Why Integrity Is Non-Negotiable in a World Constantly Seeking Shortcuts (And How You Can Build It Today)

Decisions matter. But crucial decisions have a disproportionate effect on your needs, purpose, or desires. These high-stakes choices are rarely easy. The stakes rise, emotions run high, and tension builds as obstacles mount and viable options dwindle. Suddenly, a tempting shortcut appears, saving time, resources, and pain. But it bends or breaks the rules.

Do you carefully examine the scale of right and wrong as an ethical or moral judge?

Do you give in to temptation and guarantee the result you desire, hiding what you've done?

Are you okay with bending the rules and openly protesting the validity of the rules?

Or do you avoid temptation and follow the rules, even if following the rules causes a setback?

This predicament describes the essence of integrity.

What is Integrity?

Integrity is a deeply held value that underpins who we are—the sum of our thoughts, beliefs, decisions, and actions thus far. It serves as an internal compass pointing us towards honesty, consistency, and moral courage... even when no one is watching. It defines a standard of living. Each time integrity is upheld or discarded, it further exposes and refines the detail of our character.

Why Integrity Matters

If honesty, consistency, and moral courage are important traits for our character compass, then what might their opposites be? Deceit, inconsistency, and corruption. Choosing traits to live by permeates other aspects of life that can have a disproportionate effect on our needs, purpose, or desires. All choices have the potential to leave an indelible mark on us.

Don't believe me? Check out the Gallup polls on Moral Issues from 2025. Only 17% surveyed thought the state of moral values in the United States was good, and 66% thought that the moral values as a country were worsening.

Trust. Saying one thing and doing another is corrosive. Trustworthiness stems from credibility (experience and education), reliability (honesty and consistency), and the ability to relate with others (listen and connect). How do deceit, inconsistency, and corruption impact credibility, reliability, and relatability?

Consistency. Consistency is a key subcomponent of trust that shapes our character. We earn trust through deeds, both positive and negative. Trust and expectations of our future choices are foreshadowed by the choices we have made. What does our character consistently show? How do our morals, beliefs, decisions, and actions manifest as we make tough choices?

Ethics. Ignoring integrity invites future deceit, inconsistency, and corruption (even if unintended). Ethics are sustainable core principles that govern behavior or conduct for individuals, groups, or professions. Unethical behavior, by contrast, is unsustainable. Will your decisions create a sustainable future for ethical behavior or conduct? Or must you act unethically to maintain an image?

Morale. The combination of trust, consistency, and ethical behavior or conduct either builds or destroys morale for individuals and groups alike. Morale—high or low—is inevitably projected outward and helps others see our character clearly. So, how is your morale being projected? Do you radiate positivity and optimism as you make tough choices grounded in integrity? Or are you discouraged or indifferent—desensitized from making poor choices for "guaranteed" wins?

Resilience. Integrity enhances a person's capacity to cope with failure. By making the right choices, even if temporary failure or defeat results, more options are revealed that weren't previously known. Integrity increases flexibility and adaptability; discarding it increases rigidity and fragility. Is your ability to bounce back from fear, challenges, or adversity flexible or rigid? Is it linked to your ability to sustain your integrity?

Self-Respect. We cannot run from our true selves. We know how our morals, beliefs, decisions, and actions intersect with our core principles and values. Disregarding integrity disrespects ourselves. Integrity aligns with our self-worth and self-respect. Neglecting it can leave us feeling personal regret—not just for the unintended negative consequences, but for betraying who we are and who we want to be.

How to Apply Integrity T.O.D.A.Y.

Are you ready to improve your integrity today? Here is a simple framework you can use.

T - Think: Reflect on the importance of integrity. Think about more than just "doing the right thing, even when no one is looking." Let your thoughts explore how your integrity affects your trust, consistency, ethics, morale, resilience, and self-respect. Consider capturing the details of your thoughts in a journal for future reflection.

O - Observe: Look for everyday opportunities to live out the value of integrity. Identify situations at home, at work, or in social settings where you are challenged to make the tough, but good choice. Observe others and consider the sustainability of their choices and yours. This can help you identify new areas to improve and refine your integrity.

D - Do: Apply integrity generously. But do not use it to become self-righteous or judgmental of others. Your adherence to integrity need not be advertised—people will come to know you based on your consistency. There is no substitute for doing the right thing. Don't deflect; take ownership. Have courageous accountability.

A - Assess: Evaluate the metrics you are using to measure the success or failure of your applied integrity. What is working for you? What is not working? Are you pleased with how your character is developing? Assessing how you apply integrity brings self-awareness and confidence in your decision-making processes.

Y - Yield: What results have you seen from yourself and others, positive or negative? What does integrity, or lack thereof, yield? Do you see trust increasing, morale improving, or resilience expanding?

Reflecting on Integrity & Call to Action

How has integrity impacted crucial decisions on your journey? What is another area or aspect of life that integrity affects (that I did not mention)? Where can you lean into integrity even more? Lately, I have been working on improving my integrity as a father. My sons watch my actions and listen to my words intently. While I strive for excellence, I've realized I'm guilty of taking shortcuts myself—yet I expect them to uphold integrity.

As individuals, we may not be able to sway the narrow statistics of Gallup polls. But we can aggregate our marginal gains together. The only ones who ever change the world are those crazy enough to think they can in the first place. I am confident that we can change the world, one crucial decision at a time, with integrity.

If this resonated with you, please like, share, or comment. I'd love to learn from your experience with integrity.

Until next time, lead yourself well. Lead with purpose. Lead today.

— Mike