(Principles are basic truths that, when applied, cause success to come to you easier and quicker.)


As a child and teenager, one way you grew was by trying to get away with things. It was the way you learned the rules. The enforced rules differed from the ones that were only discussed. The enforced ones were where the edges were. Trying to get away with things was a sneaky way to learn those edges.

Responsible adult behavior does not try to get away with things. Being aware of your choices and honest with yourself will make you stronger. Trying to get away with behavior makes you weaker.

When we continue to pretend it’s okay to do something that damages or diminishes us, we are acting like children.

The responsible adult principle for change and growth is: “I can no longer get away with…”
Some of mine are:
I can no longer get away with eating sugar. (I want improved health.)
I can no longer get away with not doing the climber 3-5 times per week. (I want aerobic fitness and higher HDL.)
I can no longer get away with being angry. (Anger hurts only me.)

As an adult, imagining that we can get away with anything is folly.


Coaching Point: What can you no longer get away with?


Copyright 2025 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.