Personal integrity impacts my life outcomes, as well as my treatment of others. Additionally, it impacts my decisions. So, that’s why character counts.
Undoubtedly, the quality of my character has far-reaching implications regarding my life outcomes.
Therefore, to improve outcomes in my life I must first address the quality of my character. That is, I must take stock of my own integrity. Then, act to correct problems I find.
The Essentials
Proverbs 29.6-7 teaches that integrity is a source of personal joy. In addition, integrity impacts my ability to show compassion. Hence, integrity rewards me and others.
Moreover, a lack of integrity reduces my discernment regarding the needs of others, according to these verses.
Thus, I conclude that integrity helps build discernment, and compassion, because it equips me to better see needs around me.
Conversely, don’t get trapped by poor choices, Proverbs 29.6, which arise from a poor character.
Now, here’s a related question. Am I responsible for my life outcomes? Actually, Yes, especially if you ascribe to Covey’s Habit 1.
But why? What’s the root cause?
Well, my life outcomes are driven very much by the choices I make. Often, those choices are deliberate. More importantly, choices are rooted in the quality of my character.
So, that’s why character counts!
Apply This Today!
For starters, choose integrity to improve decision quality and life outcomes.
Second, note that I change from the inside out. Why? Because character drives thoughts and decisions, which impact how I choose to behave.
Unfortunately, working on habits alone doesn’t address the root of my problem – my character.
Third, remember this fundamental progression from Proverbs 1.2-7: Reverence -> Discerning Character -> Critical Thinking -> Good Judgment -> Transformed Behavior.
So, that’s why character counts!
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