Why tell the truth?
It’s a great question.
Here’s the best I can answer:
So that you can live with yourself.
So that you can trust yourself
Whether you’re single or married, have kids or no kids, CEO or homeless…
You alone are the one you go home with each day.
You alone are the one that must live with your thoughts at night.
You are the one that must deal with yourself when you’re 5, 15, or 50...and later in life the decisions that you made at 5, 15, or 50.
I could try and convince you to tell the truth for other reasons.
Like one based around morals and what society needs of individuals in order for it to function.
But you know what?
Despite ideals of social contracts...people lie every day.
People cheat others every day.
There is dishonesty all around us.
So then what to do?
Ensure there is honesty, radical honesty at the level of you.
Don’t lie to yourself and say “I’m happy I did _____” if you’re not really happy.
Why do that? You’re screwing yourself up inside. You know how you really feel.
Don’t tell someone you want to get together with them “sometime soon but you’re just soooo busy” if you don’t actually want to see them.
What’s the point?
You’re lying to yourself and you’re lying to them. You are taking a moment that could be honest and making it a lie...and for what?
Nothing.
Don’t smile to your boss and tell him his idea is great and then make fun of it behind his back. Tell him what you really think. If your boss is worth working for they’ll listen to you and respect you all the more for doing so. Because you know what? Most people tell people in positions of power what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear.
So be honest and what happens? Your boss respects you more for speaking truth. Your colleagues respect and envy you for speaking truth.
Do these things...be truthful and what happens?
You sleep better at night.
You gain respect.
Your life improves.
It won’t always be easy (great things rarely are) but like all great things, it will always be worth it.