Integrity is a trait that almost every person values but very few actually practice in their own life. As C.L. Lewis said,

“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Integrity is how you act when you are alone. People who have achieved greatness are usually the ones with the most integrity. Integrity is taking the hard route. Having integrity is choosing to go above and beyond instead of compromising yourself and doing what’s easy.

Use these eight integrity quotes to make sure you are always doing the right thing. 

“A single lie destroys a whole reputation of integrity.” — Baltasar Gracian – Integrity Quotes

One of the hardest parts of integrity is that you can work hard to gain the reputation but one mistake and it can be lost instantly. One lie could be be the reason you no longer have the reputation. Choose to always tell the truth, own up to your failures, learn from them and move on.

“If you value your integrity, then be prepared to take a beating from those who have none.” — Lars Lau Thygesen – Integrity Quotes

Very few people have authentic integrity which can lead to difficult situations when dealing with the majority who will take the easy route. Be prepared for potentially tough situations as you take the high road in life. 

“Integrity is the most valuable and respected quality of leadership. Always keep your word.” — Brian Tracy – Integrity Quotes

Leaders must have integrity to build trust with a team. Whether it’s sports, entrepreneurship or a job, integrity is a must. Those who believe that their manager, leader, or coach has integrity will give maximum effort.

“Image is what people think we are; integrity is what we really are.” — John C Maxwell – Integrity Quotes

It’s easy to have a self-image of integrity but much harder to practice in your private life. Choose to the be the same person and act with integrity no matter the circumstance. The more honest you are with yourself the more your image and integrity will align.

“With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide.” — Zig Ziglar – Integrity Quotes

You won’t ever be vulnerable or uncomfortable when you always act with integrity.

“Everyone makes mistakes, but only a person with integrity owns up to them.” — Nicole Guillaume – Integrity Quotes

Mistakes are part of life, humans aren’t perfect. You shouldn’t try to be either. When you make a mistake own up to it and move on. People will respect someone who makes a mistake much more than finding out you lied.

“Sometimes the cost of integrity is the loss of a friend.” — Jack McDevitt – Integrity Quotes

Having integrity isn’t the easy route. You will be put in difficult situations, sometimes with friends and personal relationships. Make sure you surround yourself with like-minded people to avoid these tough encounters.

“The supreme quality for leadership is integrity.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower – Integrity Quotes

The more candid, honest, and trustworthy you are as a leader the more people will follow your lead. Choose to always act out of integrity when leading others.

Use these integrity quotes to always do the right thing. Remember, life’s not supposed to be easy.

By acting out of integrity you will always be honest with yourself and others. There is no greater reward than being able to sleep well each night.