Rationalization Is the Gateway to a Life You’ll Regret

We like to think our lives are shaped by big moments.

But in truth, our lives are shaped by small, often invisible decisions, especially the ones we rationalize.

We call them little things. A harmless shortcut. A decision no one will ever see. But each of these moments writes a line in the story of who we become.

Example:

You have one too many at the company Christmas party.

You contemplate calling an Uber, but then you remember you’ll have to pick up the car tomorrow, you have to explain to your spouse you had too much to drink, the inconveniences pile up, and you decide you’re okay to drive.

You make it home, no harm, no foul.

Your terrible decision has no external, physical consequences.

However, it has internal, mental, emotional, and spiritual consequences.

You became the person who prioritized your convenience over every other person’s life who was on the road with you.

You become the person who says, “Look, nothing bad happened; it’s okay.”

It becomes easier to make more selfish, terrible decisions in the future because you have proof it’s okay when you do.