Every human has the ability to determine when they are going through the wrong way and when are doing the right thing. Your conscience acts like the internal regulator - more like a police, acting within you. What I have understood is that if you want to do bad, you will know. On the other hand, when you set out to do good things, your conscience will approve of it and then a kind of peace will flow within you. In this present day world that is full of so many ills, so much competition, and public approvals, a lot of people may begin to feel that doing the right thing may be unconventional. However, beyond all these approvals, public noise, and validation, there is still something that holds more value - a clear conscience.
There is a kind of inner peace that is triggered by a clear conscience when your actions fall in line with the right values. It is the voice within you giving you a "thumbs up" that you did not cheat, do bad, lie, or stepped on the toes of others to achieve what you have. Success is good and we can all agree to it, however you should not overlook the process that led you to the success; which holds more importance. What is the point of stepping on people's heads to get to the top? The freedom that comes with knowing that you did not cut corners to get to the top is priceless and can bring a true feeling of peace - power of clear conscience.
When you decide to do what is right and what is good even when it is difficult to do so, and when it is not convenient, or when it will cost you a lot of things, you will gain what money cannot buy in return - inner peace, self-respect, and trust. When you do good from the heart, you do not need anyone to applaud you nor to sing praises of you, you will know within you that you did the right thing - you will become the person that your former self would be proud of. Trust me, the inner validation you get is far better than the external validation or other individuals' validation. No one really knows the root of your actions or your intentions more than you. You are the one who knows if your intentions are right or wrong.
It is true that people may attempt to mock your honesty and sincerity, and may even take advantage of your kindness at some points. But one thing is sure; at the end, kindness and goodness will still prevail and find its way to the top. Three of the things that will not be suppressed or relegated to the back are truth, integrity, and good character. When these are in place, you will not fear the ills from people. When you have a clear conscience, you will sleep well at night with your eyes closed, speak with confidence, and live an authentic life.
I once read a story about someone who wanted to apply to a company which he had dreamt to work in. He went through their requirements and found out that the position he wanted to apply for had a clause which he did not fulfil. They demanded for a particular certification, and he was still on the course and not yet certified, but the opening came early. Instead of him to apply for a lower cadre, after which he will apply for an upgrade when he was finally certified, and maybe lose about 1yr, he applied and lied that he had the certification. He hoped that before they do verification, he would have been certified.
He was employed, and just months into the job, they started the verification exercise. You can imagine how uneasy he was feeling. Others who had similar cases but chose to step down were at peace. He was running around in confusion of what to do because he knew the outcome of the process would not be good. The people he was mocking that they are not "street wise" where now the ones that were at peace. Because his conscience was not clear, he was not at peace knowing he cheated. Well, the consequences caught up with him and he was asked to leave. You see, instead of losing just 1yr, he lost everything. Doing good things in pure and clear conscience will save you from later regrets. When doing it, it may look difficult, but at the end, it will have a worthy outcome.
It is true that you may not have an instant gratification or immediate reward for doing what is right, but it should not discourage you from doing it. Trust me, you will never regret the good acts that you did with clear conscience. In doing right, you are also a direct beneficiary of it. So do good and do right, not just for others, but because of yourself.
Thanks for reading
