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There Is No Right Way to Do a Wrong Thing

More than 30 years ago, I heard a phrase from a true gentleman named Art Cummings that struck a chord deep within me:

“There is no right way to do a wrong thing.”

That line has stayed with me through every season of life. And the longer I live, the more relevant it becomes—especially in moments of pressure, uncertainty, or distraction.

We live in a world of mixed messages:

  • “Work smarter, not harder.”
  • “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
  • “Go viral. Get rich quick. Hack the system.”

Add in the pressure of economic instability or personal challenges, and the temptation to cut corners gets stronger. We start looking for shortcuts, hoping to speed things up.

But here’s the reality most people don’t want to hear: Life is long. If you focus too much on short-term wins, you may end up sacrificing long-term success.

The Power of Long-Term Thinking

One idea I reflect on often is this:

“We overestimate what we can do in the short term, and underestimate what we can accomplish in the long term.”

This has proven true time and time again in my own life and in the lives of those I’ve coached. When we commit to the long game—layering skills, developing character, refining our craft—we become more competent, more effective, and more resilient.

You’ve probably heard the old joke about real estate agents:

“Some people have 20 years of experience. Others have one year of experience repeated 20 times.”

That’s a tough but important distinction. Long-term thinking means learning from your mistakes, adapting, and applying wisdom—rather than just repeating the same habits year after year.

A Challenge for You

Next time you’re tempted to cut a corner, ask yourself: “Am I building something I can be proud of in five years?”

Because there truly is no right way to do a wrong thing. Integrity, discipline, and patience aren’t just virtues—they’re strategies that work over time.

Let’s commit to doing the right thing, the right way, every time.

Live With Integrity

Thank you for being a part of Time-Tested Mastery. Share this with someone who needs a reminder that character and consistency matter. Long-term success belongs to those who play the long game—with integrity.

Remember: shortcuts may get you somewhere faster, but only principles get you somewhere worth going.