He said he wanted to know whether he was on track for partnership. Although he was a valuable member of my team I didn't want to lose, he deserved to know the truth (he wasn't).

The conversation became heated. He left soon thereafter.

***

I was sixteen, and told my friend to stop skipping school to spend time with her boyfriend (otherwise I'd tell her parents).

This ended our close friendship. But she DID quit skipping school (and ended her relationship with the toxic boyfriend a few weeks later).

***

In Junior High there was a group of kids that liked to pick on the "smart" kids. One day, I watched in horror as they dragged a boy down the hallway by one of his belt loops.

Some kids snickered. Most quickly turned and walked away. I was paralyzed, wishing a teacher would come save him.

I’m still haunted by the reality that I chose to do nothing (not wanting them to turn their attention onto me).

***

Each of these examples are real-life moments where I had a choice…

...Do what’s right but hard or do what’s easy.

What I’ve learned is that doing what’s “easy” isn’t as “easy” as you believe. It brings big regrets.

And regardless of the consequences, I’ve never regretted doing the right thing.

The world needs more people to choose to do what’s hard instead of what’s easy. The good news is it’s contagious.

When people do what’s necessary yet hard, people take note. Even if you inspire just one person to do what’s hard too, it’s worth it.

When facing a choice of hard vs. easy, I've learned to remind myself that doing what's seemingly easy has consequences deep within my soul. It's what helps create the courage to act.

For inspiration in doing what's right yet hard, listen to this week’s interview with Aliza Shatzman on the Life & Law Podcast.

Aliza was harassed by a federal judge she clerked for. Instead of staying quiet (like most people recommended), Aliza spoke up.

And shattered her dream of being a prosecutor.

Yet - if given the chance - she would do the same thing again.

Listen >>> here to be inspired to do what YOU believe is right (even when it's hard), Friend.

XO,

Heather

P.S. In the past I’ve shared thoughts I believed were important yet hard because they weren't necessarily popular (such as here and here).

I lost subscribers over them but also received some wonderful responses (from people who agreed and also people who didn't but respected my take). Aliza has put a new fire under me to do more of that (so be on the lookout).