Here’s the thing: you can’t really succeed in life without integrity.
There, I said it.
The truth will always come out.
And who you are behind close doors also matters a lot.
The question is: what kind of person are you when no one is watching?
Take this time to reflect: how do you uphold your values?
What do you do when the going gets tough?
How do you manage to stick to what is right?
These are just some of the reflections to think about as you truly embrace what it really means to choose integrity over personal interests.
And admittedly, it’s quite difficult at times.
I mean, who doesn’t want the easy way out?
However, please take to heart: easy doesn’t always mean it’s right.
So know that even if you struggle as you keep your values intact and do what is right and just, know that in the end, it’ll all be worth it.
Because having integrity not only makes you feel good about yourself, it can also open bigger doors for you in the long run as you walk the talk, no matter what.
And in order to guide you further in your own #bestmeever journey, here are 5 things that can compromise your integrity that you must avoid at all costs:
- Lack of consistency
I know. Change is inevitable. But that doesn’t mean you have to change directions daily. You can’t just be everything that everyone wants you to be. And that’s perfectly fine. What is key here is to always be consistent on how you show up every single day. What do you stand for? What’s your key message to the world? How do you want the rest of the world to experience and remember you? Always have that clear picture in mind of what you truly are and never let yourself be distracted by all the noise around you. Keep going even when times seem harder than usual. That’s when you grow more.
2. Inability to keep promises
You are as good as your word. Don’t ever make promises that you can’t keep. A lot of relationships, whether externally or the one you have with yourself, have gone sour just because commitments were not honored accordingly. Remember: with every promise that you make, your integrity and reputation are at stake. And once tainted, it’s much harder to rebuild. So never compromise.
3. Bad mouthing your competition
Security is an important factor when it comes to integrity. When you know yourself inside and out and are happily confident about what you are and what you’re not, you don’t need to put others down just to lift yourself up. Instead, you treat your competition as inspiration, learning from them along the way as you share spaces comfortably. There is something for everyone for as long as we all choose to do what is right even when not under the spotlight.
4. No clear stand on issues
Never run away from what you truly believe in. Take a stand. Speak up. Your bravery can inspire others when hard times overwhelm them. Come from your core values: what truly matters to you? What can you do to uphold them, as you consciously practice respect too? Don’t let your fear of being judged or cancelled stop you from being the person of integrity that you are.
5. Choosing to surround yourself with the wrong people
You have a choice on who to share spaces with. Be very mindful of this. Remember, you become the 5 people you frequently interact with. So make sure you don’t compromise your integrity by hanging out with people who are not in alignment with your core values, aspirations and goals. It doesn’t make you a bad person for choosing what (and who is) best for you. Like I always say: if it doesn’t inspire you or help you grow, let go. Applies to things, situations and people in this lifetime.
I hope now you have a clearer picture of how you can maintain your own integrity during trying times.
Because a person of integrity is considered a rare, priceless find.
Be that.
Always. In all ways.
