Are all the false claims and downright lies draining you? Or worse, is your workplace pressuring you to do immoral or borderline shady things? Maybe just knowing what your company or other companies are doing is wearing on you. You are not alone.
What Does Unethical Stuff Mean?
Unethical things are based on the theory “we can gain at something else or someone else’s expense.” That means we can get something that would benefit us from causing harm or loss to other things (environment, animals, etc.), individuals, or groups.
__
10 Signs the Unethical Stuff is Getting to Us
When we’re…
1 Having anxiety or difficulty sleeping.
2 Experiencing or witnessing unethical events that we can’t stop thinking about.
3 Developing more physical illnesses or injuries, especially if they are back-to-back, involve complications, or more than a couple of different ones at a time.
4 Turning to numbing devices more often, such as drinking, drugs, pills, gambling, overeating, shopping, smoking, playing games, binge-watching, overworking, and over-exercising.
5 Fighting the lack of motivation or general interest, especially if it’s associated in any way with unethical behaviors, such as those in our workplace.
6 Feeling trapped, or paralyzed, unable to escape or change.
7 Becoming more distrustful.
8 Losing self-respect or the respect from others.
9 Scared to speak up or take action for fear of retaliation.
10 Changing into someone we don’t like—more judgmental, moody, defensive, angry, and less honest.
__
The Problem with Tolerating Unethical Stuff
It’s always there—sometimes nudging, but mostly pushing us to make it right.
Unethical stuff stays with us until we do something to rectify it.
This could be…
- AS SIMPLE AS ADMITTING OUR PART IN IT
A good start would be to take a deep look and realize that we weren’t “totally” innocent. Otherwise, we wouldn’t let it get to us. Sometimes, talking through unethical actions with someone—a therapist, a loved one, or a group like AA—can be enough to rectify it.
- REFUSING TO PARTICIPATE IN IT ANY LONGER
When we find ourselves in an ongoing situation, we can get relief from the unethical stuff by not willing to complete a task, or quitting our job.
- STOPPING OUR SUPPORT OF UNETHICAL STUFF
Anytime we can remove our support from individuals, organizations, institutions, and companies that encourage and practice unethical stuff, it helps rectify it. We could stop associating with people who want to cause harm or loss to others, stop donating to our church, or stop purchasing certain products, or services.
- LEAVING THE TOXIC SETTING
When we remove ourselves from environments or situations that are harmful, unhealthy, or damaging, it can bring us relief. That’s why so many people are moving to different states or countries.
- SHARING OUR RESOURCES WITH OTHERS
Sometimes to rectify the unethical stuff, we can spread our time and assets around, such as sharing the vegetables from our garden, doing an errand for someone, or allocating some extra funds.
- BECOMING A WHISTLEBLOWER
Sometimes to get relief, we are guided to go a step further on a “hero’s journey.” The willingness to do this can get rid of enormous amounts of guilt, regret, fear, and anger associated with our part in causing harm or loss. We learn to become the person we admire.
- RESTORING WHAT WAS DAMAGED
Another way to make it right is to renew or replace what was harmed or lost, such as repaying what was gotten illegally, or volunteering for an environmental organization.
- SETTING MORAL STANDARDS FOR OURSELVES THAT ARE NOW NON-NEGOTIABLE
Sometimes we can rectify unethical behavior by vowing to live by a moral code, such as “Treat everyone, not just a few, as you want to be treated.”
__
I have two QUIZZES that may help you with the unethical stuff…
Is the Changing World Stressing You Out?
How Often Do You Listen to Your Intuition?
Also, check out the Inner Work and Intuition sections on my website.
And, if you need an advisor to help you on your quest, contact Vickie Champion for a coaching and consulting session at a discounted price.