We tend to spot a lack of self-restraint in others very easily:
That friend who rarely pays their fair share when we go out. That donor who uses her influence to get a business deal with the nonprofit. That politician who abuses his authority.
Far more difficult to admit our own lack of self-restraint:
When we lose our cool with our children after a long day at work. When we check our phone while talking to someone else because, “it’s just a quick text that needs my reply.” When we talk over a colleague because we need him to understand our point.
Justifying our lapses in self-restraint doesn’t minimize the impact of our actions on others.
Being independent, while also being civil, respectful, and generous means our self-restraint matters just as much as everyone else’s.
Happy Fourth of July.
