"Integrity is the world's most valuable quality in a service, a product, or a person." - Earl Nightingale

A person with integrity has so much advantage over others. People listen to her opinions and trust her judgments. This is because she speaks the truth and conducts her behavior in a manner that demonstrates honesty. She gains the reputation as a person who is reliable and credible.

One of the reasons why relationships at work and at home deteriorate is because of the loss of trust and confidence. Some people have the habits of telling lies, deceiving others through their actions, making untrue declarations, purposely giving wrong information or false hopes.

These people can fool others but not all the time. Once people realize the true character, they lose credibility and reliability.

How to develop integrity.

• Get your thinking right.

Your thinking comprises of your perceptions, imaginations and beliefs. If you have been thinking erroneous and dishonest thoughts, you become exactly as such.

It's never too late to live with honor and adhere to a set of new moral ethics. All you need to do is alter your perceptions and reprogram your thinking.

You do that by changing what you say and think to yourself. Once you correct your thoughts, your behavior will consequently follow.

• Become the example.

You lead others by your examples. A simple way to teach, especially the children and students, is to behave based on ethical and moral values. You need to act responsibly and have the courage to speak the truth. You have also to exercise fairness and justice in your daily dealings with people. You have to do the right things.

• Get around with the right people.

Dishonest or deceitful people can influence your thinking and behavior. Unless you have developed high standards for yourself and pledge to adhere to your strict moral or ethical code, you are more likely to get swayed subtly. The best thing to do is avoid these kind of people and associate with those who exercise firm principles and values.

• Treat people fairly.

A lot of unhappiness and grievances happen because employers, parents and spouses are not treating each other with fairness. Being fair in your interactions means listening to other people's points of views. You can show that you have done justice by not judging anyone based on your limited knowledge and perceptions. Practice compassion in your relationships with others.

• Emulate others who have firm principles.

Many successful people are men with grit. Look around you and find someone who has the trait. If you can't find any, read biographies. Learn how they behave, make choices, resolve conflicts and live by their values. Use their wisdom as your guiding principle.

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