in·teg·rity (in teg′rə tē)

in·teg·rity (in teg′rə tē)

noun

1. the quality or state of being complete; unbroken condition; wholeness; entirety
2. the quality or state of being unimpaired; perfect condition; soundness
3. the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity

Where does your integrity lie? Everyone's is different. Integrity is backbone of any man - but it is how that man defines his own integrity that makes it so unique. How he defines what is 'in' the bounds of his integrity and what is 'out'. Sometimes it is best defined practically, in the moment, without analytical thought driving it. Like when you are asked to do something (inferring that you are skilled in that area and have some value to add) and are en-trusted with a responsibility. See, it is a man of integrity that can define for himself, what that responsibility is, and it is then is moral obligation or duty to adhere to, abide by, maintain and guard that responsibility with his whole being. For it was bestowed upon him on a platform of trust. A platform that will soon test his integrity, test his values and beliefs, test his moral fortitude. And when tested, the man is able to stay firm, grounded in his integrity. Nothing can sway him or coerce him because he has a resolve that can not be broken. He is a man of his word, of his integrity.

Trap for new players: integrity is different for everyone!

The point: sometimes a man acting from his integrity can seem like he may lose out, sometimes it can seem like a man is vying for his own interests. What we need to look for in men is that they can be trusted. To say that men can be trusted if they are consistent may be foolish - because guys have a rhythm that can change in a heart beat, and is reminisent of his ancestors primal, wild, non-conformist manner - yet at heart, men are the protectors (archetypal) and despite the apparent destructive manner that is often portrayed, men are also creators. A man who understands his own integrity, and that others do have a different interpretation of their own integrity, is a man that trusts himself. And a man who trusts himself, is OK invoking all aspects of his 'being a man'. This includes his warrior like protectiveness through to his vulnerability. He is OK in his own skin and we are all OK being near him whether he be in 'fierce' mode or 'nurturer' mode. When we see men who can not trust themselves - how can we trust them? Well for starters, we can trust that there is a being inside, under the masks who doesn't know which way to turn, which way is up, and which decisions to make because he doesn't know his own integrity. And we can trust that with some healthy, strong men-toring, that man will find his way - one day. Integrity when it is boiled down, consists of the combination of a man's Purpose, his Principles, and his Intentions - what are yours?