In a world where honesty and moral principles often seem to be in short supply, individuals with true integrity stand out like beacons of light.
To have true integrity is to be a rare commodity in this life. When you’ve attained this level of existence, expect your life to change in big ways.
But we all have to start somewhere–-to begin developing your integrity, you should have an idea of the traits to aspire for.
This is where I come in. In this article, I’ll walk you through eleven key indicators that separate people with genuine integrity from everyone else. Let’s dive in!
1) Honesty
Here’s the thing: people with true integrity have a knack for embracing honesty in every aspect of their lives.
They know that at the end of the day, telling the truth is for the best. Whether it’s a small white lie or owning up to a fault, they don’t often hesitate to choose the path of truthfulness.
They understand that honesty is the foundation of trust and genuine relationships.
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t often shy away from speaking the truth, even when it’s not the easiest option, then you might just have true integrity.
2) Moral principles
People with genuine integrity have a rock-solid set of moral principles that they live by, no matter what challenges come their way.
They don’t need religious texts or to go to church to differentiate between right and wrong.
Instead, they have an innate sense of morality–something that can’t really be taught but can be developed over time.
So if you find yourself standing firm in your convictions, unswayed by peer pressure or shortcuts that compromise your values, then congratulations, you’re a step closer to true integrity.
3) Consistency
Do you know people who are always consistent regardless of circumstances? Well, chances are they possess a healthy dose of integrity.
These individuals don’t change their tune based on convenience or personal gain. Instead, they remain rock-solid in their actions and decisions, like a powerful anchor amidst the hostile waves.
Whether it’s in their relationships, work, or daily routines, they always bring a steady dose of reliability to the table.
You can count on always them to stick to their values and do what they say they’ll do.
If this sounds like you, then the people in your corner are lucky… genuine consistency is hard to come by.
4) Accountability
Real talk: people with true integrity don’t shy away from admitting their mistakes. This in itself is a pretty rare trait… to be wrong about something and own that? Integrity in a nutshell.
People with true integrity take responsibility for their shortcomings and use it as a stepping stone for personal growth.
I remember a time when I unintentionally made a mistake at work that resulted in significant consequences for a project.
The temptation to shift blame or hide behind excuses was strong, but I knew deep down that true integrity required me to take accountability.
Swallowing my pride, I approached my supervisor, admitted my error, and proposed a plan to rectify the situation.
It wasn’t an easy conversation, but the weight lifted off my shoulders was immense.
Embracing accountability not only helped me grow personally but also strengthened the trust and respect between my supervisor and me.
5) Empathy
When you can step into someone else’s shoes and truly understand how they feel, you’re practicing empathy–one of the hallmarks of true integrity.
People with integrity possess a genuine sense of empathy that goes beyond surface-level compassion. They have a built-in emotional radar, always tuned in to the needs and feelings of those around them.
They listen attentively, offer support without judgment, and genuinely care about the well-being of others, even strangers.
6) Courage
Do you fearlessly stand up for what you believe in, even if it means swimming against the current? If you answered affirmatively, then I’ll take a wild guess and say you have a high level of integrity.
People with integrity tend to be pretty courageous, ready to voice their opinions and advocate for the injustices they see in society.
They have a fire burning within that fuels their convictions and emboldens them to take a stand–a mindset and energy that is contagious to those they come across.
7) Humility
Sadly, many people let their achievements get to their heads, which manifests in some pretty boastful behaviors. The person with genuine integrity, however, is perpetually down-to-earth and true to themselves.
They never let a few awards change who they are as a person.
Instead, they remain humble and grounded. They recognize that there’s always no sense in being arrogant or conceited since everyone is on their own unique journey. In this sense, they live and breathe humility.
In my past life, I used to have a corporate, commission-based job. I received an award for my work, recognizing my accomplishments for the year. I was tasked to recite my acceptance speech in front of the entire company.
I won’t lie, it was a moment of pride and validation. However, as I stood on that stage, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of humility.
I knew that my success wasn’t solely my own doing. It was the result of the support, guidance, and collaboration of my team.
So when accepting the award, I made sure to acknowledge and express gratitude for their contributions. I guess you could call it a truly humbling experience.
8) Trustworthiness
When you’re trustworthy, you’re in a good place.
The people in your life can confide in you knowing that you will keep their word and honor their commitments.
Your actions match your words, and you have developed a reputation for being trustworthy and reliable among those who matter to you in life.
Whether it’s family, your romantic partner, or co-workers, people can rely on you to have their back during the good times and bad.
9) Respect for others
I’ve always noticed that people with integrity seem to treat everyone with kindness and fairness, regardless of their differences.
They maintain genuine respect for others, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of each and every individual.
They don’t discriminate or judge based on superficial factors like money, race, or social standing.
Instead, they work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
They embrace diversity and understand that having differences enriches the world far more than takes away from it.
10) Authenticity
If you are unapologetically yourself no matter what the situation, then I got news for you: you have true integrity.
You don’t pretend to be someone you’re not or put on a facade to please others.
Instead, you embrace your true self, flaws, and all. You’re comfortable in your own skin and proud of it.
Your genuine authenticity allows you to form deep connections with others and create bonds where honesty, credibility, and individuality can flourish.
Frankly, I find authenticity to be a particularly admirable trait in a world rampant with fakeness.
11) Self-discipline
Last but not definitely not least is self-discipline. A person with true integrity tends to have an impressive level of self-control and focus.
They have the strength to resist temptation, stay committed to their principles, and make deliberate choices that align with their values.
They don’t often allow distractions or short-term gratification to derail their progress. They constantly stay focused on what truly matters and take regular steps toward their achieving their goals.
So, if you’re the kind of person who can keep their eye on the prize and stick to their principles, hats off to you!
How to cultivate integrity
If you feel there is still room for growth in terms of developing integrity, don’t worry. Everyone moves at their own pace. As long as you’re taking steps to move forward, you’ll be fine. Here are some initial steps you can take to grow your integrity:
- Reflect on your values: Take time to clarify your core values and principles. Identify what matters most to you and what you stand for. This self-reflection will help you align your actions with your beliefs.
- Be mindful: Cultivate awareness of your actions and their impact on yourself and others. Pay close attention to how your choices align with your values. Practice self-monitoring and make conscious decisions that are in line with your principles.
- Practice honesty: Be truthful and transparent in your interactions. Avoid deceit, lies, or exaggerations. Honesty builds trust and credibility–key features of integrity.
- Take responsibility: Accept accountability for your actions and decisions. Acknowledge and learn from your mistakes rather than deflecting blame. Taking responsibility shows integrity and a willingness to grow and improve.
- Stay consistent: Strive for consistency between your words and actions. Align your behavior with your values consistently, even in tough situations. Integrity is about being reliable and predictable, so aim to demonstrate integrity consistently in all aspects of your life.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, individuals with true integrity possess a set of qualities that make them extraordinary. They understand that integrity isn’t a fleeting virtue; it’s a way of life.
Their actions speak volumes, earning them the trust and admiration of those around them. In a society where integrity can sometimes feel like it’s lacking, people with integrity shine brightly.
If you can relate to all this, then you’re on your way to great things. If you’re still on your way there, I assure you… It’s never too late for positive change.