Integrity is the admirable quality of living in alignment with your morals. People who have integrity are the gems of any society. They inspire others to do the right thing no matter what.
The knights from medieval times had a Code of Chivalry which included virtues such as honesty and justice.
Knights were expected to live with integrity and to do what was right no matter what. They knew the importance of being a strong, trustworthy person, and it holds true today.
But having integrity isn’t just for men; women are better off living this way too.
Integrity is a crucial part of having a civilized society instead of a mass of barbarians.
In fact, without any morals, societies would crumble. Everyone would be stealing and harming each other. No one would care about doing their best at their job, even if they were building bridges. Nothing good would come from that!
There are many benefits of living a virtuous life and tons of issues with not.
A lack of values doesn’t mean you’re a horrible person. While growing up, you may have picked up these traits and didn’t realize it. Perhaps as a child, you were trying to find your place in the world, and a group of mischievous kids accepted you. You’d adapt to their behaviors and skew your beliefs. It could happen to anyone.
Why is having integrity essential?
Integrity is an admirable quality, especially for leaders or bosses. It helps them gain the trust and respect of others which is necessary for success.
People who never developed integrity will always feel conflicted. The internal battle between their moral and selfish sides causes emotional turmoil.
The consequences of living without integrity
If you lack integrity, it’s near impossible to develop self-esteem or self-respect. Even if you consciously don’t feel bad for doing something immoral. You know the truth.
As a result, you’ll make horrible choices and find yourself in stressful situations. Besides, no one wants to hire, date, or befriend a shady, unreliable person.
The good news is that anyone can build more integrity and confidence.
Follow the steps below to enhance who you are by building integrity.
1. Get very clear on your core values
First, you need to realize what you think a good person is and why being one is important to you.
For instance, I feel that being a good person is not doing anything to hurt others mentally or physically.
So if someone walking ahead of you accidentally drops $20. You’d bring the money to its owner even though no one would have known if you had taken it. After all, taking the money would hurt that person.
Write your values down and devote yourself to following those virtues every day.
2. Dedicate yourself to behaving honorably even if no one is watching
A major principle of integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is there to see it. In situations like this, you have two choices. Either take the dishonorable route (typically the easy way) or do what’s commendable.
If you go the way you think is easier, you also betray yourself. Because your inner-self knows what you did and thinks it’s shameful. Even though you don’t consciously think about it, your subconscious remembers everything. As a result, your self-esteem and self-respect deteriorate.
But, if you did the right thing regardless of if anyone ever noticed, you’re filled with confidence. It’s in these times that you can feel genuinely proud of yourself. Plus, this sensation stays with you long after the event.
3. Do what you say you’ll do
When you tell someone that you’ll do something at a specific time, do it. Don’t shrug it off like it doesn’t matter because that’s saying you can’t be depended on for anything. Be there and do what you say no matter what because being a person of your word is important.
If you don’t respect yourself or others to do what you say you’ll do, you’re telling yourself that you’re unreliable. You believe that your word isn’t worth much. As a result, your self-esteem suffers.
4. Evaluate the integrity of your influences
Take a look at your influences, such as your friends, TV shows, and reoccurring thoughts. Ask yourself if you are surrounding yourself with positive, honorable people. Do you want to become like them?
Even if you’ve been friends with a group of thugs and thieves, do yourself a favor and cut ties with them. You are advancing to another level, and there’s no reason to hold yourself back for anyone.
You are who you hang out with so find some inspiring people to befriend. Otherwise, you’re much better off evolving and flourishing in solitude. Become who you want to attract into your life and have patience.
5. Consider other people’s perspectives
Integrity is also about considering other people. So, put yourself in others’ shoes and see things from their view. How would you feel if you were that person?
If someone you know seems depressed lately, show them some kindness by checking on them. Simply by showing some compassion, you can greatly impact their well-being.
As a result, you feel great, and your confidence strengthens. You’ll feel proud of yourself for it, and you should be! Now you’re on your way to becoming an honorable, respectable person.
6. Don’t push your morals onto others
Don’t force your values on other people or shun them for living a different way.
Respect others’ beliefs, regardless of how crazy you think they are. That way, you’ll dodge a ton of unnecessary drama trying (and failing) to alter their beliefs.
7. Inspire others by living with integrity
The best method to inspire others to change is to be a stunning example of a great person. When someone catches you doing the right thing, there’s a chance it’ll rub off onto them. Focus on what you’re doing with your life because that’s the only life you have control of anyway.
In the end, you can gain so much from building more integrity. You’ll develop confidence and self-respect. Other people will see you as reliable and trustworthy. Then they’ll want to help you achieve your endeavors. Above all, when you’re a person with integrity, you enhance society as a whole.
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Sheryl, thanks for another great MV post!
It is a reminder that we should all be living our “best selves”.
I am especially inspired by this line: “The best method to inspire others to change is to be a stunning example of a great person.” It is so true and relevant in our current societal environment.
Thanks again for starting another week with positivity!
Trent
No problem, I’m glad you liked it!