People of character and integrity are true to themselves, even if that goes against the mainstream. Think of people like Ghandi, Mother Theresa, Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, Stephen Fry, Robin Williams, John Denver, Bette Midler – all very different people with very clear and strong characters. Your character distinguishes you from others – today people say you create your own personal brand by becoming known for certain qualities, characteristics, strengths or talents. What would you like to become known for? You humor? Good-heartedness? Strength? Courage? Musical talent? Designs? Art? Cleverness? Ideas? Creativity? Generosity?
To develop your integrity quickly it helps to start by simplifying your life. Go back to Week 9 and review the Top Ten Ways to Simplify Your Life. Pick three more things you can do to simplify your life and start making those changes this week. If you’ve already done all ten, excellent work! You can think of new things you can do to simplify your life or move on to part two of the homework below.
Homework:
Simplification Steps:
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Good! Now ask yourself, “Where am I not living with integrity? Integrity is being true to yourself in the highest sense. Doing what you know to be right and honorable. Hint: If you are doing anything harmful or detrimental to yourself you aren’t living with integrity, e.g., overeating, gambling to excess, overspending, carrying excessive debt, stressing out, rushing, over-using caffeine or adrenaline to get the job done, showing up late consistently, lying to yourself or others, not living or working in alignment with your core values, over-committing yourself, too many projects, unfulfilled personal and emotional needs, etc.
What 3 to 5 things can you do to restore integrity?
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Ten Minute Option:
Use your online journal to jot down the answers to the above questions. You can start simplifying next week or as time allows. Restoring integrity doesn’t necessarily take any time so pick one thing you can get started with this week.
Enjoy!
Talane
