Let us entertain, just for a moment, that honesty was inherently hard. Imagine it as the behavioral equivalent of hitting a 105mph fastball. What then?
If we accept honesty as an objectively difficult task, why would that change anything? Why would that make any difference to our standard of honesty?
If you stood in a batter’s box and watched a dozen 105mph fastballs fly by without swinging the bat, I would ask, “Why aren’t you swinging?”
You might say, “Because it is a hard pitch to hit. Look how fast it is. What do you expect?”
My reply would be, “I expect you to swing!”
The issue is not the fastball. The issue is you, your willingness, your lack of skill, or your fear.
If you want to hold onto your belief that honesty is hard, that’s ok. I’ll meet you there. Do you think that excuses gaps in honesty? Do you think calling it difficult lets you or anyone else off the hook? Absolutely not. Easy or difficult, the expectation doesn’t change. The expectation is that you do it.
Let me phrase it differently. You tell me if this is the integrity and character you aspire to: “I am honest when it feels easy but not honest when it feels hard.” Is that the kind of person you want to be? Is that how you want to be known?
Do not blame honesty for being difficult when you aren’t even swinging the bat. Do not blame honesty at all. Ask yourself, “Why am I not better at this? And how do I get better?”
Event + Response = Outcome. Do the work.
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