I don’t know about you, but when I think about Integrity, I think about pro-bono lawyers.

Or village elders. Or the structural integrity of an old wooden ship.

Basically, I think about a bunch of random things that have nothing to do with me.

In reality, having integrity is way more practical than that - it just means adhering to moral and ethical principles - also known as being … a good person!

It’s something we can all be, if we choose it - to take actions based on goodness - for ourselves.

Here’s 8 simple ways to bring integrity - and be integrity - in your life today - and increase the probability you’ll get integrity back. 

• Value other people’s time: we get what we put back. Reciprocate the value of another’s time and others will be way more likely to do the same to you.
   
• Give credit to others: life isn’t one big game of “show and tell.” We can’t live on resumes, or on paper -- we can, however, honor the work and value of others -- making us more likely to affirm ourselves for our wins, and set an example for others to do the same.
   
• Trust others: life is one big trust fall. Find the people - family, friends, co-workers - who can catch you. Trust strangers enough to acknowledge them, or even smile - and you’ll likely smile at what you get back. 
   
• Be authentic: Or just be vulnerable - not in a pouring your heart out kind of way, but in a skillful, stand-up-straight-and-be-your-best-self kind of way.
   
• Speak wisely: Buddhists have a simple, integrity based way of looking at language -- before you speak, ask yourself - THINK: is it True? Is it Helpful? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? If not, silence is probably golden.
   
• Apologize first: don’t be a doormat, but be willing to take the high-road. 
   
• Practice humility: it doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself, only thinking of yourself less - makes a great start for integral practices.
   
• Kindness to others above all: Henry James said “3 things in human life are important. The first is to be kind, the second is to be kind and the third is to be kind.”

‘Nuff said. Integrity doesn’t have to be about sweeping acts of altruism or being Atticus Finch all the time. It can be as simple as loving others, being yourself and practicing kindness. And it can have a simply profound effect on shaping your day. Enjoy.