THE ONE CHARACTER TRAIT YOU MOST WANT TO HAVE

What's the one character trait you most want to be known for having - and why?

Ask yourself if it's true yet - and then ask if your boss, colleagues, peers, mate, and kids would agree.

If it's not true for you yet, what's the one thing that - when you start, stop, or change it - will propel you in the direction of having that character trait?

I most want to be known to have INTEGRITY - the quality of being honest, trustworthy, fair, responsible, caring, and having the moral courage to do the right thing.

Integrity is defined as 1) the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness; 2) the state of being whole and undivided.

When I read Martha Beck's The Way of Integrity, I was more than a little surprised at how OUT of integrity I was when my people-pleasing would eclipse the real and authentic me. (I would not have called myself a liar, but actually, I was one... ouch.)

I people-pleased in desperate and anxious attempts to fit in, believed I belonged, be comfortable in my own skin, cover up the shame and low self-esteem, be as good as or better than you, keep the peace, put the limelight on someone else (so they'd appreciate me more), make sure you liked, loved, respected, approved of and wanted me... 

I accepted Beck's challenge to not tell even one little white lie for a whole month. I was to say no when I meant no and yes when I wanted to say yes. Once the month ended, I was welcomed to keep going or return to my old ways.

THIS WAS A COMPLETE GAME-CHANGER.

I stopped telling little white lies. I stopped fibbing to protect your feelings. I stopped lying by omission to maintain comfort. I started communicating in a way that was honest and respectful.

This one "little" exercise transformed my self-confidence, -esteem, and -acceptance, and empowered me to be me. 100%.

To summarize, I most want to be known for having integrity. It is true that I have integrity. To my knowledge, people who know me agree that I do.

I am in alignment mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. All parts of me are in agreement when I say yes or no.

The state of being whole and undivided is AMAZING. It is where freedom rings.

People, this a daily way of being. I am human and I am fully capable of telling a little white lie. Because I do not want to, I am intentional, mindful, and present to myself.

I am here to help you if this is a chore, struggle, or point of shame or confusion for you. Please book a call with me. You do not have to do this very unique part of your journey alone. You deserve to have support - and to thrive in your authenticity and one life.

Laura Easton, LMSW, ACC | Executive Coach + Consultant