Choosing the Path of Integrity: A Guide to True Success
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Understanding the Importance of Doing Right
"Doing what's right will satisfy some and surprise others." - Mark Twain
There exist timeless principles regarding human performance that are universal. Actions speak louder than words, and it is always the right moment to do the right thing. Regardless of how one defines success, it necessitates making the right choices—even when those choices are uncomfortable or inconvenient. This principle holds true for everyone, in every field of endeavor.
To truly achieve success, one must become accustomed to discomfort. Inconvenience and unease form the core elements of achievement. Every individual who has legitimately succeeded has cultivated the habit of making choices that others may shy away from due to discomfort or a lack of moral clarity.
Regrettably, our society often prioritizes convenience, entitlement, and risk aversion, which fosters weakness and hinders many from reaching their full potential. This willingness to accept discomfort is why some individuals, despite having all the qualifications for success, fall short, while others excel despite significant obstacles.
Authentic success is a rarity, achieved not by following our natural inclinations but by overcoming them.
Why Many Avoid Doing the Right Thing
The lengthy list of reasons people avoid inconvenience can be summarized by their preference for quick, easy, and risk-free solutions. It’s disheartening but true—most of us instinctively know the right course of action.
Confucius aptly stated, “To see what is right and not to do it is cowardice.” Thus, one of the greatest challenges we face is choosing to act rightly, even when it’s difficult.
Consider these examples that highlight the tension between convenience and doing what's right:
- Exercising when tired is inconvenient, while making excuses is easy.
- Forgiving someone who has wronged you is hard, but holding a grudge is simple.
- Asking for help can be uncomfortable, yet manipulating others is often easier.
- Teaching a child a skill can be inconvenient, while doing it for them is straightforward.
- Preparing a nutritious meal takes effort, while fast food is readily available.
- Accepting full responsibility for our actions requires courage, while shifting blame is effortless.
- Telling the truth is challenging, but lying is often the path of least resistance.
- Going the extra mile for a client is demanding, while saying no is simple.
- Preparing thoroughly for a presentation takes time, but winging it is tempting.
- Addressing problems directly is tough, while ignoring them feels easier.
- Practicing self-discipline is demanding, while procrastination is easy.
- Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, but arguing for limitations is simple.
- Taking risks to pursue your dreams is daunting, while playing it safe is comfortable.
It’s common to feel that personal dislikes hinder your success, especially when comparing yourself to those who seem to thrive on challenges. However, it’s essential to recognize that everyone prefers comfort over discomfort. High achievers simply understand that the journey to success is often paved with discomfort, and they choose to act despite it.
The Key to Embracing Discomfort
You might wonder why high performers willingly embrace discomfort. They recognize that by choosing to act rightly at the appropriate times, they can achieve their desired outcomes while feeling proud of their efforts.
To summarize, successful individuals are driven by the desire for meaningful results, while most others are swayed by the allure of convenient methods. This distinction is vital.
Successful individuals focus on outcomes rather than processes. The pathway to success will inevitably involve discomfort; it will challenge your limits, test your commitment, and demand upfront investment. This journey will reveal your true character, forcing you to choose between right and wrong.
Making the decision to do what’s right should not consume too much of your time, but it will significantly impact your life. When you grasp the value of prioritizing results over methods, you’ll find it easy to convince yourself that doing the right thing is always the best choice.
The Journey Forward
Over the years, I’ve discovered several key strategies that can help transform lives. If you’re interested in learning more about how to "10X Your Results," I invite you to explore my free manifesto.
Gary Ryan Blair is the creator of the 100 Day Challenge, a revolutionary approach to achieving ambitious goals by applying effective growth strategies.
The first video, "Do What's RIGHT, Not What's EASY," emphasizes the significance of making the right choices in life.
The second video, "Do the Right Thing, Not the Easy Thing," reinforces the idea that the path to success is often fraught with challenges that require us to choose integrity over convenience.