How Important is Your Integrity? (1)
By Dr. Michael Brooks
I have a friend who makes promises that are not kept very often. I remember asking this person for a ride to an appointment. My car was in the shop and I called and explained that I needed help in getting to this appointment. Keep in mind that this is the first time I’ve asked this person for a favor. I had to leave at 8:00 AM to make an 8:30 appointment. I waited until 8:15 to call and see if they were on their way to get me, I got no answer from this person. I called at 8:20 still no answer. I called another friend down the road to see if he could get me to my appointment. He came right over and got me to my meeting albeit 20 minutes late. I called my friend later that afternoon and talked to him and asked why he didn’t show up. His excuse was that he had other commitments he forgot about and didn’t have time to call me. That my friends is what I call the lack of integrity. Would I call this person ever again? Not at all. If you tell someone you’re going to do something for them, DO IT. Keep your word. Don’t make promises that you don’t intend to keep.
My question to you, and believe me, I include myself in this question. Who are we when nobody is looking? Are we true to ourselves and others with our words and actions? That’s the kind of integrity I am talking about. We have to live within our own core values and be examples for others when we walk with integrity. My thought is this: Are your words dependable, can people count on you to follow through with what you tell them? Can you be trusted in your words and deeds? Let’s face it most of us have been let down by family member or friends. Yes, even some of our bosses have let us down. In a world of broken promises keep in mind that you’ll do your part to keep your integrity intact.
I can remember when I was 12 years old buying something at a sporting goods store. I paid at the checkout and gave the clerk my money and she handed me back my change. I didn’t even look at the amount she gave me. When I got home and looked at my money, she gave a $20.00 instead of a one-dollar bill. I looked at the $20-dollar bill in disbelief. I knew I couldn’t keep it, I knew what I had to do and headed back to the sporting goods store. After the clerk was done with her customer I went up to her and told her what happened. She was thrilled that a 12-year-old kid returned the money without a parent in tow. She asked for my phone number and called my parents that evening. She thanked them for raising an honest son.
• Keep in mind that people are watching you and want to trust in you. Be that person that walks with integrity
• If someone gives you too much cash back from a sale, return money immediately
• Teach your children about honesty and its rewards, a clean conscious about doing the right thing is key to living a victorious life.
• Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity.
• Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.
Next week we will continue “How important is your integrity.” If you have questions concerning the status of your integrity and want to know more on how to restore your integrity call Dr. Mike at 303.456.0555
Do you need help with being a person of integrity? Do you have a hard time keeping your word to family members? Is integrity an issue with you at home or in the workplace? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please give Dr. Mike a call today at 303.456.0555.
Dr. Michael Brooks is the founder of Applicable Counseling and Life Coaching Services. His services are affordable, accessible, anonymous and available by appointment from the privacy of your own home. To avoid travel time and the comfort of home, many clients prefer to meet with Dr. Mike over the phone 303.456.0555 or via Skype at drmike45. If you’re interested skyping with Dr. Mike send him an e-mail and let him know who you are and your skype name. You can also connect with Dr. Mike on Facebook with sending him a Facebook request at Michael Brooks and get his daily motivational tips and insights. The convenience of this type of coaching is the most effective means of Life counseling and life coaching. We come to you when you need us most.
Integrity is key to having a healthy relationship