I have always lived by the idea that, “If you can’t be good, be good at what you do.” The idea behind it is that it is impossible to always do the right thing according to everyone else’s standards, but it is at least good form to do the deed so that you can point back it and say “Yes …I did that …what of it.” This is not arrogance, but a way to claim your actions, both good and bad, and move on with life.

There will come a time, whether you are a sub shop worker, or a new politician when someone will dredge up your actions and shove them in your face. Embarrassment has power, and the idea of claiming responsibility for your actions takes away that power. If you can say, “Yes, I did it,” you are telling the world that there is no weapon formed against you that can prosper.

So rather than saying “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” and becoming the butt of millions of jokes, old Bill should have said “Yep …but obviously she couldn’t keep her mouth closed.” When Nixon said, “I am not a crook,” he really should have followed that with “I am a politician …what did you expect.” Don Imus should have never apologized for calling those girls “Nappy headed Hos.” He should have said, “I apologize for speaking incorrectly. I meant to complement the use of natural sheep’s wool in the weave on those players.”

If you make a faux pas… claim it! Your reputation is already shot. The courtroom of public opinion has already passed judgment upon you and attempting to lie is about as effective as a cat covering is mess on a tile floor. Claiming it shows that you have integrity, that you know it was wrong, and have a sense of humor about your mistakes, or that you just feel that honesty is the best policy.

Just remember your words and actions will follow you. Also, when you are found out, there is no immunity from a Truth Session.