If you display these 7 behaviors, you’re a person of very high integrity

Integrity goes beyond honesty. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
As the founder of Hack Spirit and an avid follower of mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve spent a great deal of my life studying human behavior and understanding what makes a person tick.
High integrity, I’ve found, is one of the rarest yet most admired traits in a person. It’s not about being perfect but about being true – true to oneself, true to others, and true to one’s values.
In this piece, I’ve identified 7 behaviors which, if you display consistently, indicate that you’re a person of very high integrity.
Let’s dive in.
1) You practice mindfulness
High integrity isn’t just about knowing the right thing to do, it’s about being mindful enough to act on it.
Mindfulness, a concept I often delve into in Buddhism, is about being present and fully engaged with the task at hand. It’s about not letting your past biases or future anxieties cloud your judgment.
And when it comes to integrity, mindfulness plays a crucial role. It allows you to listen to your inner voice, that moral compass which guides you to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
People of high integrity are often mindful individuals. They are aware of their actions and the impact they have on others. They are conscious of their words and deeds, ensuring they align with their values and beliefs.
They don’t mindlessly follow the crowd or succumb to peer pressure, but make thoughtful decisions based on what feels right to them.
In essence, their mindfulness allows them to live their truth unapologetically – a hallmark of high integrity.
2) You’re accountable for your actions
Accountability is a significant cornerstone of high integrity. It’s about owning your actions, mistakes included, and making amends where necessary.
As a person deeply engaged in mindfulness, I can tell you that it’s sometimes difficult to accept our mistakes, especially when they hurt others. But this is where the beauty of Buddhism lies.
Buddhist teachings stress the importance of self-reflection and acceptance.
People of high integrity don’t shy away from admitting their mistakes. They understand that nobody is perfect and that errors are opportunities for growth. They are quick to apologize when they’re in the wrong and take corrective action without being defensive.
By being accountable, they not only foster trust but also inspire others to be responsible for their actions.
3) You lead with compassion
Compassion is one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and a vital element of high integrity. It’s about recognizing the suffering of others and taking steps to alleviate it.
People with high integrity don’t simply empathize – they act. They understand that their actions, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in someone else’s life.
They’re not just sympathetic bystanders but active participants in the well-being of others. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, offering kind words, or undertaking meaningful actions, they lead with compassion in all they do.
Their compassionate deeds are a testament to their integrity, reflecting their deep-seated values and their commitment to making the world a better place.
4) You keep your ego in check
It’s an unfortunate reality that our egos can often get in the way of our integrity. We let pride, ambition, or the desire to be right overshadow our values and principles.
People of high integrity, however, know how to keep their egos in check. They don’t let pride dictate their actions or let the need to win blind them from doing what’s right.
As I discuss in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, keeping your ego in check is one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. It’s about recognizing that we are all interconnected and that our actions can have far-reaching effects.
Those with high integrity understand this interconnectedness. They don’t let their egos run the show but instead, make decisions based on empathy, compassion, and fairness.
If you’re interested in checking out my book, you can find it on Amazon here.
5) You live in the present
Integrity goes hand in hand with mindfulness, the practice of living fully in the present moment.
People of high integrity understand the importance of being present. They know that dwelling on the past or fretting about the future can lead to missed opportunities and misguided decisions in the here and now.
They pay attention to their current actions, words, and thoughts, ensuring they align with their values and principles. They’re not reactive but mindful, making conscious choices instead of impulsive decisions.
By focusing on the present moment, they ensure their actions reflect their integrity at all times. They don’t compromise on their values, no matter what pressures they might face.
In essence, their mindfulness enables them to show up authentically and consistently, displaying their high integrity in every aspect of their lives.
6) You embrace impermanence
The concept of impermanence is central to Buddhism and mindfulness. It teaches us that everything is transient and constantly changing.
People of high integrity understand and embrace this concept. They don’t resist change, but rather, adapt and grow with it. They recognize that situations, relationships, and even their own selves are subject to change.
This understanding of impermanence allows them to navigate life’s ups and downs with grace. They don’t hold onto past slights or future anxieties, but live in the present, responding to each situation as it comes with honesty and fairness.
By embracing impermanence, they don’t allow external circumstances to compromise their integrity. They remain true to their values, no matter how much the world around them changes.
This adaptability, coupled with a steadfast commitment to integrity, makes them individuals of remarkable strength and character.
7) You practice non-attachment
Non-attachment is another fundamental teaching in Buddhism. It’s about understanding that clinging to people, possessions, or outcomes leads to suffering and discontent.
Those with high integrity practice this principle of non-attachment. They don’t tie their self-worth or happiness to external factors. They don’t manipulate situations or people for personal gain or let fear of loss compromise their values.
By practicing non-attachment, they ensure that their actions are guided by their inherent values and principles, not by temporary desires or fears.
Their unwavering commitment to integrity is a testament to their strength and character.
Final thoughts
High integrity is not about perfection, but about authenticity. It’s about making decisions that align with your values, even when it’s challenging.
These eight behaviors are not exhaustive, but they offer a glimpse into what it means to be a person of high integrity. From practicing mindfulness to embracing silence, these behaviors reflect an unwavering commitment to one’s values and principles.
If you’re interested in exploring these concepts further and learning how to live with maximum impact and minimum ego, I encourage you to check out my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.
It delves deeper into Buddhist teachings and offers practical guidance for living a life of integrity and mindfulness.
Remember, integrity isn’t just about what you do when others are watching. It’s about who you are when no one is watching. And that, in essence, is the true measure of a person’s character.
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