[FREE DOWNLOAD] How Do I Know If I’m Doing the Right Thing?
I claim no credit for this idea. I believe it’s been restated many, many ways, by many different people. But here is the basic framework for determining if you are doing the right thing:
The right thing, done in the right way, at the right time, is the right thing.
The right thing, but done in the wrong way and at the wrong time, is the wrong thing.
The right thing, done in the right way, but at the wrong time, is the wrong thing.
The right thing, done in the wrong way, but at the right time, is still the wrong thing.
Back when I worked at Qualbe Marketing Group, a coworker created a flow chart showing this concept. I kept it pinned up at my desk where I could see it at all times, and many colleagues did the same. I searched the Web but couldn’t find a similar visual, so I re-created it on FigJam. Feel free to download to pin at your desk, print as a bookmark, or use for whatever purpose suits your needs. Simply right-click and save the graphic to your computer to download.
How Do You Know If It’s the Right Thing?
I’ve always found the “THINK” acronym to be an excellent measuring stick for if we are doing the right thing. Usually it is applied to speaking, but I believe it can also apply to any action we perform:
Is it TRUE? (God determines Truth, not us. Truth is a Person)
Is it HELPFUL? (The receiver, not the giver, determines if something is helpful to them)
Is it INSPIRING? (If others are watching you do this or say this, will they be inspired to do their own Right Thing, or discouraged from it?)
Is it NECESSARY? (Are you doing or saying something out of your own anxiety, pride, or insecurity, or are you genuinely meeting a need?)
Is it KIND? (Some things may be factually correct and helpful in the right context, but the person may not benefit from it in the moment and could even be hurt by this word or action. See the story of Job and his “friends”)
How Do I Know If It’s in the Right Way?
The right thing, done in the wrong way, can cause rework and at the very worst cause someone to no longer want to do business with or be around you.
Have you ever had a building contractor who finally brought all the right materials for the job, but they did such shoddy work that they either had to redo it, or, even worse, you had to pay someone else to redo it?
Has your spouse ever finally gotten around to that dreaded chore on their “honey-do” list, but they did it so poorly that you had to ask them again, or give up and do it yourself?
Doing the “right thing” but in the wrong way is not good for relationships. It can add strain, distance, and ultimately bring separation.
How Do I Know If It’s the Right Time?
The right thing, done at the wrong time, can really strain our relationships!
Has your kid ever finally started doing the chore you asked them to do, only when it’s time to get ready for bed?
Has your spouse ever brought up a serious topic that you really need to discuss, just when you’re winding down for the day?
Have you ever finally gotten up the nerve to make that sales call, only to look at the clock and realize it’s 10 PM?
The right time must not just be the right time for you; it must also be the right time for everyone affected.
There Is Only One Right Thing
The only TRULY right thing is the right thing, done in the right way, at the right time. Otherwise, you’re not solving problems, and you’re not benefiting anyone. In fact, you may be doing real damage.
If you’re ever unsure, ask yourself: Am I doing the right thing, at the right time, and in the right way?
