The word integrity is
derived from the Latin word integritas which means whole or complete. Integrity
is doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It is choosing courage
over comfort and to practice our values rather than simply professing them. It
is telling the truth, being honest, living within the law. A lifestyle of
integrity will make you a trustworthy person in every aspect of your business and
personal life.
Integrity is an
integration of our outer life and inner life. First take the time and thought
to drill down and explore and discover who you are. Our inner life is the
foundation on which you build your outer life. Through the filter of your
values, your sense of purpose, your gut instincts and desires you want to make
clear decisions. That does not mean the decisions are easy: Do you take a
less-stressful job so you have more time to spend with your kids, or do you
take a more stressful job like one that pays more and allows you to provide
more opportunities for your kids, like a college education? Our outer life should
represent the inner life. Our
personal integrity can only be formed by ourselves. Nobody can control out integrity.
They can try to sway it, but they cannot change it unless we allow it to be
changed.
Integrity
means being true to ourselves and being honest, upright, and decent in our
dealings with others. When we are guided by integrity, our thoughts and words
are in line with each other; our actions align with our principles. Our conduct
speaks for us, more eloquently than words ever could. It becomes the basis for
both reputation and self-respect. Integrity demands courage but delivers
untroubled sleep. Developing integrity requires internal honesty, because we
can’t be honest with others unless we are honest with ourselves. It requires self-awareness,
since we cannot accurately communicate what we do not know. Filter
all this information through your own values—your vision of a “good” life and a
"good" person you can be proud of. The key here is your values, not merely copying those of
others.
Provide others with the confidence of knowing
that your intentions and actions are always genuine. Be prepared to compromise
your viewpoint, but never your principles. In staying true to your beliefs, be
sure to do right by others and to always take the high ground. Trust your
instincts rather than seeking validation from others. You have to live with
yourself for the rest of your life. When you stand for honesty, everything you
say carries the voice of credibility. But when you’re dishonest, your soiled
reputation will do the speaking for you. The fact is honest people never fear
the truth.
Don’t let your behavior be influenced by others
who do not share your values; hold yourself to a much higher standard –– your
conscience. Your character is on display every moment of every day. Make sure
it reflects well on you and causes people to feel proud to call you a friend. Make
good choices. Follow the spirit as well as the letter of the law. The center of
the United States Military Academy is the Cadet Honor Code, which states “A
Cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do.” Care not only
about where life is taking you, but about how you’re getting there as well.
Every time you make a promise, you put your honor
and integrity on the line. Keeping that promise should be as important to you as
it is to the recipient. Meaningful relationships don’t happen by chance. When
you live with honor, people know your behavior is reliable, your heart is in
the right place, and your word is as good as gold.
I - Increase your confidence
N
- No to Corruption
T
- Transparent in your work
E
- Educate Others
G
- Grow in Honesty
R
- Responsible to each other
I
- Improve your self-respect
T
- Truthful to everyone
Y
- Yes to Integrity
Be prepared to accept the consequences of your
actions. Knowing what’s right isn’t as important as doing what’s right. Be
aware that yours will not always be the most popular road traveled. Hard work
and sacrifice build character, contribute to success, and promote happiness.
Hard work spotlights the character of people.
Conclusion:
Be a positive force in people’s lives. Surround
yourself with honorable people. Support each other. Allow them to serve as role
models and sounding boards that inspire you to become a better you. And look
for ways to help others grow in honor and integrity. Find your life’s purpose.
It will inspire you, keep you grounded, and provide stability regardless of the
turbulence in your life. Most of all, living life with purpose will motivate
you to get up in the morning and make your life meaningful. Make people feel
special; bring out the best in them; help them without expecting something in
return; be genuinely happy for their achievements. The more you do for others,
the happier you’ll be.
