Sharpening Ethics

Think of something you did wrong today.

It doesn't matter how big or small, just think of one simple thing you did that ran contrary unto your ethical code. Whether it was cutting someone off in traffic, being rude to someone in public, or committing a more serious transgression like stealing someone's time or energy, we all commit regular ethical blunders that require amelioration.

Now, whatever that one thing happens be--resolve that from today forward you never do it again.

Then keep that promise for a full one hundred days. Really strive towards upholding that vow, making it a habit until it grows so entrenched in your neurological structure that only a monumental conscious effort could dislodge it.

Then repeat that process anew. Choose something else you did wrong the day prior, then set about fixing that.

Rinse, wash, repeat that process forever--and watch your ethics grow steadily sharper.

Ethics are a blade with which you attack your mind and subdue the ever-looming thread of horrid impulse. They're a contract you make with yourself regarding what you consider to be acceptable and unacceptable behavior.

And nobody's ethical code on earth is perfect--and proof of that can be found in the fact that you're still incarnating here in this world.

Therefore, your ethics still need sharpening. And this is the method by which to do it:

(1) Pick one thing you did wrong today
(2) Vow to never make that mistake again
(3) Keep that simple vow for a hundred days straight
(4) Repeat that entire process anew

That's it. There's the simplest, most basic method towards sharpening ethics and refining the self. Practice it diligently and you'll correct at least three unwanted behaviors per year--over thirty changes in a decade, and well over two hundred over the course of your life.

And as I can almost guarantee there aren't over two hundred major faults wrong with you, that means this is a almost guaranteed method to perfect yourself in a single life.

Therefore there's absolutely no reason to avoid walking this path.

So start right now. Pick one thing you can improve, then fix it for the next hundred days until it becomes a habit.

Then, continue that process ceaselessly into the future.

Sharpen your ethics constantly, and see how far you go.

Refine yourself in this life without pause, and enjoy the rewards in every life ahead.

a reply to: Trachel

Wonderful ideas!
I do enjoy your writings.

In this link
Code of Ethics

you will find a Code developed by the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals.
It was instituted by DSPs and others to assist themselves in solving dilemmas as well as achieving high standards in their chosen profession.
Some DSPs are required to memorize this Code and are held accountable to it.

I find it relevant to share with you as there are many aspects of the Code that can be used by everyone in every walk of life.
One would just perhaps change the wording slightly to suit their personal situation.

I hope you enjoy reading and are able to follow where I was going.

Thanks again for your time!

a reply to: Trachel

doesnt that become obsessive though? if you spend every day only concentrating on what you did wrong, that strikes me as a tad bit self defeating. a pat on the back goes a long way.

O I bet a lot of things get sharpened for just the lack of ethics...Thing is people aren't machines and will be who they want.

Thing is, do they really know what they want.

a reply to: Trachel

Great write up...

Whether it was cutting someone off in traffic

I drive the 5 and the 605 daily...it's a war zone out there, I don't know if I could change my defensive driving ways for 100 days. Maybe I should start with 5 work day increments and go from there.