I hear about people who lie, cheat, and steal, and I ask myself why? Are they so mediocre that they have to lie to make themselves look good? Are they so desperate that they have to cheat to get ahead? Are they so hopeless that they have to steal to satisfy their greed? Most of all…are they so shallow that their guilt doesn’t haunt them every single night? Why don’t they listen to their conscience?

Some folks think their poor behavior is acceptable. I’m here to tell you it’s not. They’re willing to turn a deaf ear to their wrongdoings. The truth is, when you think you’re fooling the world, you’re only kidding yourself. A life of honor offers abundant rewards; a life of dishonor comes at a very steep price. Your conscience should be your guiding force every day.

10 Reasons Why People Ignore Their Conscience

1. Poor nurturing. When kids grow up, they hear their parent’s guiding voice in their subconscious. When parents ignore that responsibility, their kids get the silent treatment.
2. Toxic peer pressure. There is a difference between right and wrong. Poor role models are terrible influences.
3. Instant gratification. Some folks take shortcuts — even dishonest ones — to secure rewards. They don’t want to work hard to earn their success.
4. Impulsive behavior. Some folks act first, think later. (What are they thinking?)
5. No consequences. Some people gamble that they won’t get caught.
6. Everybody does it. Some folks excuse bad behavior by thinking “Everybody does it.”
7. Repeat offender. Some people “get away with murder,” and think they can get away with it again.
8. Sense of entitlement. Some people want something so bad that they take it.
9. End justifies the means. Some folks believe immoral behavior is acceptable if it’s done for the right reason. Wrong!
10. Lie to yourself. Some people tell themselves they’ll only do it once. Okay…maybe twice.

Why Should You Listen to Your Conscience?

Make yourself proud. You have one life to live. Set high standards. Remain true to your values. You have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

Live without regrets. There is a difference between right and wrong. Period! Knowing what’s right isn’t as important as doing what’s right.

You’re a role model. People look up to you. They’re learning by your behavior. Don’t let them down. Teach them that integrity matters!

It’s good business. Everything else being equal, talented people would rather work for — and customers would rather buy from — companies that do right by their people, customers, and communities.

Build a solid reputation. Your reputation is like a shadow, following you wherever you go. Protect it like it’s the most valuable asset you own — because it is.

Get a good night’s sleep. Listen to your conscience. Sleep well!

Wake Up and Listen to Your Conscience

I’m probably not telling you anything you don’t already know. But ask yourself, if it’s so obvious, why don’t people live this way?

I’m not asking you to be a saint, but let’s get real. You have one life to live. And YOU get to choose the path you’ll take. You can take the high ground and live your life with honor and integrity. Or, you can take the low road and sell your soul to the highest bidder. At the end of the day, when you’re lying awake at night, you will know which path you’ve chosen. I hope you chose well. As Robert Frost said, in The Road Not Taken, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I — I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”

Care not only about where life is taking you, but about how you’re getting there as well. Don’t listen to me; listen to your conscience.

Do You Listen to Your Conscience?

Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.

Additional Reading:
Moral Character Matters
Live with Honor and Integrity
Reputation: You Can’t Run from Your Shadow

If you like this article, subscribe to our blog so that you don’t miss a single post. Get future posts by RSS feed, email or Facebook. It’s FREE.