Integrity

Does anyone recognise these statements - In 2011 'I am going to join my local gym, I will give up smoking, I promise to stop eating chocolate, I will pursue my inner most desires and goals. Do these sound similar to your 'New year resolutions’? Firstly, congratulation to the few have acted upon their words and endeavoured to ensure the fulfilment of their desires in 2011. However, I guess many of us have already fallen short of the goals we set 'ourselves' for 2011. Fear not! There is still enough time to catch up on your broken promises and ensure that you are back on track and ready to take the remaining 49 weeks by storm.

Last week we spoke about 'adversity building character' [ABC] - The responses we received were tremendous. We recognised that adversity will always manifest it ugly head, however, once you realise and accept adversity as a factor of life, you have completed phase 1, phase 2 simply requires that you look adversity in face, smile and still pursue - conversely, the likely factor is that many of us will give up once we hit a stumbling block [Phase 1]. We find excuses, blame our circumstances and even allow our peers to justify our failures ["...Failure is staying down when there is still hope - There is always hope..." implies Atkins (1985)]. We might even hide behind the 'I have already messed up, there is no point in going on excuses'. *Thumbs down*. Today I would share a concept that will empower you to fulfil your goals and dreams. Integrity!

Integrity is one of the most significant attributes we must develop in order to succeed or excel in any environment or situation, whether it is business, relationally, work, etc. Alan Simpson implied that "If you have integrity, nothing else matters.  If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters". He was correct. Nothing else matters. The dictionary defines integrity as "a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes".

Integrity requires commitment. It requires YOU to re-make a choice today to re-visit your goals and dreams for 2011 and make a promise to yourself and a few friends or family to endure till your goals are met. Telling your confidants your plans and goals encourages 'accountability'.  Stephen Covey stated that "Accountability breeds response-ability". Accountability will ensure that when you feel like giving up or you allow adversity to win, those in which you are accountable to, will be available to encourage you and pick you, in support of your goal.

Integrity is so vital as suggested by Abraham Lincoln, a president recognised for his unwavering integrity, Lincoln quoted "In times like these men should utter nothing for which they would not be willingly responsible through time...". He hit the nail on the head. Be committed to your word. If you say it, you must do it! Period! - Always remember [Phase 1 - Adversity will always manifest it ugly head], we will always face challenges - But remember Phase 2 - look adversity in face, smile and still pursue. "Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it" David Jordan.

Today go back to your goals and desires you have set for 2011. Make yourself accountable to someone, this will encourage you to maintain your integrity. Make sure you take daily steps to ensure you pursue your goals.

From today, be a person recognised for your integrity. Apply it to you everday living. As Paul Wellstone suggested “Never separate the life you live from the words you speak.”. If you say you are going to do it, DO IT.

Have a brilliant week - Be a person of integrity.