365 Days With Self-Discipline: 365 Life-Altering Thoughts on Self-Control, Mental Resilience, and Success

Day 45: On Honest y

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I

consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.

—George Washington

 

44

For many people, one of the hardest challenges for their self-discipline

is the resolution to stop lying. We constantly encounter opportunities to lie,

wherever we go and whatever we do. It seems it’s even socially permissible

to lie a little, whether by telling a white lie, making yourself look better on a

resume, or tweaking your height, weight, and financial situation on online

dating sites.

As the old saying goes, honesty is the best policy — and it’s also one

of the best ways to strengthen your character. It’s one thing to deny yourself

a piece of cake, and it’s a completely different thing to tell the truth when

you think it will make you look bad or threaten the relationship you have

with someone. Yet, over the long-term, the truth always emerges — and if

not, it still eats away at your conscience, so why postpone the discomfort

you’ll eventually feel anyway?

Vow to tell the truth no matter the circumstances (except for extreme

situations, such as your life being in danger).

Please  note  that  being  honest  doesn’t  mean  that  you  need  to  share

everything about yourself with other people. that Telling them, “I don’t feel

like answering that question” (without giving any justifications — it’s your

right to not explain any of your decisions) is a simple way to remain honest

when a person asks you a question you’d normally answer with a lie.

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