Integrity and honesty aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the building blocks of character.

I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and I’ve always admired those with a high degree of these traits. I’ve noticed they often exhibit specific behaviors that set them apart.

These behaviors aren’t just for show; they reflect a genuine sense of ethics and transparency that these individuals live by.

In this article, I’ll explore the 9 specific behaviors that people with a high degree of integrity and honesty often display.

These are habits and attitudes that anyone can adopt.

1) Consistency is key

One trait I’ve noticed in people with high integrity and honesty is consistency. It’s not just about telling the truth once or twice; it’s about being truthful all the time, in every situation.

A person with integrity doesn’t change their story based on who they’re talking to or what they think might benefit them at the moment. They stick to their principles even when it’s inconvenient or difficult.

It’s this consistency that makes them reliable and trustworthy. You know you can depend on them because they’ve proven time and again that their words match their actions.

Remember, anyone can tell the truth occasionally, but it takes a person of high integrity and honesty to be consistent in their truthfulness.

This is a behavior we can all emulate to build trust and authenticity in our relationships.

2) Mindfulness in action

As an expert in Buddhism and eastern philosophy, I’ve come to understand that mindfulness isn’t just about meditation or being present. It also extends to our actions and how we treat others.

People with high integrity and honesty often practice what we in Buddhism call “Right Action.” They are mindful of their actions and how they impact those around them.

They strive to act in ways that are honest, helpful, and kind. Where others might take shortcuts or bend rules to their advantage, these individuals remain steadfast, choosing the path of honesty and integrity even when no one is watching.

Their actions aren’t driven by self-interest but by a deep-seated respect for truth and fairness. It’s this commitment to doing what’s right that makes them stand out.

Incorporating mindfulness into our actions is a key principle of Buddhism and a powerful tool for cultivating integrity and honesty in our own lives.

3) They acknowledge mistakes

From my own experiences, I’ve learned that admitting mistakes isn’t a sign of weakness, but a display of strength and character. Those with high integrity and honesty don’t shy away from acknowledging when they’re wrong.

Instead of trying to cover up or deflect blame, they take responsibility for their actions. They understand that mistakes are a part of being human, and they use these instances as opportunities to learn and grow.

This behavior not only displays their honesty but also their humility. They’re not afraid to show vulnerability, and they don’t let their ego get in the way of owning up to their errors.

I believe we could all benefit from adopting such an attitude. After all, we’re all works in progress, and acknowledging our missteps is the first step towards self-improvement.

4) They practice compassion

A key principle in Buddhism, and one that I’ve explored in depth in my book “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, is the practice of compassion.

People with high degrees of integrity and honesty don’t just understand this principle — they live it. They treat others with kindness and understanding, always considering the feelings and perspectives of those around them.

This compassion extends beyond their personal relationships. They’re considerate in their professional lives, respectful to strangers, and even empathetic toward those who may have wronged them.

In my book, I delve into how compassion can transform our lives and the world around us. It’s not just about feeling for others but also about taking action to alleviate suffering.

Living with compassion requires honesty and integrity, as it means always striving to do what’s right, even when it’s challenging. And in my experience, it’s a behavior that truly sets these individuals apart.

If you’re interested in learning more about this concept, you can find my book on Amazon here. 

5) They embrace disagreement

Now, this might seem a bit counterintuitive, but bear with me.

People with high integrity and honesty aren’t afraid of disagreement. In fact, they welcome it.

This doesn’t mean they enjoy conflict for the sake of it. Rather, they understand that differing viewpoints can lead to deeper understanding and better solutions. They’re not so attached to being right that they shut down other perspectives.

Instead of trying to impose their views, they listen and engage in meaningful dialogue, even when it challenges their beliefs or ideas. They’re honest enough to admit that they don’t have all the answers and are open to learning from others.

In a world where many avoid disagreement for the sake of comfort or convenience, this behavior is a testament to their integrity and commitment to truth. 

6) They embody non-attachment

In Buddhism, one of the key principles is non-attachment. It’s a concept that people with high integrity and honesty often embody in their daily lives.

They understand that clinging to material possessions, status, or even ideas can lead to suffering. So, they live their lives with a sense of detachment, appreciating what they have but not letting it define or control them.

This detachment also extends to their interactions with others.

They don’t manipulate or control people for personal gain. Instead, they respect the autonomy of others and value relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Living with non-attachment requires a deep sense of honesty and integrity. It’s about acknowledging the impermanence of life and choosing to act in ways that align with this reality. 

7) They set boundaries

From my own journey, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries. And it’s something I’ve observed in people with high integrity and honesty as well.

They understand that in order to respect others, they also need to respect themselves. This means setting clear boundaries and not allowing others to cross them.

It’s not about being rigid or inflexible, but about understanding their own limits and ensuring others do too.

This behavior reflects their self-respect and their respect for others. They know that healthy relationships require mutual understanding and respect for each other’s boundaries.

In my experience, setting boundaries is a sign of self-awareness and a commitment to maintaining one’s integrity. It’s a behavior we could all emulate to foster healthier, more respectful relationships.

8) They are quiet achievers

Here’s a slightly counterintuitive point: People with high integrity and honesty are often quiet achievers. They don’t boast about their accomplishments or seek validation from others. Instead, they let their work speak for itself.

This doesn’t mean they’re not proud of their achievements. They simply don’t feel the need to broadcast them to the world. They believe that real success doesn’t come from external recognition, but from the satisfaction of knowing they’ve done their best.

Interestingly, their modesty often draws people to them. It’s refreshing in a world where many are constantly trying to prove themselves or outdo others.

This behavior reflects their honesty and integrity, as they’re not trying to create a false image of success.

Instead, they’re focused on genuine accomplishments and personal growth. It’s a reminder that true success lies in our actions, not in the recognition we receive.

9) They practice gratitude

One of the core principles in Buddhism is gratitude. And it’s a trait commonly found in individuals with high integrity and honesty.

They don’t take things for granted but express appreciation for what they have, from the smallest kindness to the biggest victories. They understand that everything they have is a result of not just their own efforts but also the support and contributions of others.

This practice of gratitude not only reflects their honesty but also their humility. They acknowledge their interdependence with others and the world around them, rather than claiming sole credit.

Pacticing gratitude cultivates a positive mindset and promotes happiness. It’s a behavior that reminds us of the goodness in our lives and encourages us to act with integrity and honesty in return.

It’s a powerful habit that can transform our lives and our interactions with others.

Wrapping up

In short, integrity and honesty aren’t just about telling the truth. They are reflected in our actions, our relationships, and our attitudes toward ourselves and the world around us.

These 9 behaviors we’ve discussed are common among those with high integrity and honesty, but they’re not exclusive to them. We can all strive to incorporate these behaviors into our lives.

In my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”, I delve deeper into these principles, offering practical advice on how to live a life of integrity and honesty through the teachings of Buddhism.

Remember, living with high integrity and honesty isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about continually striving to be better, to do better, and to make a positive impact on the people around us.