The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he never would be found out.  ~Thomas Babington Macaulay

If you have integrity, nothing else matters.  If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.  ~Alan Simpson

To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice.  ~Confucius

It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.  ~Noël Coward

What is right is often forgotten by what is convenient.  ~Bodie Thoene, Warsaw Requiem

Doing the right thing is a simple concept.  Most people have a little voice inside them that always knows what the right thing is.  However, other factors may cloud our judgment and drown out our inner voice.

The desire for money, regardless of the cost, is probably the single most common element that negatively affects people’s reasoning.  The daily parade of notable people in the news who have engaged in unethical behavior in their quest for financial gain attests to this.

It is fascinating how highly successful people will risk ruination for relatively paltry gain.  So it’s not that surprising that those who are not in the public spotlight also engage in the same behavior.

Doing the right thing isn’t connected to the odds of getting caught or the possible consequences.  Doing the right thing is more than honesty and what you are required to do.  It’s doing what you feel you should do.

You’ve heard of the tragic stories of someone lying hurt on the sidewalk while others ignore or actually step over them.  Yet when video of the incident is publicized, there is outrage.  Everyone instinctively knows what doing the right thing means.  Yet, too many people disconnect from it when personally confronted by a situation requiring a decision of what to do. 

Doing the right thing applies to daily common occurrences as well.  What do you do when a cashier gives you too much change or neglects to charge you for something?  When driving in heavy traffic, will you allow someone to enter in front of you from a side street?  Would you offer to carry heavy grocery bags to the car for an elderly shopper?  Would you give up your train seat for a pregnant rider?

There is a never ending stream of circumstances where you have the opportunity to do the right thing.  Put yourself in someone else’s position.  How would you like others to respond if you were in a situation where assistance would be appreciated? 

There are numerous self tests you can use if you need help deciding what the right thing to do is.  Ask yourself the following questions.  Will your actions harm or take advantage of anyone?  Would you be proud of how you acted?  How would you feel if a story about what you did appeared on the front page of your local paper?  Would you like someone to do the same thing for you?

Doing the right thing gives you peace of mind.  You don’t have to justify your actions or make excuses.  You don’t have to worry you’ll get caught. 

If you are criticized for doing the right thing, it’s because people are jealous.  They wish they had the convictions to do what you did.  But it’s easier for them to find fault with your actions rather than doing the right thing themselves. 

When you do the right thing you do your part to make the world a better place.  You set a good example for others.  Your actions help people which in turn attracts good things to you.  Whenever you are faced with a dilemma, chose the path of doing the right thing.

NOW AVAILABLE:  "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book.  Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or write him c/o this paper.  2010 Bryan Golden

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