Integrity is doing the right thing, even if nobody is watching. Jim Stovall
"The check is in the mail." While we often joke about this and use it as a metaphor to represent "I'm already on the case," sometimes it is not actually true.
Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. Spencer Johnson
"I'll call you later" is another commonly heard expression. Many times, the person doesn't actually follow through and views it simply as an expression. For many, it has become a meaningless statement and other times, we get caught up or distracted and truly forget. What if we actually made a statement like that and kept our word - every time? What if we made our word impeccable? That is, we follow through with what we say we will do every time.
With integrity you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. With integrity you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt. With fear and guilt removed you are free to be and do your best. Zig Ziglar
A friend went on vacation and took many photos. She promised to share the photos with several people and collected e-mail addresses. As it turned out, there was a problem with the camera and the photos didn't turn out. She had no intention of notifying them that there had been a problem and just planned to move on. When we are in integrity, it means that we follow through with what we say - no matter what. It's not just actions speak louder than words, it's that actions must follow words.
Integrity is doing everything in harmony with who we really are. It is important to note that everyone has a different degree or amount of integrity they need in order to feel good about themselves.
When we take responsibility for our actions and inactions, respond to what is offered or presented, then we are in integrity. Also, we let go of shoulds, woulds, and coulds. They represent a feeling of regret or second-guessing.
Integrity can take different forms. Examples:
-- promptly returning phone calls and e-mails
-- telling the truth no matter what
-- Following regulations such as speed limits
-- Setting an example or being a role model
-- Following up as promised -- Being truly authentic - our natural selves
For everyone, there are three conditions needed that result in a person having integrity: Completeness Alignment Responsibility
Are you complete with the past and the present? Is your life balanced and aligned with who you really are? Do you take responsibility for all that occurs in your life (handle whatever occurs and then make necessary adjustments so this type of problem does not occur again.) When you take responsibility, you don't blame or complain; instead, simply handle the situation.
Some general clues that your life is out of integrity:
-- allowing hurtful things
-- holding yourself back
-- hiding behind people instead of being visible
-- missing supportive systems
-- knowingly doing things that do not work for you
Integrity is a personal choice and either you want it for your life or you don't.
Secific examples of iving out of integrity:
- Working at the wrong job
- Hanging out with a community that does not bring out your best
- Putting yourself at undue physical risk
- Staying in a relationship for the wrong reasons
- Living in a environmentally toxic area
- Living in fear
- Living in debt and not attempting to change it
- Misrepresenting yourself
- Overproming results
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT
What is your level of integrity?
Where are you in and out of alignment? What can you do to change that?
How often do you say what you mean and do what you say?
Resource: Thomas J. Leonard - Restore Your Integrity
If you feel inclined, please let me know if you decide to go ahead and try this experiment. I look forward to hearing about your experiences. Your feedback and comments have been most welcomed:-) Keep them coming!!
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
(c) 2004-11. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
P.S. If you enjoyed this issue, I'd love it if you'd spread the word. Do so by forwarding this to a friend and inviting them to subscribe at the Life's Little Lessons link. Thank you for continuing to read Life's Little Lessons TO READ PAST ISSUES Past Issues (Highly recommended)
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N E W!**For THERAPISTS and FORMER therapists 30-hour Laser Coaching Program - April - May 7 1/2 weeks. Earn a Board Certified Coach (BCC) credential from the Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE).
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