Typically, when we use the word “Integrity,” it tends to be related to trust. “I trust her, because she has integrity,” or, “I wouldn’t work with him, he has no integrity.” And there’s some judgment in it.
For the purposes of what I’m saying this morning, I invite us all to leave the judgment out. Think of integrity as it would relate to the hull of a ship. If a ship’s frame has integrity, it keeps the water out and the ship can sail through the water smoothly and efficiently. If there are gaps in the hull, or a breakdown in its integrity, water is let in and the ship will slow down and might eventually even sink.
Ultimately integrity is a choice, and a habit, and it’s created through consistency.
But the real question for this morning is, “What does this have to do with our businesses?”
I’m sure everyone knows how it impacts business relationships. As mentioned earlier, it’s related to trust. And like all relationships, no trust no go. So yes, having integrity will affect with whom you can and will do business.
But let’s put relationship building aside. I want to mention a different piece of this.
I want you to consider that no matter where or how we are out of integrity, it can have a major impact. Every single place you are out of alignment with what you believe is good, or right, or simply how you want to be, there will be drag, and waste. Wasted resources. Wasted time, money, energy, opportunity.
But the opposite is also true — integrity has a directly proportional relationship to power, ease, and success. The more integrity, the more success. It is a place for us all to look, and to do the work that will provide almost certain results.
If you want to make an impact on your business — and really, across your entire life — the simplest and most effective thing you can do is to increase your level of integrity.
So your challenge — if you choose to accept it — is to make a list. There’s no such thing as too big or too small. It can all go on the list. Maybe you have debt, and that can be the financial kind or it could be the sleep or well being kind. Maybe you’re spreading yourself too thin. Or you double book yourself and then stress out while running around trying to make it work. Maybe you made a promise that you couldn’t keep. Whatever it is put it on the list. And to be clear the list is only for you. You don’t have to share it unless you want to. And it can be as long as a single item.
Every week, take one item off the list by doing the thing that brings it back into integrity.
You will be blown away by the newly gained energy that can be freed up and invested anywhere — especially in your goals and in your business.
Racing cars have spoilers. Swimmers shave and wear swim caps. We can make a list of what’s “sticking out,” and then cut it down.
It’s an awesome task to stand in front of a group of such powerful entrepreneurs, and to take shots at helping us go from good to great.
Mark my words — take on your integrity and you will advance towards the life and business of your dreams.
