Each day we are required to make choices and decisions. Many of us must make decisions that define who we are and what we believe in. Most often, the choices we face may seem insignificant. But this doesn’t mean that they’re not important to us: even the smallest action can have an impact on our self-respect, our integrity, and, ultimately, our reputation.

In a world where headlines are often dominated by people who make the wrong choices, people who make the right ones can seem to be rare. However, it feels good to live and work with integrity and, when we become known for this highly valued trait, our lives and our careers can flourish.

It is important for every individual to work towards developing their personal integrity.

Personal integrity is defined as having strong morals or values and following those principles in both your words and actions.

The concept of having integrity is really quite simple—living with integrity means you uphold your values, no matter the situation or who is watching. You live to your own moral standards and uphold your personal commitments.

An easy way to think about integrity is when what you say aligns with what you do. For example, someone will show a lack of integrity if they say that honesty is one of their values but they’re dishonest or don’t share the entire truth with others. If honesty is one of your moral principles, you’ll find a way to be transparent with others, even when it’s difficult.

When you have personal integrity, you’re also true to yourself and what you believe in.

You don’t let others influence you easily, and you stick to your ethical principles when it comes to what you want in life and the type of person you want to be.

How can you demonstrate personal integrity?

An easy way to demonstrate personal integrity is to make sure what you say aligns with what you do, especially when your actions are not being seen or monitored by others.

For instance, if you decide to make a commitment to a non-violent way of life, your display of strength will not include physical violence. Rather you would be focused on non-violent communication, peaceful solutions, and conflict resolution.

You can also show integrity in terms of being upfront about any potential mistakes you’ve made. Persons of integrity may act as a positive role-model and report if others are acting outside of agreements; a person of integrity will be mindful to hold others accountable to their standard of integrity, not casting judgment but by helping others live up to their personal standards. Keeping yourself and others honest is a strong contributor to having integrity. If you’re ever in doubt about how you can show integrity in a situation, just ask yourself what the right thing is to do. That’s your best way forward.

Someone will show a lack of integrity if they say that honesty is one of their values but they’re dishonest or don’t share the entire truth with others. If honesty is one of your moral principles, you’ll find a way to be transparent with others, even when it’s difficult.

Personal integrity is demonstrated by the way you live your life day in and day out.

Being consistent with your values and principles is the biggest way to show you have personal integrity and can be relied upon to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. When you live with personal integrity, you become a positive model for those around you. (To be concluded in next Tuesday’s publication).