If You Need a Reward to Do Right, You Are Wrong.
Doing right isn’t about winning. It is about...
Our world has always been filled with:
The powerful, bulldozing their way to dominance.
Liars, perjuring their way out of taking responsibility.
Cheaters, scheming their way up through exploitation.
While others commit unspeakable acts just to satisfy their desires.
And let’s be clear, they’re not going anywhere; not anytime soon.
I get it, though: no one is born with a natural instinct to do the right thing especially when you’re at the bottom of the societal hierarchy.
Unlike hunger; morality doesn’t come pre-programmed. We are not born with a thirst for virtues.
Honesty is hard.
Playing fair is hard.
Being kind is also hard.
Goodness is a choice, a duty – more like those dreadful Saturday mornings where you have to clean and scrub.
At least, the cleaning and scrubbing leave your home clean and tidy. But what is the reward for goodness?
The world often rewards the loud, the selfish, and the manipulative.
The student who cheats gets the grade; the leader who lies gets the power; the person who fakes the life gets the followers.
While those who choose integrity, honesty and loyalty are often left wondering, “What’s the point of this?”
It’s natural to feel jaded to the point you decide, “Hate the game, not the player”, and then decide to learn to play the game.
Are you to blame?
Maybe not.
But if you need a reward to do right, you’re not really doing right - you’re just playing for a different equally vain prize.
Doing the right thing rarely comes with applause.
In fact, it often comes with silence, indifference, or even punishment.
But that’s exactly why it matters.
When you do right without expecting anything in return, you break free from the cycle of manipulation and ego.
That is the reward: You stop being a domesticated animal chasing scraps of approval at the cost of your soul, and finally start living on your own terms.
Think about it:
The student who studies honestly may not top the class, but they build a foundation of knowledge and discipline—one that allows them to keep growing and create opportunities for themselves.
The leader who admits mistakes may lose face in the moment, but they at least learn to be more careful in the future, making them better leaders.
The person who chooses humility over hot takes may not go viral, but they maintain their self-respect and may gain the trust, respect, and even support of equally refined people.
Doing right isn’t about winning.
Doing right isn’t a losing game.
Doing the right thing isn’t even a game.
It’s simply about becoming.
The reward for doing right isn’t external; it’s internal.
It’s the quiet confidence that comes from knowing you didn’t compromise your values. It’s the strength to look at yourself in the mirror and say, “I did what was right, even when it cost me.”
That internal reward compounds. Every time you choose integrity over ego, you build a little more character. Over time, that character becomes your reputation, your peace of mind, and your legacy.
As the saying goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” The same applies to doing right. Start today, even if no one notices; even if you don’t notice it.
Reflect on This
Have you ever done the right thing and felt like it went unnoticed? How did it make you feel?
We’d love to hear your story. [Click here to share it.]
Try This Today
Think of a situation where you’re tempted to cut corners or take the easy way out. Ask yourself:
What’s the right thing to do here, even if no one will ever know?
How might choosing integrity change the way I see myself?
Then, go do it. Not for the reward, but for the person you’ll become.
Writing Bridges the Gap Between Knowing and Doing
Writing helps you clarify your values and confront the excuses that hold you back. It’s a tool for holding yourself accountable, even when no one else is watching.
The Simple and Elegant Art of Writing Program is designed to help you do just that. It’s not just about crafting words. It’s about crafting a better version of yourself.
Interested? [Click this link to learn more.]
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