Let discipline, honesty and hard work be your guide
HELLO, MI neighbour! They say that we should not beat upon ourselves. But why should we ‘save the rod and spoil ourselves’? If more people were beating upon themselves, there would be far less embarrassing misdeeds being played out in the media daily. The older ones, like myself, would recall the statement, ‘don’t save the rod and spoil the child’ as justification for thrashing us whenever we stepped out of line as children.
Back then, it was felt that if discipline, honesty, and appropriate behaviours were not instilled in us (with the use of the belt or strap), we could become wayward in later years. Thanks to our parents, etc, who did not spoil the child and save the rod.
The rate with which professionals and public figures are being accused of theft, bribery, rape, among other felonies in this 21st century, is alarming. Did they miss the strap while growing up? Or have they forgotten the lessons taught? Is it just human nature to be untrustworthy and try to behave otherwise? In rationalising human behaviours, we must always remember that persons placed in positions of trust are duty-bound to meet people’s expectations on every occasion. Unfortunately, nine out of 10 times, they fail. No one is perfect!
There is no such thing as perfect expectations. We speak of reasonable expectations, which consider qualifications, experience, social skills, personality type, financial status, etc, especially for those seeking public office, for example.
Sometimes, even with qualifications, training, and experience, a person placed in a position of trust may still falter. Pray for them.
This leads me to the rationale for not sparing the rod and spoiling ourselves. To meet performance targets and stakeholder’s expectations in an organisation, there must be discipline, honesty and hard work.
Just as a child without proper guidance and discipline can burn down the house and turn his school upside down, a professional/employee who does not do frequent introspections and have self-discipline, can do scandalous and embarrassing things. It’s important, therefore, that there are frequent self-talks and strong self-disciplinary actions, where necessary. If the selfish, dishonest thoughts which enter the mind are allowed to germinate, this can lead to a big shame on everyone. Sadly, this occurs every so often. What a shame!
Stealing is a common problem in organisations. Some steal to enhance purchasing power, while others may just do it for fun. Even as the consequences of stealing include incarceration and sometimes death, people still indulge.
Fortunately, this impulse-control disorder can be controlled. If you are a professional, or otherwise, with a propensity for stealing, here are a few disciplinary actions you can take against yourself:
Admit that you have a problem with stealing and that you need help.
Identify the specific reasons for stealing in order to begin to change this behaviour.
After you’ve discovered what drives your stealing habit, write it and be sure to name the feelings, such as anger, fear, sadness and loneliness, etc.
Think about the consequences of your behaviour and put boundaries in place.
THANKS TO NEIGHBOURS
Sister Nelson, St Catherine, offering a crib to a needy neighbour. Neighbour, St Catherine, for offering a TV to his neighbour. Neighbour, St Catherine, for food items.
Neighbour, Kingston, for food items.
NEIGHBOURS’ REQUESTS
Nicholas, St Thomas, disabled for six years and has been facing serious financial problems as a result. Asking neighbours for a laptop to do online courses in order to prepare himself to make a living.
Neighbour, roof leaks badly whenever it rains. Asking for a few sheets of zinc and laths to help to correct problem.
Young Miss Crawford suffers from renal failure. She is stressed and depressed. Needs help with expenses.
Samantha, electrical student, Portland, badly in need of tested glasses. To help, please call Silton Townsend @ 876-334-8165, 876-884-3866, or deposit to acct # 351 044 276 NCB. Alternatively, send donations to HELLO NEIGHBOUR c/o 53 HalfWay Tree Road, Kingston 10, Paypal/credit card. Email: zicron22@yahoo.com. Contact email: helloneighbour@yahoo. com. Visit hellomineighbourja. blogspot.com. Mr Townsend exclusively manages the collections and distributions mentioned in this column and is neither an employee nor agent of The Gleaner.