by Lisa McGee

Created on: September 05, 2008

Integrity is a very subjective trait. One's sense of what is right is based on many things, cultural norms, family values, life experience. I don't think there is one universal definition and therefore no one way to measure it. I do think one that there are some universal examples of integrity that could be used as models, for a person trying to improve their own behavior.

Recently, a new catch phrase has popped up, "What would Jesus do?" I think for a person of Christian faith, this might be one way to measure their own behavior, using Jesus as an example of near perfect integrity. People of other faiths might choose to use their own symbol of integrity, Buddha, Mohammad, Yahweh.

For the less religious leaning, there are people that you could try to emulate. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Mother Theresa are a few names that readily spring to mind, but again, this is subjective. For the individual looking to improve their sense of integrity the symbol used to measure against is specific to that person. Who inspires you?

My personal belief is that integrity is the willingness to do what is right, even if it isn't what will make you happiest. Looking at a situation and trying to determine the "right" thing to do. I don't measure my decisions against what Jesus, or anyone else would do, I rely on a nagging little voice in my head that won't shut up if I try to get away with something.

What is that voice? I don't know. It could be guilt, or the voice of past experience reminding me the easy way is rarely the best way. What ever it is, it works. As I age, I try to become more patient and take the time ponder a problem before making a decision or opening my mouth. I am not always successful, especially about keeping my mouth shut!

Learning to have more integrity can be as simple as striving to be just a bit better than the person we are today. Take a breathe before responding, asking for time to think over a decision, allowing someone else to give you their opinion or advice.

I think to develop a deeper sense of integrity, one needs to both spend time alone in your own head. Figure out what is important to you. Develop your inner voice by piping down and taking a listen.

Most importantly, keep in mind that no one is perfect or will make the correct choices every time. Jesus had his moment of weakness, Mother Theresa had doubts, Martin Luther King Jr. stumbled. Beating yourself up over a poor choice does not lead to improvement. Being honest about a mistake, and trying to learn from it does.

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