Your integrity is what determines your reputation, and, just as this proverb states, all it can take is a single bad choice to destroy a lifetime’s worth of integrity.

So, how can you work on developing and preserving your own integrity?

Step 1: Define Your Values

You can’t live by values if you don’t know what you truly believe in. So, start by clearly outlining your core values. These are the values that, no matter what the consequence, you’re not going to compromise on.

Step 2: Analyze Every Choice You Make

Often, people cut corners or make bad choices when they think no one is watching.

Having integrity means that, no matter what, you make the right choice – especially when no one is watching!

You’ll usually know what’s right and wrong, although sometimes you might need some quiet time to figure it out. If you’re not sure what the right choice is, ask yourself these two questions:

1. If my choice was printed on the front page of the newspaper for everyone to see, would I feel OK about it?

2. If I make this choice, will I feel OK with myself afterward?

Remember, honesty and integrity aren’t values that you should live by when it’s convenient; they’re values that you should live by all the time. This includes the big choices and the little choices – the choices everyone sees, and the choices that no one sees.

Step 3: Encourage Integrity

People with integrity often have the same characteristics: they’re humble, they have a strong sense of self, they have high self-esteem, and they’re self-confident. These characteristics are important, because, sometimes, you’ll be under intense pressure from others to make the wrong choice.

Work on building and improving these characteristics within yourself, so that you have the strength and courage to do the right thing when the time comes. Build your self- confidence and self-esteem. Spend time getting to know yourself, and what you believe in. Develop friendships and work relationships with others who demonstrate integrity, and who will support your decisions.

Other Considerations:

• Learn how to be assertive, so that you can defend an ethical position maturely.
• Avoid white lies. They may seem harmless, but tiny lies are still lies. Always tell the truth.
• Learn to take responsibility for your actions. If you make a mistake, own up to it immediately and do whatever it takes to correct the situation.
• Keep your word, and don’t make promises that you know you can’t keep.
• Keep in mind that in times of fear, disaster and chaos, the temptation is even greater to make a wrong choice. Use these opportunities to demonstrate your true character.

“Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.” – W. Clement Stone