Given that there is so much corruption in the world right now; whilst the word integrity may never get as common-place as you would want it to be, it is also one that would never go out of mention. It challenges the norm with all of the audacity and questioning ability that can be mustered. Integrity is not a destination and just like goodwill, it is a concept that is built over the years; one that could definitely use some helpful factors and tips for those willing to tow its highly estimable path. The way to follow in the quest to develop integrity is one of consistency. Whenever consistency is used as a word, it is never too far away from a similar word called routine. Routine as a concept is a double-edged sword which is highly dependent on how the person involved gets to deploy it; that is to an advantage or the other way round. When one has developed a habit of saying no to corruption, it could grow into a healthy routine which the subject can call on any day without thinking twice. Conversely, what is a routine must also be checked and balanced by doing a re-assessment from time to time, just to be sure one is still on the right path, and not necessarily living in denial.
This is very necessary because routines just like habits are quite hard to break; but it is also worthy of note that extremes can set you on a dangerous path. Some routines are quite helpful, where the necessary checks are applied and in the right measures. This model of routine would preferably serve as our main point of emphasis under this particular topic. When the right values such as discipline, probity and doing things the right way, are built into a routine and one that is constantly followed; the subject becomes quite battle-hardened, and in no time develops a weapon that would make the cause much easier to execute. If one over the years has developed a habit of turning down small incentives or declaring them publicly when offered, it would not be hard to turn down the seemingly large ones because there is a plan already in place and one is not caught unawares. It also must be said that where there are no secrets kept, scandals stay far away from such venues. This in effect would mean that once the job is done in the right way, there is no need to hide anything, and with nothing to hide, there is nothing secretive waiting to be revealed.
Most scandals that have evolved over time have always had the undertone of secrets kept, and the same have been products of the latter's exploitation. Consistency is also upheld by discipline which highlights the cause as one that may not be the easiest whilst not being impossible. Constantly, it gets proven that kids taught the right values often turn out right as it becomes a part of them to follow the right path. This is why the adage "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he would not depart from it" is entirely appropriate to further push this cause. Whilst it does not guarantee a hundred percent certainty, it gives one a large percentage of assurance that even when the chips are down, the kid would tend to take the right decisions more often than not. For the adult, it is never too late or totally beyond salvage; that is if the necessary steps are taken to do a re-evaluation of one's position with an attendant decision of turning a new leaf. Consistency just like exercise builds your muscle freeing them up for the day they would be called in to use. Just like an athlete who has his body already well primed for competition stands a better chance of doing well as against a sloppy person who does not constantly exercise the body.
Integrity is a value that can preserve you in your lifetime and even further go on to preserve your legacy after you are long gone. It therefore goes without saying that the path of integrity would bring you the win you highly crave, if it is followed strictly. Like every laudable cause, it is challenging and not one that has many friends around willing to offer a hand; it would therefore entail making a personal decision to stand and fight for what you believe in which is the path of integrity for the purpose of this discuss. Some one once said that, "we often find comfort in the company of many going through the same things as we do, but often times we must stand even as the only one and fight if we are to achieve greatness, more-so for what we think should be and that which we believe in." In this case, it can only be further emphasized that one must have plans well laid out to avoid corruption and to follow the disciplined path of probity and good judgement, which can stand the test of fire any day it is examined under the spot light. Developing this into a consistent routine, grants the subject a rare ability to switch in to 'auto-gear' knowing that even decisions taken on impulse stand a good chance of being right, as the right culture has been engrained and the helpful lessons of discipline have been well imbibed.
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