We hear a lot about integrity being tied to our success. At some point in our day we will come face to face with our integrity.
How do we live a life of integrity?
Integrity is the quality of being whole or undivided. Quality buildings, space rockets, boats and cars are known to have structural integrity. Great computer software programs are known to have data integrity. So, when we live a life of human integrity we create confidence, credibility, dependability and trust—not only with others but with ourselves.
Here are some tools to live a life of integrity:
1. Do the right thing.
Water runs down hill by following the path of least resistance. But when it comes to integrity doing what is easiest is not always what is right. It is easy to give half effort on a project at work but that’s not right. It is easy to do just enough to get by to make average grades at school but that’s not right. It is easy to hit a parked car in a parking lot without leaving a note but that’s not the right. Ultimately, we only cheat ourselves when we don’t do the right thing.
2. Be a person of your word.
Do what you say you are going to do. When you say one thing and do another you are not practicing integrity. When you say you are going do something and you don’t do it, does this increase or decrease the way you see yourself and how others see you? When you break your word you shatter the confidence people have in you—and you in yourself. If you’re going to say it then do it, or don’t say.
3. Be honest.
One dominant quality of integrity is honesty. Mark Twain said, “When you tell the truth you don’t have to remember anything.” As kids we lie but hopefully as adults our lies stop. When we lie, people quit believing in us and we also stop believing in ourselves.
Practice a few of these tools to live with integrity and watch your life change for the better.
Best of success to you!
