Share This
“Everybody lies” Dr. Greg House
I don’t lie. It’s not easy. It’s actually one of the most challenging things I try to do right now. Failure is inevitable, but it’s been one of my rules (rule no. 6) since February 2013 and I’d like to think I’m pretty good at it now. Who knew telling the truth was so difficult?
“But white lies don’t count, you need t…”
NO.
People don’t believe me, they think I’m lying about not lying.
It’s all subjective.
Remember that, you need to define things for yourself. What I consider unethical might be good business practice in your eyes. What I consider honest you might see as bending the truth. It all depends on your perspective and what you think. The most important part is to define what being honest means to you.
Why do I do this?
Because it makes my life easier.
It may not sound like it but in the long run, always telling the truth changes everything. You don’t need to keep track of what you told him, or what she thinks, it simplifies everything.
This is a hard rule to follow in any situation. It’s even harder if you’re interested in business and entrepreneurship. I’ve been told it can’t be done, that it’s impossible and that I am destined for failure. The likes of Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Richard Branson all supposedly had to lie, cheat or steal their way to get to the top. That’s what I’m told anyway.
Do I believe this? Yes.
Do I care? Not really.
I have tremendous respect for every one of these individuals. What each one of them have done to get to where they are today is remarkable. Of course they may have had to lie in the process. But just because they did it this way does that mean it’s the only way?
“You can’t always be honest”, “you can’t always be ethical”, “you can’t always be moral”. People tell me these things because they focus on the negatives.
I love to be told I can’t do something. I thank these people. It’s exactly what I want to hear.
I believe that you can be an entrepreneur, you can run a business, and you can be successful while completely honest, ethical and moral. It doesn’t mean you can’t be ruthless. Being honest doesn’t mean being nice. The two are mutually exclusive.
I probably won’t be a billionaire. I’m ok with that. I would rather be happy and proud of how I do business than rich and filled with regret and shame.
Intentions.
This is the most important part of honesty. Are you aware of your intentions? You might technically be telling the truth but take a moment to analyse your intentions - why are you doing or saying that? Do you have an ulterior motive? What is it?
What’s funny is that people think it’s impossible to stop lying. But what if you tried it? You will fail but try it for a week and see where it gets you. I guarantee you won’t go back.
The truth isn’t always the nicest answer, it might not be what someone wants to hear. But if you’re not rude about it, in the long run everyone will be better off.
