Integrity is based upon living according to your core values. To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, it is activating those values, even when no one is looking. This quality is being honest and upright choosing to be truthful over telling a lie.
Because integrity is individual, it does not compromise or go along with the crowd just to fit in. Tough decisions can be made with peace of mind, even if it means standing up to others when you feel they are wrong. Aligning words and actions or, simply put, walking your talk, is not always easy. However, integrity empowers you to actually do the work required, finish the task, or complete the committed plan.
In exercising integrity, courage is needed to act accordingly despite fear, risk, or pressure. Once I was introduced to an opportunity to make an investment that was guaranteed to bring me back a big return should I convince other individuals to do the same. I did not even like the product we were representing; yet, I was expected to make it sound like it was the best thing since “sliced bread” in my sales pitch, as I endeavored to sign others up. I was informed that everyone was on board and happily making their money. Despite seeing the spreadsheets of what others had acquired just by signing other people up, I decided this was not the opportunity for me. I could not represent something that I truly did not believe in just for the sake of making money. I know people do it all the time, but, for me, it was a matter of my personal integrity. Others may have made their fortunes, but I was just fine with keeping my valued principles.
Keeping your integrity doesn’t mean you won’t experience failure through choices made or decisions executed. However, at the end of the day, you will be able to have peace of mind, knowing you did what was right for you. Stay amazing. Let’s keep growing and going. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Coach Angela