No doubt about it, INTEGRITY is my favorite value. Why? Because it encompasses so much. There are numerous ways to define Integrity, some very elaborate and some very very remedial but they all project the same virtuous quality. Anyone who is described as someone with Integrity, is top-notch, no question about it. Whether politician or preacher, Integrity is something we should all strive for. And why, you may ask? Today I'll use just one of the definitions; the state of being whole, entire, or undiminished. If you're living your life in the state of being whole or complete, you're doing everything in your power to be the best. You strive for a state of being nothing less than your best and only good things come from that.

A couple of weeks ago, I read of a pro football team that earned a spot into the post-season playoffs. This is typically a good thing for a team. The problem for this team was that they didn't feel like they earned it. You see they got in because someone else lost. Though their performance leading up to that point was the real reason, they received this position, their place in the playoffs that particular night was gained not by winning, but by someone else losing...and they weren't happy about it. In fact, after losing their game, there wasn't any celebration. No champagne baths, no proud displays of their playoff winning apparel. They lost the game and losers don't celebrate. They weren't complete and THAT is what playing with Integrity is all about. They're not playing to get to an outcome, they're playing to be the best and win every game. On a happy note, they did win their first playoff game and they did get to celebrate that victory but it didn't last long. There are more games ahead and plenty of time to celebrate after they win their last one.

Don't settle for anything less than your best. Of course your best may not be as good as someone else's but if we're going to teach our kids how to achieve, I mean REALLY achieve, then living with INTEGRITY is a must.