On living with integrity
I have to tell you a secret: Living with integrity can feel exhausting sometimes.
Especially in coaching, self-development doesn’t end. I’ve had periods in my life where I’ve actually taken a break from self-development resources, because I felt overloaded, to the point where I didn’t know what I actually thought anymore.
I didn’t see it as a free pass to stop developing, rather, an opportunity to reconnect to my intuition and my knowing. An opportunity to ask myself what I actually think and feel, rather than letting podcast, TV, book, and audiobook consumption drive my thinking.
It can be tempting to take the “easy” way out. For example:
“Forgetting” about our values in practice
Deciding not to be the bigger person
Playing games
Responding and mirroring someone’s actions and behaviors because that’s what they “deserve”
But here’s what I know: we don’t control the actions of others. We only control our own actions.
Focusing on our own actions is where we can make a difference.
When we live from that place, we find ourselves:
Communicating clearly and with intention
Expressing our wants and needs, unattached to if they are reciprocated by another
Validating ourselves, rather than sourcing that validation from outside ourselves
The flip side of the exhaustion is opportunity. There are opportunities everywhere we look to decide WHO and HOW we want to be.
What do we do and how are we being when we think no one is watching?
Let’s reflect
The next time you find yourself tempted to step into pettiness, game-playing, or avoidance, I invite you to ask yourself: What would make future you proud?
Do and be from the space of future you, looking back with respect, admiration, and awe — and integrity will be there, too.
What are you taking away from this reflection? I’d love to hear. As always, you can reach out to me directly at the link below — I’d love to learn about future you and help you fully step into them.
In loving support,
Grace