Saying + Doing = Integrity

Today’s Word is Integrity

"In my integrity I will wrap me up." - Horace

Integrity comes from a Latin word that means whole and is simply the act of doing what you say you will do; outward actions matching your inward thoughts and values. Simple, but not always easy. I am sure you can think of people on both ends of the spectrum, those who demonstrate integrity and those who do not. What happens to your view of a person or organization when they lack integrity? I personally lose confidence and trust and I am wary when entering into any agreement or relationship with them. The same is true of your relationship to yourself. When you lack integrity and disregard promises and commitments you have made to yourself, you begin to lose faith in your abilities to finish what you started, do what is important to you or live up to your own expectations.

Clients often tell me they want to feel more confident in their lives and their abilities. They want to take more risks and try new things. When I ask them what stops them, the response is usually something like, “I can’t do it, I’ll fail again, I have tried and it never works, I don’t trust that it will work out.” One of the key ways to build self-respect and self-confidence is to live from integrity. It means that even when it is not convenient or easy, you take steps, create boundaries and set up your relationships in a way that clearly demonstrates who you are and what you are about. This is the truest expression of self respect. This is the birthplace of confidence; this is the assertion of your worth and your value. You make a stand and a statement first and foremost to yourself and then to the world around you. You reinforce the picture in your head with the image you put out into the world. The copy is a spitting image of the original. There is no difference. By clearly identifying what and why something is important to you, it becomes possible to orientate your life around these goals. When you know what you are saying yes to, it becomes easier to say no.

Again and again clients tell me about life getting in the way; friends and family who need them; a house that needs to be cleaned and errands to be completed. There is no doubt life can be hectic and there are times when, for reasons out of your control, plans are tabled. But, how many times have you shoved, corralled or pushed your desires, goals and subsequent action steps into the corner? How many times have you disregarded your inner values and beliefs to accommodate others? How many times have you lived out of integrity? The commitments you make to yourself are sacred. Do you not deserve the same level of respect and uncompromising dedication you afford to others? Integrity is not about perfection; it is as ongoing alignment between your inner calling and your external conduct. It is a dynamic state and when honored reveals ,what makes you, uniquely you.

Today Ask Yourself:
1. How would you rate your integrity with others? With yourself?
2. What would it be like to trust yourself to do what you say you will do for yourself and for others?
3. How would you life improve if you lived with uncompromising integrity?
4. Who do you admire in your life? How would you describe their integrity?

"Power is actualized only when word and deed have not parted company."
— Hannah Arendt

A movie that demonstrates integrity is Patch Adams (Dir. Tom Shadyac, 1998) Robin Williams plays Patch Adams, a new doctor determined to practice medicine in a way that honors his values. His approach, which included humor, creativity and mutual respect between doctor and patient, was considered unorthodox and unprofessional. Despite risk to his career and reputation, he remained true to his values and eventually joined with other like-minded minded colleagues opening a free clinic which practiced this model.

If you would like to identify your values and then learn to orientate your life in a way that honors your integrity, please contact me at shawna@onpurposelifecoach.com