When the right thing is the hard thing

 

In a couple of my classes, .   we talked about character this week.  With that in mind I wanted to post a couple of old posts in which two hall of fame coaches taught me character.  WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR FEEDBACK

I remember coaching our basketball team during a tight game when a critical moment unfolded. The referee blew the whistle and signaled a foul on the opposing team’s best player. Immediately, I jumped off the bench to inform the ref that it was the player’s fifth foul, meaning he should be disqualified. However, when the ref checked the official scorebook, our home team’s book—it showed the player only had four fouls.

As I sat back down, I suddenly heard the opposing coach call out to the ref, “Coach Bressler is correct—that was number 24’s fifth foul. You either disqualify him, or I’ll take him out myself.” The referees conferred and ultimately ruled that the player had indeed fouled out.

In that moment, I realized something profound—I wasn’t sure I would have done the same if the roles were reversed. I probably would have rationalized keeping my player in the game, convincing myself that the book was the final word. But that day, I learned an important lesson about integrity. From that point on, whenever I faced similar situations, I thought back to that coach’s example, and it helped me make the right decision.

Every year, I find myself reflecting on the topic of cheating. Most people justify it in one way or another, everyone does it, the homework is pointless, or it's not really hurting anyone. The real danger is that when we want something badly enough, like winning a game, our reasoning becomes biased, and we convince ourselves that bending the rules is acceptable.

Many believe that the best way to prevent cheating is through punishment. While consequences may deter behavior in the moment, they often fail to change how people act when no one is watching. So, what’s the solution?

Gratitude. Studies show that when people take time to reflect on what they are grateful for, they not only treat those who have helped them with kindness but also extend that goodwill to complete strangers. In one study, participants who recalled a moment of gratitude were significantly less likely to cheat. The deeper their gratitude, the less they felt compelled to cut corners.

So, the next time you feel tempted to cheat—whether in sports, school, or life—pause and think of something you’re grateful for. That simple act can give you the inner strength to do the right thing, even when it is the hard thing.