Living with integrity is a controversial topic that many choose to avoid. We either sugarcoat it, over-spiritualize it, or even supersize it. But how many truly live a lifestyle with integrity burning at the core? It is not a lifestyle for the faint at heart or those outwardly motivated by those watching. People often misunderstand the one who lives in true integrity because of their polarizing passion for being true to themselves. Living in integrity goes way beyond paying your bills on time or speaking to your spouse respectfully in public. This article will discuss how living in absolute integrity changes you and increases your resilience in a volatile world.
Integrity is one of those attributes that’s difficult to define, yet we recognize it when we see it. Integrity is more than a core value; it is a personality trait you can develop, whereby one has solid principles and uses a moral code to guide their actions.
Adopting a lifestyle of integrity can help you to make a valuable contribution while navigating a volatile world.
Here is a good definition: “The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles that you refuse to change. The quality of being whole or complete.” If you are a person of integrity, you try your best to be honest in your personal and professional life. You direct your behavior based on what you believe to be right or wrong. Your inward convictions will dictate what you say or do in any situation. You are authentic, and your internal character remains stable regardless of external circumstances. Integrity goes beyond honesty. Those with this type of integrity communicate truth without deception and are inwardly committed to being trustworthy. They are inwardly “whole” and therefore operate without duplicity or hypocrisy. You might refer to this person as “being real” or “not having a fake bone in their body.” What you are seeing is the rare quality of integrity.
Although this type of integrity is primarily a personality trait, like most traits, you can develop it and grow once you become aware that it exists.
Here are six tips for living with integrity that can be life-changing for you and those around you.
- You Value Fairness
Now that you are an adult, you realize life isn’t always fair. Yet, you value fairness in your personal life. Justice and fairness are two critical pillars of integrity. They define how you treat others in your family, community, and workplace.
Many people will have a different perspective than you. You must provide them a safe space to voice their ideas without judgment or criticism.
Unfortunately, not everyone values fairness as much as you. So, it isn’t easy to expect the same from others. But by asserting your sense of virtue, you’ll likely inspire others to imitate your positive behavior.
- You Define Your Core Values
Knowing where you stand on various topics can help you determine your values and principles. Do you value compassion and forgiveness? Or do you prefer to stand up for injustices no matter the situation?
You can do a bit of soul-searching to find out your instinctual values and what you believe in your heart to be right or wrong, even if no one agrees with you.
- You Surround Yourself with the Right People
Surrounding yourself with the right people always comes up when discussing character and personal growth topics. And for good reason. We all know people who don’t follow a virtuous path. Their moral compass seems off course, and they’re okay with it.
These are the ones you should limit contact with as much as possible. Instead, surround yourself with people you trust and respect and who value honesty and fairness like you.
And when you’re not sure what to do, ask them for help. They’ll help you see things from a different perspective so that you can make sound decisions that positively affect your life for years to come.
- You Speak Your Truth
Over time, living with false beliefs will make you lose your true identity. In situations like this, you’re not just lying to yourself but also to the people closest to you.
Being true to who you are and speaking your truth is the first step to living with integrity. It means you’ve integrated your core values with your actions. And, when it’s time to decide, whether big or small, your moral compass will quickly guide you in the right direction.
- You Avoid Shortcuts
I was thinking about “avoiding shortcuts” this morning while walking in nature. In this busy day and age, it’s getting easier and more accessible for people to get things done by cutting corners. Just because no one is looking doesn’t mean it’s right. Living with integrity is an inside job. It has little to do with what others think about you and more with what you feel about yourself.
Living with integrity means being accountable to yourself. This means completing the task to the best of your ability without cutting corners at someone else’s expense.
- You Find Your Purpose
Pursuing your purpose in life can keep you out of a lot of trouble. Those who live with integrity do so by staying in their lane. Be willing to recognize that living with integrity means you can choose how you want certain aspects of your life to turn out. It includes making the time to realize your passions through exploration and discovery.
Even if one path ends up taking you off-course, that’s fine. Start a new approach and enjoy where it takes you. Making mistakes and learning is part of the process and enhances the journey.
One way to find your purpose is to ask yourself these questions:
- What do I want to achieve in this season of life?
- What do I need to do to reach my potential?
- What makes me happy?
- What are my skill sets, and how can I use them to help others?
Final thoughts
A person of integrity is not perfect, but they are sincere. They will be the first to admit to their shortcomings, mistakes, and faults. A person of integrity is committed to personal growth. They endeavor to practice integrity in every area of their lives, improving valuable relationships and boosting happiness. When you choose to become a person of integrity, you can help make the world a better place.
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx
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