We all fall off the personal integrity wagon now and then. But every day is a new opportunity to discover the better person within you. So try raising the bar on yourself and see what happens!

Integrity is such a sticky issue. There are no hard and fast measures for it. We all think we know what integrity is, but it actually means something different for every one of us. A simple trip down the freeway shows that some drivers are comfortable with moving straight to the front of the line and others choose to wait their turn. Sometimes it means different things in different situations. It may feel okay to tell a white lie to your boss (ever call in sick when you're not?) but not to your kids. One person may be cut-throat in business but generous at home.

We often think that our integrity is an integral, unchangeable part of us. While many of our core values are created during our formative years, how we reflect those values through integrity-based actions can change dramatically. If you hang out long enough with people who gossip and complain, you will do the same. On the flip side, spend time with people who give back to their community and you will find yourself giving right along with them. Assuming that your inner circle of friends and business associates affect and reflect your own level of integrity, what do you see in them? Do they raise your integrity bar or lower it? How do you influence the integrity of those around you?

A key component to raising your integrity is making a conscious effort to decide where you want it to be. Consider areas of your life where your daily actions may not align with your inner values. Do you value friends and family but spend little quality time with them? Do you value honesty but find yourself telling white lies to make things easier? Perhaps you know deep inside what your life's mission is but haven't taken any steps towards it. Where in the name of business and personal success do you fall short of your own expectations of yourself

As you make a conscious decision for intentional integrity, beware the pitfall of competitive personal growth. Integrity is not an Olympic sport and there are no medals waiting to be given out. You may feel a satisfying "holier than thou" moment when comparing your actions to others, but know that there is always someone further along the integrity path than you! Judging others for their integrity choices is very different from accepting them as they are and making different choices for yourself. THAT is being in integrity!

Tips for intentional integrity:

First, bring your values to top of mind

• Stop and think about what you really value. Can you write down your top 5?
• What percentage of your daily life is spent in support of these values? Which values aren't getting much attention on a regular basis?
• Are you currently involved in any actions that are in direct conflict with your values?

Second, build in actions that will take your integrity up a notch

• Pick one of your neglected values and build 2 actions into your schedule that give this value some direct attention. For example, if you value time spent outdoors, schedule regular walks in the park or plan a long weekend camping with the family.
• Identify one thing you do that is in conflict with, or doesn't positively support, a key value. Do you value authenticity but find yourself acting like someone you're not in certain situations? Create a new personal integrity "rule" for yourself and practice it regularly. "I will not pretend that I know more than I do when I'm with my co-workers".

Third, be a positive integrity role model, not a judge and jury, for others

• Ask others to hold you accountable for raising the bar on your actions. Allow them to support you, cheer you on, and comfort you when you slip. Surround yourself with people who's personal choices mirror your own or challenge you to new heights.
• Be aware of your judgments of others. Good people can make bad choices. We rarely know the whole story behind any situation. Think of your worst integrity boo-boo and ask yourself how the judgment and support of others played a part. What is your intentional integrity around judgment of others?

High personal integrity is a path, not a destination. Every step, every day makes a difference!

Resources

Raise the bar for integrity in your own company. Read The Integrity Based business from Fast Company.

Discover your highest values with this simple, but effective tool.