Showing vs Shouting
It has been said that who we are determines what we see.
That is a powerful statement.
Think about it, how we view life is determined first and foremost by who we are on the inside. That means that character and integrity affect how we view the world around us.
Character is essentially who we are and what we do when no one else is around. Anyone can put on a good show. People of great character display consistency and discipline when they are center stage and behind the curtain. They consider a disciplined lifestyle to be a way of life…not just a way to function on a team.
Integrity is a congruence that exists between our words and actions. They are consistent in how they approach commitments to others. No commitment is too large or small for someone with integrity. Think of developing it like managing a bank account. In that account we regularly make both deposits and withdrawals. The health of that bank account is determined by the amount of money in it. In our personal integrity accounts, commitments are like money. A healthy account has more deposits of kept commitments than withdrawals.
Isn’t it amazing? It actually feels good and right to keep our commitments.
People with a healthy personal “integrity” account feel better and enjoy their experiences more. Why? Because…
Who we are determines what we see!
People with high levels of integrity and character see the good in situations. They literally see the world differently. And the result?
They are high-class citizens. They are the kind of people we all admire.
One thing about class…if you have it, it SHOWS. If you don’t…it SHOUTS!
People with class don’t have to let you know…you can just tell by the way they live their lives. People that “say what they do and do what they say” consistently both in private and public…well…those are true winners! They are what we would all consider a class act.
How do you see things in your life?
How would someone characterize the health of your “integrity” account?
How consistent are you between what you say and what you do?
Challenging thoughts indeed.
Until next time, my friends!