“Integrity is an inside job that has nothing to do with the actions or thoughts of others. Do the right thing, even when others aren’t.” ~Lisa Merlo-Booth
Choosing a life of integrity is not an easy path. You may get lied to, cheated on, stolen from, or hurt in countless ways by many people—even by those you love. Many people wouldn’t blame you for lashing out at those who have hurt you. Friends will tell you it’s okay to burn your ex in a divorce, or leave your horrible boss in a bind, or cheat on your cheating spouse, etc., because they harmed you, or “everyone does it” or “no one will find out.” Integrity, though, is about doing the right thing even others don’t, you’re hurt, or no one’s watching.
Creating Radically New Relationships™ is impossible without integrity. Sadly, there are endless examples of people righteously justifying harmful actions. When you base your moral code on the actions or ethical code of others, you are in for a very bumpy ride at best. When a person alters their actions depending on circumstances rather than a strong sense of right and wrong, trust is tenuous at best. Without trust, loyalty waivers, safety is shaken, and relationships are tenuous in work, home, and the world. It doesn’t matter why you did something out of integrity—it only matters that you did.
Living with integrity makes life a far more rewarding experience. Refuse to lower the bar on your actions—or the actions of others—for any reason. Make integrity a core requirement at work, home, and in the world.
Challenge:
- Recognize when a lack of integrity is showing up in your life.
- Refuse to justify actions that show a lack of character in you or those around you.
- Raise the integrity bar everywhere in your life and notice the benefits of making such a bold move.