A carpenter who was good in his work decided to retire and lead a relaxed life. When he informed his employer about his decision, he requested him to build one more house before his retirement. The carpenter was not really interested but agreed anyways to build the house. He did a hurried and shoddy job. When the house was complete, the carpenter’s employer presented it to him as a retirement gift. The carpenter regretted the kind of work he had done on the house which was now finally his own.
Just as the carpenter, you have the opportunity to build your life every day; how it will turn out, is purely your own decision. This is primarily based on your set of ethics, values and character.
Ethics, quite simply put, are the values that are most important in an individual’s life. They are the guidelines that tell the individual what is acceptable and what is not; what is right and what is wrong. Actions are usually based on ones ethics. Much of what seems to be going right or wrong with the concerned individual is often due to the presence or lack of ethics and values.
This seems to be the era which is characterised by how easily one can outsmart the other person. Quite often this can be a worrying trend, wherein people have no qualms about behaving in an unethical manner. This, however, is not sustainable and does not build any long-term credibility. Instead, it is appropriate that ethics guide the way one thinks, communicates and responds to a situation. The foundation based on ethics requires that one lives up to one’s own expectations and not based on those which have been put down by others or by society.
What can you do to lead an ethical lifeIJ Here are few things that could help.
Working with a goal in mind
Complete any task in its given time in an honest and effective way. Instead of postponing your work, get it done right and properly, without giving into the urge to postpone it. It is a good idea to begin your day with a set of immediate goals that need to be achieved before the end of the day. Some of these goals may be steps that will finally bring you closer to a bigger professional and personal goal.
Preparation is everything
Measure twice and cut once. ~ Proverb
It is impossible for you to successfully and satisfactorily complete a task without adequate research and preparation. Before you are ready to work on a report or a proposal, you first need to accumulate all the pertinent information. Avoid taking shortcuts and always double check the facts on which you base your work.
Diligence
Diligence is a significant virtue. It refers to persistent and focused efforts. It is a mind-set and belief that the work is its own reward. To do a good job you need to be sincere and hardworking in your planning and efforts. You also need to be able to control your thoughts and channelize your energy in the right direction.
With the correct attitude backed by positive actions, you could start living an ethical life.
(The writer is a social & corporate leader and former COO for the Uttarakhand Government 108 emergency services)