Integrity: Intention Or Action?

All of us INTEND to have integrity.

All of us INTEND to have integrity.

When you ask anyone, "Do you have integrity?" they all say and feel that they do. Don't you? Integrity is key to character; we all want to have integrity. We all want to have character. But we all know of people and situations where their integrity doesn't match their intention.

* The grocery store shopper who knows he or she has 22 items and still goes through the express checkout.

* The parent who lies about a child's age to buy a reduced priced ticket.

* The business person who believes he is honest yet tweaks the books to enhance his company's position

The difference between wanting to have integrity and having integrity is action. Your actions are your character. This is what people see. This is what children learn. This is what employers value. Your actions validate your integrity.

Why do so many peoples' intentions and actions differ? There are probably as many answers as there are people. It may have to do with our fast paced society, economics pressures, disdain for "the rules," whether or not they think they'll be caught, personal exemption or just laziness. Regardless, we witness these mismatches of integrity and intention almost daily.

To have integrity, your words, beliefs about yourself and your actions must match.

If you believe that you are honest, then be honest. If you believe that you are law abiding, then be law abiding If you believe that you are trustworthy, then be trustworthy.

Your actions will document your integrity.

* Don't use the handicapped space when you are not handicapped.

* Be loyal to your spouse in thought word and deed.

* Keep a confidence.

Be who you want to be, don't just think who you want to be.. And sometimes only you know whether you've violated your intentions. It doesn't matter who is watching; it matters that you know. It matters that your actions match your intentions.

Congruity is another way to describe this. What you think, what you say, what you do, and who you are work best when they are all aligned. When they are not, not only will those around you be confused, but the incongruity can create your own internal stress. The easiest, most effective route is congruity...

So, Don't "intend to," the next time. Live your intentions. Every day. This is what will differentiate you from others. This is what will set you apart.

by: Marsha Egan

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