Principles of Success: Day 9 (INTEGRITY) yay! · Inspired Life, Empowered Being

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18d (edited) • $/Generativity(life's calling)

Principles of Success: Day 9 (INTEGRITY) yay!

In the past few days we spoke about the first 8 principles of success as described in "The Rhythm of Life" by Matthew Kelly (more here : day-1-purpose; day-2-priorities; day-3-balance; day-4-discipline; day-5-growth;-day-6-faith; -day-7-relationships; day-8-generosity)Today we delve into the ninth principle: Generosity

(Just a small but important note, the term success here can be applied to many areas of life, and ultimately, it's really just about intentionally becoming the best version of yourself.)

PRINCIPLE 9: INTEGRITY

“Integrity is the alignment of values and behavior.”

Integrity is when our inner values, outer actions, and private choices move in the same direction-it contributes to a sense of wholeness ratherr than disintegration. When we live divided it creates an inner tension/conflict and we use A LOT of energy managing tension, justification, and shame. The war inside.

Research on cognitive dissonance shows that inconsistency erodes clarity and self-trust. And, interestingly enough, over time, small compromises don’t just change behavior, they reshape identity.

When stress increases, integrity is often one of the things we negotiate away. But success that requires us to abandon our values eventually costs more than it gives. That inner erosion costs our peace.

We are often upset with others when their actions don't match their words, but how honest are we with ourselves? Integrity doesn't usually collapse in some dramatic moment, it starts off/builds up with small moments but just like a small amount of water can erode solid ground, so can lack of integrity erode self respect, trust, confidence, stability, credibility.

Integrity simplifies life-we don't have to remember who we pretend to be, we don't have to deal with rationalization and image management.We stop telling ourselves stories to stay comfortable. Operating from a place of integrity is refusing to outsource our concscience to convenience or approval..The inner life becomes clean and clear of excuses and we are at peace because we are aligned.

POLL: Where Is integrity most tested for you right now?

REFLECTION QUESTION: The value that I most want to embody is___ and this is how I'll align my actions with it:

Where I feel most out of alignment is ________.

ACTION:

-Pause before decisions and ask: Does this reflect who I want to be?

CHALLENGE:

Correct one small compromise you’ve been avoiding.

Under pressure or stress

in relationships or conflict (possibly fearing disconnection or rejection or loss)

Around ambition, success, or recognition

In private choices no one sees

When integrity feels inconvenient/hard