Despite whatever hand in life we are dealt, the question of whether or not this life is beautiful should never be a difficult one to answer. As human beings, we have the innate ability to make our own choices. The decisions we make in life, no matter how big or how small, can define who we are as people. When one chooses to cheat, no matter the context, he or she is immediately robbing themselves of their potential. Anyone can choose to cheat. One could cheat at any moment of any day throughout their entire lives. It isn't difficult, in fact, it's much easier than being honest half the time. However, those of us with the courage and integrity to work for the fruits of our labor in an honest manner, will be the ones who reach true happiness in life. When someone cheats, they not only run the risk of hurting themselves, but they also run the risk of hurting those close to them. Nearly twenty years ago, I had the opportunity to meet Alex Rodriguez. He was only 19 years old at the time and still very young in his Major League Baseball career. Back then, he was an honest ball player who's goal had finally been accomplished from hard work and dedication to his craft. Over the years Rodriguez would face a number of tough life decisions that would shape his future forever. His decision to cheat destroyed his name and credibility. A vibrant young ball player who had his entire life ahead of him would later become the laughing stock of the Major Leagues. While Rodriguez knew what he was doing was wrong, he failed to think of the consequences that would result from his actions. Though it may be difficult to sympathize with Rodriguez's situation, it is the exact same situation that we are faced with when we choose to be dishonest. Whether its taking an illegal performing enhancing drug or cheating in any other aspect of life, you sell yourself short and risk the hardships that could potentially effect both you and the ones you love. Some would argue that cheating can be a means to help those we care about. Yes, there are times when cheating can assist the greater good, but there is an old saying, "take one step forward and two steps back." The problem with this scenario is someone or something is getting cheated in order for one to achieve their goal. So while the cheater may believe they are benefitting the greater good, it also has the potential to hurt the very cause they were trying to help. Life is good. Embrace the challenges that face you. Success on a road filled with honesty and integrity will provide happiness for not only you, but all of those people that surround you on a daily basis. There is no time in life where cheating outperforms hard work, dedication, and honesty. Honesty is, no doubt, a much harder road to travel down, but in the words of the great Rocky Balboa, "Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!"