How to Strengthen One's Integrity
- 1). Develop your personal code of morals and ethics. Religions offer well defined morals and ethics with texts you can study and religious leaders you can turn to for advice. This is why many people simply adopt their personal codes from their religions. However, many people like to consider the moral issues of life for themselves and define their own beliefs. People in search of a moral code can find resources in self-help books, works of philosophy, personal gurus, life coaches and academic lectures on various topics in the humanities and theology. Integrity doesn't require a particular source of morality; however, you need to have a set of moral principles to which you subscribe, since integrity entails adherence to such principles.
- 2). Do the right thing every time. This admittedly generic and platitudinous statement can be very difficult to live out. Various situations in life make everyone question how to behave ethically. Sometimes people don't like any of their choices. When your interests collide with other people's interests, it can be difficult to behave according to your standards. Integrity is a commitment to wrestling with the issues and, in some cases, choosing something against your personal interests because it meshes with your values.
- 3). Respect others, even when you don't agree with or like them. Although personal codes vary, most systems of belief and personal codes include a concept of extending respect to other people and beings. Emotions can make it difficult to uphold standards of respect. However, giving respect usually elicits it from others.
- 4). Be honest. Most people's personal codes and certainly most major religions regard honesty as a premium virtue. Maintaining honesty even when it's painful or unbeneficial is a test of integrity. Often, this means taking a risk, as honestly can bring undesirable consequences.
- 5). Hold yourself accountable. Before you make a decision, question yourself about whether it meshes with your personal beliefs. If you took an action that doesn't sit right with you or that you can identify in hindsight as being at odds with your personal code, ask yourself why you made the choices you did. Try to correct mistakes when possible. Learn from the lessons your blunders provide, and don't let moments when you falter discourage you from maintaining your standards; use them as opportunities to learn how to do better in the future.
- 6). Admit mistakes. Everyone makes them, including people with impeccable integrity. Admitting errors is part of being honest and transparent with others. Acknowledging fallibility and culpability often earns respect.
