Long Island University Students addressed by Business Ethics Speaker – Chuck Gallagher

Every Choice Has A Consequence!

The question is – as a student, regardless of your age, do you truly believe that the consequences you face in life are a direct result of your choices?  When I was in college – even graduate school, I think I knew it in my head, but didn’t believe it in my heart.  It took years of making the wrong choices and a lot of pain that followed for me to finally get the concept:  Every Choice Has A Consequence!

The former CEO of Stewart Enterprises, Bill Rowe, (the company I serve as Senior Sales Executive for) said, in a presentation he gave to a group of employees, that when his son went to college he gave him one – and only one – piece of advice.  His advice was short and sweet – but profound!

“Do what must be done, when it must be done, everyday!”

I’ve sence thought about those words time after time.  In his explanation, Bill said to his son, “If you have a test tomorrow, you should pass on the party and study tonight.”  Do what must be done, when it must be done, Everyday!  “If there’s a party Friday night and you don’t have class till next Tuesday, by all means have a great time at the party.  Go for it boy!”  Do what must be done, when it must be done, Everyday!  The key to Bill’s advice to his son goes back to choices and consequences.  Every choice has a consequence.

As I said in the presentation, I am not proud of my past.  But, the learning experience was extraordinary.  So here’s the truth about consequences.  You control them.   Let me repeat…you control them!

If you do what must be done, when it must be done, everyday…you empower yourself to achieve greatness in whatever you choose.  Likewise, if you make choices that do not support you – you will receive negative consequences.  That’s a fact.

As this is a blog…and I’m not a preacher…perhaps you’d like to comment.

What do you think of Bill’s advice?

What, if anything, was a take away for you from my presentation at LIU today?

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Oh…and go Blackbirds!