How do you feel about liars? I probably know your answer for that one, because I suspect you and I both feel the same about them. But what I find so fascinating is that most people don’t like when people lie to them, yet a lot of people seem to have no problem telling little white lies, themselves. Let’s just explore this together for a moment.

It’s safe to assume the majority of people would say they don’t lie, if asked. Most say, “You can trust me, I don’t lie!” However, a lot of those same people would turn right around and tell a little white lie. Maybe they were supposed to be somewhere and they weren’t, or they lie about why they didn’t respond to an email. It could just be a little, tiny fib… and they think that’s okay somehow.

You may not realize it, but an excuse is a lie! Just think about that for a minute. You know exactly what I’m talking about – you promise to be somewhere and then you don’t show, so you make up a story about why you weren’t there. A few occasions from your past probably just popped into your head.

Throughout the years, I’ve caught a lot of people in a lot of different lies, both little ones and big ones. In fact, I grew up with pathological liars. There was a benefit to growing up in the home I did, with all the drugs and abuse and lies – I have an ability to discern untruths.

Let me give you a quick example of how a small lie can make a BIG difference. Your office manager asks you to run to the store to pick up some supplies. He explicitly asks for the least-expensive paper in the store. You run out, but you are in a rush, so you just grab whatever you see first and call it good.

Your office manager isn’t stupid! He can see right away you grabbed a brand name, so he asks, “Are you sure this was the cheapest?” and you say, “Yep, it was the only one I saw.”

In your mind, you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal? So what if I paid an extra dollar?!” It’s not about the paper, or even the money. At that moment, the big deal is your lie about something so stupid and so unnecessary! This type of “white lie” causes the other person to place less trust in your word and think less of your character. And when it comes time to pass out promotions, that little lie (or, more likely, your reputation of being a liar) will hold you back.

Bottom line, if you aren’t faithful with the little things, if you aren’t being truthful about the little things – you will never be trusted with the big things!

This holds true in any business or career you will ever pursue. But the effect these little white lies have on your relationships is even worse. Man, when there are excuses, distrust and little lies littering relationships with your spouse, family or even close friends, you make those relationships so much harder, more stressful and soooo complicated! Stupid little lies can destroy your relationships, and it is so not worth it!

Big or small, white or otherwise, exaggerations, excuses, well-planned, spur of the moment… steer clear of ANY lie! You may think it doesn’t hurt anyone, but it hurts you – and everyone around you – in a devastating way.

Just admit you blew it, you forgot, you fell asleep or just made a stupid mistake. Come clean, clear the air and move on! Wouldn’t you appreciate people just skipping their crap excuses or little lies? Then it’s time to live what you want yourself! And you might want to pass it on.

Print this right NOW and share it with your kids immediately. Let them know the “dog ate my homework” excuse ain’t gonna cut it in this household anymore! Pass this message along to your employees or coworkers, your friends and family members, because it is an important message everyone needs! Your character and your word determine your success in relationships, career and life! And please share a personal “white lie” experience you’ve had in the comments below.

Then, join me today for The Dani Johnson Show, when we share even more strategies to improve all your relationships! You can tune in on your TV and radio or you can always stream today’s show right here on our website.

In great faith,

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