We’ve all been there. A moral dilemma is in your hands, and your mind runs through various scenarios, identifying possible outcomes. You might calculate the weights of the pros and cons of each alternative. You may try to determine who would benefit and by how much, what the costs may be, or if your reputation is at stake. It’s a lot to process and requires time and energy to work through. And these may all be effective techniques to use for your particular situation. They may help you to confirm an option you already feel is the best one. They may bring to light the implications that would need to be addressed if a particular route is taken. But to convince yourself of the right call, one simple method will often do the trick.
As you struggle through the decision-making process, try telling yourself, “Do the right thing.” You may be surprised at how clear the answer becomes. A moral question ought to be answered by consulting your core values. Deep down, you probably already know what the best option is, but by considering what the right thing to do would be, you’ll have validated your decision by running it through your internal ethics auditor. You’ll be more likely to be able to walk away, feeling assured that you’ve exercised good judgment. Maybe your choice won’t be the most financially optimal or make you popular in the short term. But if the problem being addressed is a moral one, then you’ll have done well by putting your integrity before anything else.
By always doing the right thing, you will have less to worry about, fewer gray hairs, and time and energy left to make more good decisions.
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