Integrity is a trait or characteristic of a person's distinguishing feature or character. A person who has this attribute displays honesty, sincerity and fairness. He is trustworthy and reliable. He keeps his words and agreements because he has sound moral principles.
Because of his reliability and consistency, people listen to his opinions and trust his judgments. He makes an outstanding leader both at home and at work.
One of the reasons why relationships deteriorate is because people have lost their credibility. They make false promises. They give lip service without having the intention to fulfill their words. They lie and make 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 their integrity and people's trust.
"Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you." - H. Jackson Brown
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.
You lead others by your examples. A simple way to teach, especially children and students, is to behave based on ethical and moral values. When you say you will do or stop doing something, fulfill it. So before you give your words, think through. Act responsibly and have the courage to speak the truth. You have also to exercise fairness and justice in your daily dealings with people. It doesn't matter who's right but what's right.
Dishonest or deceitful people can influence your thinking and behavior. Unless you have developed high moral standards and pledge to adhere to your ethical code, you are more likely to get swayed subtly. The best thing to do is avoid these types of people and associate with those who exercise firm principles and values.
A lot of unhappiness and grievances happen because employers, coworkers, parents and spouses are not treating each other with fairness. 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.
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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