$10 per day parking.
No parking attendant in site.
Just a sign.
Just an envelope.
Leave money in envelope.
Drop it in mail slot.
The honor system at its finest.
This past weekend, my girlfriend Kristen and I were looking for a parking lot with reasonable rates that allowed for overnight parking. We were taking a ferry boat ride over to Block Island, RI for a weekend getaway and needed to leave our car in a lot for a few days until we got back.
We found several lots to park in, but all very pricey. We asked a local resident for advise on where to park. He pointed us to a specific parking lot near the water that was reasonably priced, $10 per day and $20 overnight. We were thrilled and made our way there.
Upon arriving, the rates were posted and precise to what the local had told us. It was a small lot, with a few cars in it, and an attendant both that was empty. I approached the booth and found a sign stating, “We operate on the honor system. Leave your money in an envelope provided in the mailbox to your right and drop in it the mail slot along with your name and license number printed on the envelope.”
We did just that and we were on our way to catch the ferry.
“There is nothing in the dark that isn’t there when the lights are on.”
~ Rod Serling ~
There are many types of honor systems used today. Some you may be aware of, some you may not.
There are the unattended parking lots with just an envelope to leave your money in, like I experienced.
There are fruit stands on the side of the road with fruit baskets marked with a price and a drop box to leave your money in as you take a basket of fruit with you to enjoy.
There are health & fitness goals my clients commit to that I believe they’re fulfilling on a daily & weekly basis.
There are commitments parents make to their kids that they believe their parents are following through on.
There are commitments kids make to their parents that they believe their children are following through on.
There are relationships where each person believes that the other is being loyal and faithful to them.
All examples of honor systems designed to benefit those who honor the system.
The honor system benefits all who make the decision to honor the system itself.
When others believe and trust in me to put money in an envelope to pay for leaving my car in their lot, not only do I want to be honorable and do the right thing and pay the right rate, I also will make it a point to use them again next time I am in town. I also will be more than happy to tell others about it as well. I may even leave them a tip, not just for their service, but for trusting in me too.
When my clients promise me they will work out and eat right, I don’t know for certain that they’ll do it, but I trust and believe in them that they will hold true to their word and get it done. Of course they have the ability to not do it and say they did. Truth is, 9 times out of 10, they get it done and if they don’t, they’re honest with me and get it done the next time.
When we trust our significant other to be loyal and faithful to us, it’s that trust and belief in each other that strengthens and deepens the relationships trust and love.
When we are trusted, believed in, and given the choice to do the right thing, I believe we do.
“OUR CHARACTER IS WHAT WE DO WHEN WE THINK NO ONE IS LOOKING”
Do what’s right, and you will benefit.
Do what’s right, and others will benefit too.
Together, when we do what’s right, the world will benefit.
Application For Clarity
When my clients do what they say they will do, they benefit with health and fitness results.
When they benefit, their happiness & success brings me others looking for similar results, so I benefit.
Together, we’re adding health & happiness to our own world and the world around us.
Self-Trust Is The First Secret Of Success
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~
What are some honor systems you’ve seen or have been involved with yourself? Which ones had or have the biggest impact on your life? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below.
I’ve always like the quote about character being your actions when no one is looking–to thine own self be true as Shakespeare put it.
Glad to have a fresh post today! Thanks!
Thanks for your comments John, they’re always appreciated big-time! I took have always enjoyed that quote about character…it’s so very true. I especially like how you put it, via Shakespeare… spot on! Thanks for being here and making this community what it is. It’s people like you who make this world a better place. That certainly make mine one so thank you. Cheers!
What about when your honor faulters. You make a bad choice that can hurt those closest to you. Or have a moment if weakness. Trust is so easy to give but much more difficult to earn back once it’s lost. Forgiveness of others seems to be so much easier than forgiving yourself. I think we all try to so what’s right but we can be stupid in our journey. Curious as to your thoughts.
Thanks for your comments! That’s a great question, and a tough one too. I know all situations are different although I truly do believe that forgiveness is essential if health, happiness, and peace is to exist. There can be no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love. Unfortunately, none of us are perfect, we’ll never be. It’s not and never will be about being perfect, it’s about making progress and getting better, and better as we go. One final thought, it’s an actual quote from Gandhi…. “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” Cheers, and peace to you Rich.