Justifying & Rationalizing Decisions In Our Daily Lives- Personal Ethics

Is there a danger in justifying shortcuts and then rationalizing them in our personal ethics?

The answer is absolutely and I have personally done this many times in my life.

The smallest shortcuts that we rationalize or justify are likely to repeat themselves.

This is not only a dangerous, but can morph into ignoring our personal ethics resulting in behavioral patterns that are unhealthy.

These may lead into situations that eventually become illegal and I have experienced that as well.

The only way I have been able to detect questionable or dangerous situations is to rely on my morals, principles, and ethics. Nothing is easy and the temptations are many.

Let me provide you with a recent example of how I relied on my personal ethics to do the right thing. 

One of our cars is leased through a bank and the last payment is due shortly.

As I am not buying the car and have notified the bank of my intentions, I am supposed to make arrangements to drop the car off at a designated location to have a final inspection done.

Several weeks ago, I decided to lease a new vehicle with the same car dealership who sold me the older vehicle that is coming off lease.

During the negotiations for the new car, I asked the dealership if I could just give them the car as they were interested in buying the car at auction time from the bank.

I evidently chose not to rely on my personal ethics, having been caught in the selection of a new car and doing what was convenient for me. I rationalized and justified this thinking it was no big deal.

After all, the car dealership can deal with the bank solidifying their position to purchase the car. This would save me the time involved with the inspection and finishing my business with the bank.

When the car dealership called me that the new license plates had arrived, I started questioning whether ignoring the bank’s wishes was the best and right thing to do.

Again, I rationalized and justified me at their expense. As I had paid the bank 47 payments of a four year lease, it was my position they owed me and I can do what I want.

When the license plates were installed on the new vehicle, I informed the sales team at the dealership that I would be dropping the car off to the bank’s designated location.

The bank owns their asset and I have simply borrowed it from them. It was and still remains my obligation to return their car in good condition as per the stipulations in the lease agreement.

While there wasn’t anything illegal regarding my initial intentions returning my old vehicle, I was clearly not thinking ethically, properly, and rationalizing my behavior.

Relying on your personal ethics is necessary to doing the right things in life!