Always better to do the right thing

Life is full of opportunities to take the easy way out. Doing the right thing seems to involve many shades of grey—finding shortcuts always looks appealing. It’s sometimes easier to do the wrong thing, but it’s always better to do the right thing.

So much of what seems convenient and expedient at any given moment is really a distraction.

Temptations to take the easy way will throw us off track and send us in the wrong direction in our lives.

Even though we live in a world that considers values fluid and subject to change with circumstances or popular opinion, we know we can rely on certain absolutes. We all have a sense of right and wrong.

Standing up for what’s right isn’t a matter of popular opinion. It’s not about some situations and not others. There are some things that aren’t negotiable. The fundamentals don’t change. It’s sometimes easier to do the wrong thing but it’s always better to do the right thing.

Know your values and don’t depart from them. Choose right over easy whenever life offers you a shortcut. Some people are incessant critics. As a sport leader it’s the price you have to pay.

There are people who will do everything possible to criticise you and damage your credibility in the eyes of the general public. When people criticise you, it’s not always for your actions but for what you represent. 

Even in the midst of criticism you have to stay focused and continue on the pathway you believe in. Sometimes it makes no sense or serves any useful purpose trying to figure out or to make sense of criticism.

Solid foundations are critical in all aspects of life. The most important foundation stone of them all is your character. How you handle things when the going gets tough and obstacles, setbacks and disappointments present themselves.

It’s always most important to stand firm for things that matter.

It’s always better when faced with difficult situations rather than complaining about a situation, try to count the blessings and be a positive force to make things better.

We live in a world with perverse and crooked people as a result it’s easy to simply be a complainer and a critic and become part of mob rule and rabble rousing.

We have to start going back to basics and instead of focusing on the negatives focus on the positives.

T&T is once again enjoying another moment of glory on the world stage. Last week, Jehue Gordon dug deep and showed the world yet again that T&T can deliver and produce world class. If you ever wanted a metaphor for all that’s blessed and great about T&T look at the tape of Gordon’s gold medal run and press replay over and over again. Pay close attention you will see integrity, courage, determination and an indomitable will to win no matter what the challenge of obstacle.

What served Gordon well was his strong foundation, his upbringing, his self-belief, discipline and faith.

There is so much to be proud and passionate about there is so much to be positive about.

Two of our best women track and field athletes are currently facing a difficult moment in their careers. I don’t know them to be deliberate cheats so my fervent hope is that they will overcome, learn and grow through the negativity. What will serve both of them well will be their strong foundation, family support and upbringing, self-belief, discipline and above all faith in God.

In closing I wish to extend condolences to Annette Knott, general secretary of TTOC, on the passing of her loving husband David. David was a friend and supporter of sport and the Olympic movement in T&T. May he rest in peace.

Brian Lewis is the president of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee. To learn more about the Olympic values, spirit and ideals visit http//: www.ttoc.org

​