With integrity, you have nothing to fear since you have nothing to hide. With integrity, you will do the right thing, so you will have no guilt – Zig Ziglar
What’s Your Wake Like?
In his classic best-seller, Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Reality, Dr. Henry Cloud uses the examples of a ship’s wake to describe the effect of integrity. You can tell plenty about a ship from its wake as it moves through the water. Its speed and course are two of those aspects. We all leave a wake as we move through life. The effect of our lives on the people we interact with can be described as our wake. What does your level of integrity communicate to the people around you? Has your wake left people better or worse?
Immeasurable Value
Integrity means wholeness of character. Honesty, truth, transparency, and incorruptibility are critical in shaping our character and guiding our actions. Integrity leads to the effectiveness and courage we need to meet the demands of life when required. A person with integrity is trustworthy, reliable, and accurate to themselves and others, even in challenging situations.
The importance of integrity is multifaceted. Firstly, it is crucial for building trust. When individuals perceive us as honest and reliable, they are likelier to believe our words and count on us. This trust is essential in all aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. It allows us to establish meaningful connections and foster solid collaborative environments.
Secondly, integrity plays a vital role in helping us make sound decisions. When faced with dilemmas or difficult choices, our integrity acts as an internal compass, guiding us toward the right path. It empowers us to align our actions with our values, ensuring that we remain true to ourselves and our principles, even when compromising is easier.
Furthermore, integrity contributes to our sense of self-respect and personal fulfillment. When we live by our values and ethical standards, we develop a profound sense of self-worth. We are authentic and genuine.
Lastly, integrity is indispensable for creating a better society. People are more willing to work together, share resources, and resolve conflicts peacefully when they know they can rely on each other’s honesty and commitment to walk with integrity.
Final Thought: Integrity is fundamental for building trust, making quality decisions, cultivating self-respect, and creating a better world. By living with integrity, we strengthen our character and contribute to humanity’s well-being and progress. Watch your wake and live with integrity.
Keep on keeping on.