This post is from Kent Noble, Executive Director
of the Center for Cowboy Ethics and Leadership.
This
week a man’s reputation was ruined through a series of lies and denials he
perpetrated on the public, his teammates, and his sport. Ryan Braun, a
five-time All Star and former National League MVP and rookie of the year, was
suspended for the rest of the season by Major League Baseball for the use of
performance enhancing drugs (PEDs).
While
many players have been banned over the years for using steroids, it was Braun’s
in-your-face repudiations that drew the ire of so many. Moreover, like
Lance Armstrong, Braun didn’t appear to care whose character he impugned as
long as he retained his fame and fortune.
While
we could spend the better part of a day discussing professional sports and the
use of PEDs, I would prefer to consider why some people are anchored to a
defining set of principles, while others drift aimlessly in pursuit of glory
and greed.
At
some point in our lives, I believe most of us are confronted with the inner
uncertainty—am I here for me, or am I here to make a difference?
Even
with our innate desire to do the right thing, this consideration can be
sobering as it often seems easier (not to mention more rewarding and fun) to
pursue a lifestyle that primarily benefits our self-interests.
As
we each consider our unique path and destiny, some will select a road of
service and/or giving, while others will choose to pursue a trail of
self-indulgence. More yet will opt for a route somewhere between the two
extremes.
At
the end of the day, whether you’re Ryan Braun or your community’s “person of
the year”, each of us is responsible for the path we choose and the
consequences associated with our decision. Unfortunately, there are too
many examples of professional athletes, Wall Street insiders, politicians,
entertainers, corporate executives, and others in the spotlight who choose to
pursue self-centered temptations and excesses.
So,
what should we do if we don’t like the path we’re traveling? Well,
fortunately, we can adjust our internal GPS and take an alternate route.
By following these three steps, we can develop a roadmap for a course that
precisely reflects the type of person we want to be:
1.
Decide exactly what it is you stand for—in other
words, what are your core values?
2.
Communicate your values—that’s right, tell people
what’s important to you and what you expect from yourself. Now that’s
pressure!
3.
Commit to “walking the talk”, especially when
it’s difficult to do so. Remember, if you don’t, Step 2 is going to make
you look bad. We told you the pressure was on!
Obviously,
this process requires a significant degree of buy-in from the individual.
Defining, declaring, and pursuing your principles takes dedication and
persistence. However, if you commit to examining life’s big and small
decisions through this lens, we feel confident you’ll blaze a trail that will
result in a meaningful and rewarding journey.
