Live a Life of Integrity

Do you have Integrity? What does integrity mean, anyway? Even the most educated among us have some difficulty answering that question without a slight reflective pause. In other words, integrity isn’t something that’s easily defined. Yet all manner of respected leaders across the spectrum—clergy, businessmen and women, motivational speakers, mentors, and true leaders alike—lead with integrity as one of the foremost recognizable traits. Perhaps one of the best, most succinct definitions of integrity is from C.S Lewis, who said…

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

 

Integrity is a personal code of honor, most often captured or recognized by no one other than yourself. Therein lies the beauty of integrity. You see, integrity is, by design, something only you can define and only when you put it into actual practice. In other words, it’s not so much about what you say, but about what you do that matters most.

 

 

If who you are matches what you say, then your life will exude the tenets of integrity. The key is to speak less and just BE more. And when you speak, do so with compassion, sincerity, and truth. These elements will lay the groundwork for integrity to resonate throughout your life and be evidenced in all you do.

 

One of the most essential elements in business is trust. Trust begins with integrity. So what does integrity look like? Actually, positive examples—by design—are difficult to spot. It is less difficult to spot someone without a high degree of integrity. We all know at least one. They’re the ones who refuse to accept responsibility for their actions. These people are quick to accept accolades or rewards and even quicker at deflection or justification when things don’t go as planned.

 

Here are some ways you can build your integrity. Consider putting some of these principles into practice as you strive to become better and experience more of the richness of life and to positively affect others along the way…

 

Keep Your Promises – Do whatever you can to follow through. If you make a statement or a declaration, follow through. If you cannot, own up to it, apologize, and move on. Just don’t make it a habit or it too will become part of you and erode the very element of integrity you are trying to build.

 

Keep your Appointments – Before you make a commitment, consider whether or not you are realistically able to follow through. This one area alone affects so many things from leading affectively to personal health and fitness commitments you make to yourself. The value (and practice) of your time integrity creates expectations that will either accelerate or totally derail your reputation.

 

Pick up the Trash – I was walking down an empty hallway in my building one morning when I saw a tiny remnant of paper on the floor. It was so insignificant that I had considered just walking past it. After all, it was early and I wanted my coffee. I decided to stop and pick it up and made my way to the restroom to throw it away when one of our key leaders emerged from around the corner. She smiled and commented on how perceptive I was. As you can imagine, I was happy I decided to practice my integrity that morning, even when I didn’t think anyone would notice.

Evaluating Your Integrity

You can conduct a self-assessment of your integrity by asking yourself some fairly simple but straightforward questions.

1. Am I who I say I am?
2. Am I leading by example?
3. Am I honest and true to myself?
4. Am I willing to risk being wrong?
5. Do I take responsibility at all times?
6. Do I listen to the voice of truth that resides within me?
7. Do the decisions I make hold true to the values I embody?
8. Can I be trusted to keep my word when I make a promise or commitment?
9. Do I say what I believe or do I typically say what I expect others need to hear?
10. Do I make decisions based upon my beliefs and convictions or rather, as the situation dictates?

As with the concept of integrity, the questions above are a self-assessment, so be honest with yourself.

The Voice

 

There is a Voice inside of you
That whispers all day long,
“I feel that this is right for me,
I know that this is wrong.”
No teacher, preacher, parent, friend,
Or wise man can decide
What’s right for you—just listen to
That Voice that speaks inside.

~ Anonymous

Until next time…

~ G ~

“Wisdom is knowing what path to take. Integrity is...taking it.”  ~ Unknown

 

 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative, a #1 Amazon.com Best-Seller! NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com!

FEAR Is a Thief is on Amazon.com and NOW AVAILABLE on Audible.com too! This inspiring book is the first in a self-empowerment series that was written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life. Get your copy today at: FEAR Is a Thief/Amazon.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 


Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

Your Circle of Influence

You've seen it written many times in this blog and may have even heard it countless times through other sources...

Our lives are largely determined by the choices we make.

Makes sense, right?

The fact that our decisions play such a pivotal role in shaping our lives isn't all that difficult of a concept to accept if you really think about it. But here's an often overlooked aspect to the power of choice that's just as instrumental in charting the course and construct of our lives...

The company we keep, or more aptly stated, the people with whom we decide to associate, can have a profound effect on the kind life we lead.

The people we (choose to) associate with have more of an influence on the direction and construct of our life than most of us realize or readily recognize. Associate or align yourself with the right person, group, or relationship and your life is positively influenced through challenge, commonality, encouragement, compassion and creativity. Make the wrong choice however, and just the opposite will inevitably occur. And make no mistake, we have the power of choice when it comes to whom we associate with...in other words, we choose our friends and relationships, they don't choose us.

The biggest reason most people choose to stay in bad relationships is because of fear. Face it, most of us absolutely despise even the thought of hurting someone's feelings. More often than not, we consciously choose to stay in a relationship or maintain a friendship out of fear than to muster the courage to move on, even if it knowingly sacrifices our desire for a happier, more meaningful life better suited to the ideals we envision or rightfully deserve.

When it comes to choosing positive relationships, we should keep the following points in mind:

Choose positive influencers - "As iron shapes iron, so one person sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17) The right person or relationship builds upon the strengths you inherently possess. This type of relationship should sharpen you, encourage you, motivate you, and better you. It should be additive in value and should never be a source of frustration, fear, or consternation.

Choose compassionate people - Is your partner or friend a source you can rely on when you're psychologically, physically, or spiritually drained? Will they listen to you compassionately as they help you find the answers that inherently lie within you? Are they a source of positive energy and genuine joy? These kinds of relationships will do more to help you stay on track without derailing your desires to become all you can become.

Choose acceptance-minded people - The best relationships occur between people who allow each other to be "real" and accept each other for whom they are as well as whom they are yet to become. There's a lot to be said about the value of a friend who understands and accepts you, complete with your imperfections, when you need them most. "A real friend loves at all times." (Proverbs 17:17)

Choose centered people - Centered people are not "self-centered"; they are centered and well-grounded and confident with themselves. They are not in relationships to compete or compare. Centered people are honest and unselfish. They know how to communicate on a level that is both meaningful and influential. These people have earned your trust and respect and are able to help you through positive feedback and helpful guidance.

The best relationships should be ones that add value to your life and contain some or most of the above qualities. You have the power to define that. You have the power to remain in bad  relationships inasmuch as you do to escape them and establish better, more loving or meaningful ones. Don't allow fear to keep you tied to relationships that are counterproductive to living a successful, happy life.

The greatest power we possess is the power of choice. You have the power to shape your life through the choices you make and the relationships you keep.

Choose wisely.

Until next time!

-G-

"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you will know exactly what to do." ~Michelle Ventor                 
                                                                                                                                                 


Just released: KEY HORIZON the second novel in the G. Weston spy series.
Get your copy of my first novel Dream Operative.

Visit my website (www.gwestfal.com) or Amazon.com and order your copy of these exciting novels today!

If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Writer, Artist Educator

Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom left of the column. You'll be subscribed and will receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel series. Please help me by recommending this blog to others and by "liking" my Facebook page.

If you enjoyed this article you can help by recommending it on Google by pressing the "g+1" button below...