February 2019
(205) 327-8311
www.petrolawfirm.com
The Importance of Honesty One of My Core Values
Feb. 12 marks the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, which has led me to think about the value of honesty for the past couple of weeks. Honesty has always been one of my core values and has played into everything I do. There is a quote by the former president that goes, “Whatever you are, be a good one,” and I try to be a good lawyer every day. In my profession, I interact with many people on a daily basis. The openness that’s needed to encourage, support, and comfort them comes from a respect for honesty. When someone attempts to cover up the truth with a lie — even a white lie — it can hurt the recipient and the person telling a lie. There’s nothing that hurts worse than when you realize someone you trust is being dishonest in their dealings. It goes back to the golden rule: “Do unto others, as you would have unto you.” I fully believe that this is the only way to live; my Christian values play a considerable role in my life. We’re designed to be sincere in our actions, thoughts, and speech, and honesty is far more rewarding than lying. Dishonesty always comes back to haunt the person who employs it. When you’re honest with yourself, you will feel better emotionally and physically. Being honest with yourself boosts your self-worth, self- confidence, willpower, and faith. A person who is honest with themselves avoids indecision, irritation, and distractions that arise from being deceitful. A person who tells a lie deludes themselves into thinking that lie is real, and
they soon find themselves shackled by these negative emotions.
I try to live by my core value of honesty every day, both personally and in my professional dealings. Telling the truth comes naturally to me. I don’t have to remind myself to speak the truth throughout my day; I just do it. There’s no magic formula that I use to steer me away from lying because there’s nothing that tempts me into being dishonest to myself or the individuals I speak to. Communicating the truth with the people I meet and love is far more fulfilling than trying to cover something up. As an attorney, I know that honesty is essential for everyone to practice. As Honest Abe said, “Resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judgment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.” This month, remember the words of Abe Lincoln, both for ourselves and for the people in our lives.
Truth be told, being honest is far easier than lying. When someone lies, they have to come up with a falsehood and then maintain it. By telling the truth from the beginning, no matter how difficult, you will avoid a life filled with hardship and gain respect from your peers. There’s nothing to be gained by beating around the bush in an attempt to avoid confrontation or hide an insecurity. Moving straight to the point will alleviate any frustrations you may feel. People will respect you for being straightforward and trust your decisions far more than those of individuals who are dishonest.
REFERRALS WELCOME We thank you so much for referring clients to us over the years. We are grateful that you have trusted us with taking care of those who need our services. For any referrals, please contact us at (205) 327-8311 or fill out our online contact form at petrolawfirm.com.
www.petrolawfirm.com | 1 -Mark Petro
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
www.petrolawfirm.comMade with FlippingBook flipbook maker