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“The problem is that what is easy and expedient is frequently not what is right.”


A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, Beyond Talent (p. 161). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

But we love easy and fast, don’t we?

John says, “Florence Nightingale observed, ‘Courage is . . . the universal virtue of all those who choose to do the right thing over the expedient thing. It is the common currency of all those who do what they are supposed to do in a time of conflict, crisis, and confusion.’ The acquisition of courage can often be an internal battle. We often desire to do what is most expedient. The problem is that what is easy and expedient is frequently not what is right. Thus the battle. But psychotherapist and author Sheldon Kopp stated, ‘All the significant battles are waged within self.’

“As you strive to do what you know to be right, you must know yourself and make sure you are acting in integrity with your core values. There’s a saying that inside every individual there are six people. They are . . .

            Who You Are Reputed to Be
            Who You Are Expected to Be
            Who You Were
            Who You Wish to Be
            Who You Think You Are
            Who You Really Are”

He then says, “You must strive to be true to who you really are. If you do and you do the right thing, then you will increase in courage.”

That’s what we really want, isn’t it?

Yes, yes!

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