October 7, 2013: Integrity

The word for the day is integrity. It has come up several times today; in my words, on my mind and in a motivational e-mail I received. Thus I have proclaimed it the word for the day. The exert below is from my friend's daily post:

"The definition of integrity - Your words and your life should match up. What we do in the dark comes into the light. We need to be the same person no matter where you are.There aren't a lot of people that fit that definition, at least not 100% of the time. But it is so important. People are always watching. They notice when our actions do not align with our words. It is not missed. We have to make sure we are people of integrity all the time.  You have to earn a title. People will respect you if you are consistent and honest."

Not only do we need to carry ourselves in this manner, but we should expect the same of those who circle around us. It's easy to say we only work with people of integrity; in our jobs and with those we do business. But far too often it's just as easy to look the other way. Too easy to make excuses for them; "just a temporary lapse of judgment" "she has a lot going on in her life"

Go back to the definition. It is pretty cut and dry. To err is human. But to own it, acknowledge it, and then strive for honesty in action is admirable.

I was recently asked which leader I most admire, past or present. Although I felt compelled to name a powerful CEO like Steve Jobs or President like JFK; that wasn't my pick. My favored leader is Mother Teresa. She was the pinnacle of integrity, honesty, and leading people by lifting them up. Her work brought out the best in all who followed her or worked by her side; a true servant leader.

This is a lot of blah, blah, blah for a Monday. Which begs the question, am I getting soft in my old age? No, I don't think so. Just a heck of a lot smarter.

(Lastly, if all goes well, the word tomorrow will be resilience. More to come on that:))

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"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile."

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.