Doing what is right begins with the basics like treating others the way you want to be treated. You do this by acting with integrity, character, and dependability. However, there is another aspect to it that is equally important but often avoided.
Doing what is right, even when you don't want to, is a life requirement that leads to peace and satisfaction. If you're going to get to where you want to be, you must follow this requirement religiously! This is how self-discipline is built and success is determined. Being disciplined means being able to act with total commitment even when you are tired, scared, unsure, angry, or frustrated. You must look beyond immediate gratification and see the big picture. You must push yourself through those mental barriers that often block the path to personal responsibility. You must conquer those excuses that seem so justifiable that they cause you to change course at the most inopportune time.
Examples of justifiable excuses that prevent you from achieving excellence:
- Convincing yourself it is acceptable to put off action to another day or even that it is okay to forget about a problem altogether.
- Rationalizing that since you have been working so hard that it is okay to blow-off some of your other so-called “less” important responsibilities.
- Listening to that voice that conveniently suggests something is a good idea because someone else is or is not doing it.
- Gaining the attitude that you are entitled or deserve to act a certain way.
- Deciding that an abbreviated, easier, or quasi solution is an okay answer to a previous commitment made.
We are in recovery because, in the past, we failed to do what is right. Most times, we chose to do what felt or sounded good versus what needed to be done. Our personal histories have proven that when faced with decisions, we tend to look for the easy or quick way to satisfaction. These choices have delivered stagnate lives that accept avoidance and mediocrity. Our anxiety about addressing the real issue(s) or our fear to confront reality has kept us from acting with purpose. While it might be hard to admit, the fact is we have been lazy towards doing what is right.
Life is about doing what is right in all circumstances without hesitation. The benefit of such a dedicated effort is unconditional freedom. A freedom that releases you from the grip of addiction. You are freed from the voice of skepticism your mind attacks you with. Through always doing what is right, you earn the freedom to live the life you choose.
For Consideration:
Every time you hear yourself say, “I don’t want to” or “that seems hard” or “I don’t need to” ask yourself a few questions.
- Am I saying this because I am being irresponsible and want to take the easy way out;
- Am I afraid of what the result could be or what I may have to confront if I take action;
- Am I not taking action because I don’t know what to do;
Be honest with yourself, and if the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, then you are being lazy. Recommit yourself and get into action. Remind yourself that you deserve better than average, and now is the perfect time to prove it. Every time you choose to do the right thing over the easy thing, you are slowly reshaping your identity and defining the person you want to be.
It is a simple choice, do you want to be average or extraordinary. Do you want to be a person that does what is easy, or a person that does what is right?
ABOUT CHOICE RECOVERY
Choice Recovery is an integrated outpatient behavioral health facility located in Mesa, Arizona that serves those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. Choice Recovery programming is evidence-based and includes those essential life skills necessary to develop sustainable recovery. Our goal for those enrolled at Choice Recovery goes far beyond winning the battle over addiction, it is about developing the talents to live a life that you love.
The Choice Recovery intensive outpatient program is 13-weeks, three-days per week, for three-hours per day. We offer IOP at night for those you work during the day but wish to attended SUD treatment at night.