Why Is It Better to Be Ethical? Discover the Powerful Reasons

Have you ever wondered why it's often said that "it's better to be ethical"? In a world where shortcuts and easy gains are tempting, being ethical might seem like a challenge. But trust me, there are so many powerful reasons why living ethically can be not only the right choice but the better one in the long run.

The Inner Satisfaction of Being Ethical

One of the biggest reasons to adopt ethical behavior is the inner peace it brings. Living ethically means doing what’s right, not just what’s easy. And believe me, there’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing you're making decisions that align with your values.

1. The Reward of Self-Respect

When you make ethical choices, you build self-respect. Think about it: when you act in a way that feels right, you can hold your head high. You don’t have to carry around the burden of guilt or shame for your actions. This is something I've noticed personally. There have been times when I could have taken an easier route, but when I chose to do the right thing, it felt so much better—even if it was harder.

I remember a conversation with my friend Rachel, who was faced with a tricky situation at work. She could’ve easily lied to cover up a mistake, but she chose to own up to it. She told me, “It wasn’t easy, but I feel so much better now that I did the right thing.” That was a powerful reminder of how ethical decisions can truly shape your self-image.

Ethical Choices Benefit Society and the World

Being ethical doesn't just benefit you—it has a ripple effect on the people around you and even the world at large. When more people choose the ethical path, we collectively contribute to making society a better place.

1. Building Trust in Relationships

Whether it’s with friends, family, or coworkers, being ethical builds trust. People appreciate honesty, fairness, and respect, and those values can strengthen your relationships. Imagine trying to maintain a friendship with someone who constantly lies or takes advantage of others—it would be hard, right? When you're ethical, you set the foundation for stronger, more reliable connections.

I remember a time when a colleague of mine took full responsibility for a project that was mishandled, even though they could’ve easily blamed others. Not only did that earn them respect from the team, but it also created an atmosphere of trust. That kind of behavior sets a standard for everyone else.

2. The Greater Good: Ethical Impact on Society

On a larger scale, when you act ethically, you contribute to the greater good. Think about how businesses that prioritize sustainability, fairness, and responsibility have an enormous impact on the environment and society. In contrast, unethical practices like fraud, exploitation, or environmental harm contribute to the breakdown of social structures and trust.

A few months ago, I watched a documentary about a company that turned its operations around by focusing on ethical business practices. They prioritized fair labor practices and sustainable sourcing, and as a result, their customer base grew. It showed me how ethics, even in business, can lead to long-term success.

Ethical Decisions Lead to Long-Term Success

It’s easy to think that unethical shortcuts lead to faster success, but in reality, they often backfire. In the long run, ethical decisions can be the most rewarding for you, both personally and professionally.

1. Reputation Matters

Your reputation is everything. Whether in business or in your personal life, people remember your actions. When you act with integrity, you build a positive reputation that can open doors and create opportunities. But when you take shortcuts or make decisions based on selfish motives, that reputation can quickly fall apart.

I once worked with a team where one person was consistently making questionable decisions to get ahead. At first, it seemed like they were winning, but over time, their colleagues lost trust in them, and opportunities that could have come their way slipped through their fingers.

2. Ethical Business Practices Lead to Sustainable Growth

In business, being ethical is often linked to sustainable growth. Companies that prioritize fairness, employee welfare, and social responsibility tend to have loyal customers, employees, and partners. These companies often outperform those focused only on short-term profits, which is something I’ve seen time and time again.

I had this realization after reading about a startup that started with high ethical standards. They didn’t compromise on quality, treated their employees well, and focused on sustainable growth. They’re now one of the most successful companies in their industry. The short-term sacrifice for doing things ethically led to long-term success.

The Emotional and Mental Health Benefits

Being ethical is not just about the external benefits. It has significant mental and emotional benefits, too. When you act according to your values, you feel more centered and aligned with yourself.

1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Have you ever made an unethical decision and felt that nagging feeling of anxiety? You can’t escape the stress that comes with it. On the other hand, ethical decisions bring peace of mind. Knowing you did the right thing means you don’t have to carry the weight of guilt.

I’ve had moments in my life when I took an easy way out, and it haunted me. The stress of knowing I wasn’t being true to myself felt worse than the temporary relief I got from avoiding a tough situation.

2. Leading by Example

When you lead with ethical principles, you inspire others to do the same. People look up to those who live by their values, and it sets an example for others to follow.

I’ve been part of a team where one person’s ethical approach really influenced the rest of us. They would always encourage transparency and fairness, and it made us all strive to do better. It's amazing how ethical leadership can transform a team dynamic.

Conclusion: Why Being Ethical is Always Better

So, why is it better to be ethical? The answer is simple: ethics lead to a more fulfilling, trustworthy, and successful life. Whether in your personal relationships, your professional endeavors, or your mental well-being, ethical choices have a lasting, positive impact.

It may not always be the easiest path, but trust me, it’s the one that brings the most peace of mind and long-term benefits. Ethical decisions shape who you are, how others see you, and ultimately, the life you lead.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.