Integrity as defined in the dictionary is the basing of one's actions on an internally consistent framework of principles. Depth of principles and adherence of each level to the next are key determining factors. One is said to have integrity to the extent that everything one does and believes is based on the same core set of values. While those values may change, it is their consistency with each other and with the person's actions that determine the person's integrity.
The concept of integrity is directly linked to responsibility in that implementation spawning from principles is designed with a specific outcome in mind. When the action fails to achieve the desired effect, a change of principles is indicated.
Accountability is achieved when a faulty principle is identified and changed to produce a more useful action.
You might think that it's a no-brainer why one should live an honest life. But it's apparent to me that a life of integrity is the exception rather than the rule. How many people do you know who are honest all the time?
We could make a case about the morality and the "rightness" of living honestly. Religious leaders have been advocating this for thousands of years. It's doubtful that any religious leader in this day and age could provide a true model of integrity.
I believe in the moral and ethical value of integrity but I also think there are very practical and worthwhile reasons for living an impeccable life. The following items are a few reasons to get started in changing your life for the better:
1. Trust. In order to be successful in business or hold a responsible job, a person must have a reputation of honesty. Resources are not entrusted to people who have proven themselves as untrustworthy. All too often politicians find out how important that trust from the general public is. Reputations are destroyed if one lie is uncovered in the political arena.
2. Good Health. I have no research to support this, but I'd be willing to bet that people who tell the truth are healthier. They have less concern, less stress and feel better about themselves. This has to translate into better health.
3. Pride. I've yet to meet a liar who has any real pride in themselves. Any good leadership training will stress the importance and value of having pride in what you do and who you are. If your reputation is grounded in deception, your opinion of yourself is poor indeed. Being honest just plain feels good.
4. Peace of Mind. If you cheat on your income taxes, you may get away with it, but you'll probably always worry that you'll get audited and face fines, extra charges and even jail as a result. Your reputation would also be tarnished. When you deal honestly, you have peace of mind. It's impossible to worry and be happy at the same time.
5. Remembering. It's been said that no one has a good enough memory to be a good liar. When you don't tell the truth, you have to INVENT it. When you do, you'll often be asked to recall your rendition of the truth, and you may not be able to do so because you forgot what you said. You KNOW the truth, but you can't remember your version of it. Very embarrassing. Besides, it's hard work to continually come up with false stories.
6. Good Sleep. If you lie—unless you have no conscience at all—you'll often lose sleep because of your fears of being found out. Your worry and your guilt will keep you awake. A good night's sleep is one of life's many pleasures and honest people sleep better.
7. Confidence. Many people have excellent "bull" detectors. They know—at least at some level—when you're being a fake. If telling lies is your modus operandi, you know that these people will often see though your façade. There's no way to have real confidence in oneself when you're walking on "bull."
8. Good Relationships. Relationships are the jewels of our lives. Some would argue that relationships ARE our lives. And breeches in trust are the death knell of relationships. When trust is gone, there is no foundation upon which to build. Relationships lacking in trust seem hollow and shallow. They lack joy.
9. Legal Problems. We don't have to look very far to see the legal trouble people get themselves into from dishonesty. Lying in a court of law or to an officer of the law is literally AGAINST the law. Conversely, if you have no secrets, you can rest easy and it’s hard for anyone to blackmail you.
10. It Doesn't Work. All too often our deceptions and duplicity are discovered. In the information age in which we live, it's even more likely that lies will sooner or later be seen for what they are. Dishonesty is just plain inefficient.
11. Having respect for others is a true companion to leading an ethical life. You cannot feel good about your gains if you achieved success by walking on others. Respecting their place in the universe and taking the need for competing and winning out of the equation will help you to achieve respect for others. If you are competing and always living in the "you have to be conceived as a winner" frame of mind it is very difficult to be respectful of others who are working along with you.
12. Be responsible for your actions above all. If you are honest you will admit to yourself most of all what you have set in motion and what part you have played in the action. Being accountable is the one thing that will start you on a path to an ethical life.
The right thing to do is seldom the easy thing to do. But it's worth it.
Many blessings to you this day and I pray the week to come will bring you joy.
Rosie
Tags: Counseling Coaching Depression
