Do the Right Thing

Over time, I have come to the conclusion that many problems can be avoided if you simply follow a four-word strategy for getting by in this world: Do the Right Thing.

I think maybe we could have 97 percent success rate if everyone did.

Recently, I had been thinking about writing a Coach Jeff’s Blog on this topic when I saw a Facebook post from one of my friends late last week. Here’s her quote:

Here is a cool thought from something I was reading yesterday: “Doing the right thing isn’t always easy—in fact sometimes it’s real hard—but just remember that doing the right thing is always right.” True words of wisdom there!

When I read that status update, I knew what I had to do.

Let’s go back to my 97 percent theory for a minute and test its validity.

• Don’t want to spoil your diet by cheating? Don’t eat a handful of cookies after midnight.
  (Do The Right Thing!)

• Don’t want to get caught cheating on your taxes? Pay them.
  (Do The Right Thing!)
   
• Don’t want to get caught cheating on your spouse? Don’t cheat!
  (You know!)

I would have added something about motor vehicle violations in the blog but there is the small matter of those red light/ticket cameras and I’ve heard a few stories about folks who did try to do the right thing and, still, they got nabbed. So, I think that would hurt our percentage.

Speaking of cars, how often do you notice a traffic snarl because of those pesky people who like to ride up the merging lane. They keep going until the last minute and then try to force their way into tight traffic. Everyone else has to stop to let them in. This impedes traffic flow.

Those drivers can’t be bothered to get in slower traffic like everyone else. They feel they’re entitled to travel faster than everyone else (until they can’t). But, if they had chosen to do the right thing and merged way back when they should have, traffic would flow much smoother. 

And you don’t have to be the most sagacious among us to know that most car wrecks are caused when someone does NOT do the right thing behind the wheel (whatever the cause). 

The notion is true in sports as well as on the streets. Think of ‘penalties’ in football and ‘fouls’ in basketball. “Yes,” Miss Point Guard. “If you whack that lady on the arm, it will hurt her. Thus, the referee will call a ‘foul’ on you. “

“And,“ Mr. End, Guard or Tackle, “You can’t grab that guy’s shirt and throw him to the ground.  It may make your life easier but it’s still not fair.”

The list goes on and on. Throughout all walks of life, in all pursuits, the 97 per cent rule applies. Politics. Business. You name it.

I have a friend who talks about ‘the guy next door.’ The guy has a compulsion for running his leaf blower at all hours of the day or night. Early on Saturday morning; late on Sunday night. If one leaf falls, my friend says this guy is on it.

It’s almost as if he must ensure the skies are filled with his melodious motor – day and night.

Wouldn’t they both be happy if the fellah waited until, let’s say, 10 leaves fell…or a dozen. Then, maybe he could run the blower once – say mid afternoon on Saturday and take care of them all at once? Think of how he might extend the life of his favorite power tool (and lower my friend’s blood pressure).

Leaf blower man,  offensive lineman, crazed driver…just remember those four simple words: “Do the Right Thing.” In the long run, you’ll be happier (we’ll be happier) and 97 percent of the time, everything will turn out just right!

 JG

Question of the Day - What is the most recent example you have encountered where someone did NOT Do the Right Thing?

Originally posted 9/9/2013