Discovering the Best Version of Yourself Through Integrity
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Integrity
When my daughter turned six, we adorned her room with posters highlighting key values we wished to instill in her: Justice, Honesty, Respect, Love, and Gratitude. However, the principle we emphasize the most is integrity. The message on the poster reads: "INTEGRITY, do the right thing even when no one is watching."
Children tend to behave appropriately when they know their parents are watching, but we aspire to teach her to think independently and follow through on her commitments. We want her to act rightly out of self-respect and love rather than the fear of punishment. It's a gradual journey.
Lately, I've been reflecting on how the concept of self-integrity can significantly influence our success. Without integrity, it's likely you're not where you wish to be. While external circumstances can affect outcomes, those who consistently do the right thing, even in solitude, are the ones who achieve their goals.
In today's world, it's easy to present a polished image on social media. But what occurs behind the scenes? Each of us has a better version of ourselves waiting to emerge, but this can only happen by honoring the commitments we make to ourselves. Every time you make that sales call, read a book, or engage in exercise, you're casting a vote for the person you aspire to be.
When you fail to keep promises to yourself, you're signaling to your subconscious that you don't deserve what you claim to desire. It may be painful to acknowledge, but it's a conversation I've had with myself recently. We must love ourselves enough to strive for the better version of who we can be.
The first video titled "You Deserve Better (Self Worth)" explores the critical relationship between self-worth and personal integrity. It emphasizes that recognizing your intrinsic value is the first step toward self-improvement.
Section 1.1: Asking the Right Questions
How can we enhance our integrity to reveal the best version of ourselves? It may start with asking the right questions to inspire daily action. Why do you do what you do? Often, we set arbitrary goals based on external influences. Influencers promote the need for passive income, while entrepreneurs motivate us to earn six figures, pushing us towards societal benchmarks like homeownership or luxury cars instead of seeking flexibility, peace, and freedom.
We've been conditioned to believe that pursuing passions like art, writing, or gaming won't be financially viable, but these are the activities we would engage in daily if given the choice. What drives you? How do those motivations resonate when you articulate or write them down?
If our pursuits don’t align with our true desires, the journey to achieve them will feel misaligned, leading us to procrastinate or defer action. Knowing what you want and why makes it easier to commit to your goals.
Section 1.2: Overcoming Distractions
What stands between you and your integrity? We live in a distraction-filled world. It's often simpler to be sidetracked than to pursue our true interests. Food, social media, negativity, and entertainment can divert us from our objectives.
We might opt to binge-watch another episode rather than dedicate time to our projects, or indulge in sweets after a workout. The dopamine highs from these distractions can be substituted with the satisfaction derived from working towards our aspirations.
So, what barriers hinder your progress? How can you eliminate or adapt your environment to minimize these distractions?
Chapter 2: Building Integrity Gradually
Integrity is like a muscle that requires consistent development. Just like you shouldn't start lifting heavy weights without building up your strength, you shouldn’t strive for monumental achievements before mastering the basics.
Years ago, I struggled with bench pressing. I spent months perfecting my form with just the barbell before eventually reaching a one-rep max of 225 lbs. If you find it challenging to keep your commitments, start with the basics. Small actions, like making your bed or spending an hour with your children, can help you build an identity centered on being organized or family-oriented. Consistently showing up for minor tasks fosters the confidence needed for larger commitments.
Section 2.1: Seeking Support
Honesty is fundamental to integrity. Before taking action, we must evaluate our past and be truthful with ourselves. Sometimes, we simply don't know how to proceed.
Training, coaching, and accountability partners can address this gap. Just as a child may need guidance until they gain independence, you might also benefit from external support.
Section 2.2: Uncovering Your Best Self
Regardless of your current situation, a better version of yourself exists. We are complex individuals, and revealing our true selves involves consistently following through on our commitments. This process is facilitated by clarifying your 'Why,' stacking good habits, and exercising patience. Over time, you will meet the person you aspire to be.
The second video, "Are you representing the best version of yourself?" delves into the importance of self-representation and personal growth, encouraging viewers to align their actions with their true selves.
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