The Hallmarks of Principled Behavior

Two of my young grandsons were born two years apart from each other, and their birthdays are only one day apart. The boys call me “G-Bob” (that stands for Grandbob) and my wife, “Mimi”.

Since their birthdays are so close, most parents would throw one combined birthday party -right?

Wouldn’t it make sense to have one party? Yes. Wouldn’t it be more convenient for everyone and save time? Yes. In other words, hosting one party for the two boys would be expedient.

However, my son and daughter-in-law made a principled decision to have a separate birthday party for each grandson.

This year the older grandson wanted a birthday cake, and the younger grandson wanted birthday cupcakes. At each occasion, we sang happy birthday and gave the honoree his gifts.

Each grandson felt so important to have all of the attention just on them. They were each “king of the hill”, if only for a day.

Defining principled behaviors

Principled behaviors are actions based on, or consistent with:

• Fundamental beliefs and rules of conduct

• Long-term appropriateness and effectiveness

• Self-discipline and willingness to forgo the lure of immediate gratification or tempting shortcuts

Every person can identify principled decisions by recognizing the following characteristics and successful results.

Characteristics

The following are characteristics of principled behavior:

• Takes longer

• Requires more steps

• Team-centered

• Analytic

• Sound decisions

• Short-term sacrifice

• Short-term pain

• Long-term view or perspective

• Secure

Please keep in mind, principled behavior is rooted in faith. Faith in what you want to happen is going to happen, Or, faith that you are going to experience something you want to experience.

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance

about what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1  NIV

Where there is faith there is no fear. And where there is fear there is no faith.

Results

When you consistently make principled decisions, eventually your life and your business experience growth and success.

The following are examples of the impact and successful results from principled behavior:

• Reduced risks

• Fewer errors

• Less rework

• Continual progress

• Highly gratifying

• Enjoyable

• Fun celebrating

• Less stress

• Respect

Principle vs. Expediency

You make your choices, and your choices make you!

Moment by moment every day, we are making choices. We have a choice to behave in an expedient way or in a principled way. It’s our choice.

We can choose to…

Play now (in an expedient way) and pay more later, Or, pay now (in a principled way) and play more later.  Either way you choose, you still pay!

In fact, since things compound, (like compounding interest income/expense) if you choose to play now and pay later, you will pay more later.

Would you throw one birthday party, or two? Which do you prefer… to play now and pay more later, or, pay now and play more later? Please share your thoughts <here>, and please share this blog post with a friend or co-worker.