others lower their standards. People can’t make you do things without your permission. Never lower your personal standards. Never!

Keep hope alive when others lose faith. Stand up to naysayers. Think of all the things that were once considered impossible that are commonplace today.

Do what’s right, regardless of the repercussions. It may be easier to look the other way than reprimand a star performer for unethical behavior. But what message does that send to others? Compromising your principles, even one time, can be a terrible mistake.

Speak up for injustice when others are silent. Before you judge any situation, take the shoe-on-the-other-foot test. Ask yourself whether things are fair and how you’d feel if the situation were reversed.

Discipline bad behavior rather than looking the other way. Some folks turn their backs, fail to speak out, or cover up for unethical behavior because it’s convenient. When bad behavior isn’t challenged, it becomes acceptable to act in an unacceptable way.

Push for change when others are set in their ways. Be a force for change. Don’t get complacent by succumbing to a “we’ve always done it this way” mentality.

Seek the truth rather than follow the crowd. Think for yourself. One or many believers don’t determine the truth or untruth.

Be the bearer of bad news even when your message may be poorly received. Don’t sugarcoat bad news. Tell it like it is, even if it hurts. As Martin Luther King, Jr., said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Do you live with honor and integrity, or do you compromise your principles to attain wealth, power, and status? While that may not matter to you, it should! Listen to your conscience. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

Adapted from BECOME: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose