We all love a good person, don’t we? Someone who does the right thing even when no one else is looking.
That’s what we call integrity.
It’s more than just being honest when it suits you or being nice when people are watching. It’s about doing what’s right, every time, no matter what.
Those who do this might not always get the cheers and claps, but they’re the real heroes making our world a better place.
So, have you ever wondered what these fantastic people with true integrity do that sets them apart?
Well, you’re in luck! I’ve got a list of the top 11 things they always do, whether they’re in a crowd or all alone.
1. They Stand Up For What’s Right
People with true integrity are like captains sailing against the storm—they stand firm, even when it’s easier to go with the flow.
They have a strong sense of right and wrong, and they’re not afraid to voice out their opinions, even if it goes against popular belief.
You won’t catch them sitting on the sidelines when there’s an injustice happening.
Nope, they’ll be the first ones to step in and say, “Hey, that’s not cool!”.
And guess what? They do this even when nobody’s around to pat them on the back or give them a thumbs up.
Because for them, doing what’s right isn’t about scoring brownie points—it’s about being true to themselves.
2. They Keep Their Promises
Ever met someone who says one thing and does another?
Well, that’s not a person with true integrity. If they say they’re going to do something, they do it—no ifs, ands, or buts about it.
They understand the value of their word and the trust that others place in it.
Even when circumstances change or when keeping their promise becomes inconvenient, they stick to their commitment.
It’s not about convenience, but about being reliable and trustworthy, even when no one is around to notice.
This reliability forms the backbone of their character, giving others a reason to trust them wholeheartedly.
3. They Own Up to Their Mistakes
Integrity isn’t about being perfect; it’s about owning up to your errors when you mess up.
And trust me, we all mess up from time to time—I know I do.
Just the other day, I accidentally deleted an important document at work. It would’ve been easy to blame the glitchy system or pretend it wasn’t my fault. But that’s not what people with true integrity do.
I walked up to my boss, explained what happened, and apologized for the mistake.
I then spent hours of my own time trying to recover the file and when that didn’t work, I redid the entire thing.
It wasn’t fun, but owning up to my mistake and taking responsibility was the right thing to do.
That’s what people with real integrity do—they take responsibility for their actions, even if they could easily avoid it or when no one would notice otherwise.
4. They Respect Others
People with true integrity have a deep-seated respect for others, no matter who they are or where they come from.
They value other people’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences, acknowledging that everyone’s perspective is unique.
When they talk to someone, whether it’s the boss at work or the person who cleans the floors, they show the same amount of kindness and respect.
They don’t change how they act just because of who they are talking to or because someone is watching them.
They are consistently nice and respectful to everyone, all the time.
Imagine if everyone acted this way—how much happier and nicer our communities would be!
So, people with true integrity don’t just make their own lives better; they make the whole world better, too, just by treating everyone with the respect they deserve.
5. They Show Empathy
People with true integrity have hearts that beat not just for themselves, but for others too.
They understand that everyone is fighting their own battles and they don’t dismiss or belittle someone else’s struggles.
Instead, they empathize. They lend a listening ear, a comforting word, or a helping hand when they can.
There’s this beautiful quote by Philo of Alexandria that goes, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
People with true integrity live by this maxim. They make the world a little softer, a little kinder for those around them.
Even when no one’s watching, their empathy shines through, like a gentle light guiding those lost in the dark.
Because for them, kindness and understanding aren’t about gaining praise or recognition—it comes from a place deep within their hearts.
6. They Are Consistent
True integrity is about being the same person, no matter who’s watching or where you are. F
or instance, I strive to be as consistent as possible in all areas of my life. That means being as polite to the waiter at a restaurant as I am to my friends and family.
It means working hard on a task, whether it’s a high-profile project or a mundane chore no one wants to do.
I remember one time, I was tasked with organizing old files at work – not exactly an exciting job, but it needed to be done.
And even though no one would’ve noticed if I slacked off, I didn’t. I put in my best effort and organized those files as if the future of the company depended on it.
Why? Because that’s what people with real integrity do.
They’re consistent in their actions, their values, and their principles, regardless of where they are or who’s watching.
It’s about maintaining your standards, even when it’s just you who is holding yourself accountable.
7. They’re Not Afraid to Admit They Don’t Know
No one knows it all. We’re all just figuring things out as we go along. Some people, however, find it hard to admit that they don’t have all the answers.
But not those with true integrity. They’re not about putting on a show or pretending to be something they’re not.
If they don’t know something, they’ll straight up say, “I don’t know.”
And you know what? There’s strength in that honesty. It takes guts to admit you don’t have all the answers in a world that expects you to have it all figured out.
But that’s what sets people with true integrity apart—they value truth over appearance, even when no one’s there to applaud their honesty.
8. They Value Time
Time is one of the most precious resources we have.
Once it’s gone, there’s no getting it back. People with true integrity understand this, and they respect not just their own time, but others’ time as well.
People with true integrity aren’t time-wasters. They show up when they say they will, they meet their deadlines, and they don’t keep people waiting.
They make the most of their time and others’, whether someone is watching or not.
Because for them, respecting time means respecting people.
9. They Are Humble
Humility is a hallmark of people with true integrity. They’re not about showboating or making everything about them. Instead, they recognize and appreciate the efforts of others.
They’re the kind of people who’d step back and let someone else take the credit when it’s due.
I’ve always tried to live by this principle myself. I remember working on a team project where I had put in a lot of effort behind the scenes.
When the project was successful, my colleagues were quick to pass on the credit to me.
But, I knew that it wasn’t just my win. It was the result of our collective effort. So, I made sure to acknowledge everyone’s contribution.
People with true integrity don’t need the spotlight to feel validated. Their satisfaction comes from the work they do and the way they live their lives, not from applause or accolades.
They remain humble, even when no one’s watching, because they understand that every person plays a crucial role in the story of life.
10. They Don’t Take the Easy Way Out
Life is full of shortcuts and easy exits, but people with true integrity don’t take the bait.
They stick to the path they know is right, even if it’s littered with obstacles and challenges.
They’re not looking for the quick fix or the easy win. They’re in it for the long haul, committed to doing things right rather than doing them fast or easy.
It’s not always fun. It’s not always convenient. But they don’t care about that. They care about staying true to their values, even when no one is around to see them sweat or struggle.
11. They Don’t Shy Away from Difficult Conversations
Confrontation isn’t fun. It’s uncomfortable and sometimes downright scary. But people with true integrity don’t shy away from it.
If something needs to be said or addressed, they’ll do it—even if their voice shakes.
They understand that difficult conversations are a part of life—a part of maintaining healthy relationships and standing up for what’s right.
They won’t sweep issues under the rug just because it’s easier. They face them head-on, regardless of who’s watching or not.
Remember, integrity isn’t about being perfect or always popular. It’s about being real, being humble, and standing firm in your principles when it would be so easy to compromise them.
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