By Karen Zizzo

“Your true character is revealed by the clarity of your convictions, the choices you make, and the promises you keep.  Hold strongly to your principles and refuse to follow the currents of convenience.”    -Taken from a Successories print
                           

Wisdom is knowledge of the right path to take … integrity is taking it.
Simply put, when you have integrity, your words and your deeds match up.
John Maxwell says, “Integrity is not what we do as much as who we are. And who we are, in turn, determines what we do.”

Integrity is never easy, but most of all requires self-discipline, inner trust and honesty at all times. Practice integrity by saying what you will do and then doing what you promised.

Look for the best in everyone and encourage and help others through the power of a compliment …the power of positive words …, but, most importantly conducting your life from a place of love.

The energy of love can overcome anything. Mother Teresa said that we can do no great things, only small things with great love.  Many times we think that if we are only one person, how can we make any significant change in the world?

Can you imagine what an impact we could have if we practiced doing all of the small things in our life with great love.  Others would see our example and do the same and we would ultimately impact thousands.

Be true to your convictions. With every decision you make, you are shaping the person you will become.  Choosing right over wrong, truth over popularity…these are the choices that will measure your life and become the values you live by.  Remember the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have done onto you.”
People who understand who they are, and who know where their power comes from, can be people of great influence.  They are not dependent on other’s people’s praise and affirmation.  Their self-worth comes from a higher source in their lives.

I have committed to God my career and business future and I will accept the results, no matter what, and just try each day to be a good ambassador for Him.  I somehow suspect that it will be a faith walk, exciting and wonderful all at the same time. 

We cannot compartmentalize our spirituality or relegate it to Sundays only.  Our career and our spirituality are rolled up together.  God dwells within you wherever you are.  The whole world is the arena of His divine activity.

How does one apply spiritual principles to business and work?

1)  Do all things in a positive spirit, without complaining or disputing.  Keep a positive spirit and a smile. 

2)  Watch what you say.  Think before you speak. Winning an argument brings fleeting gratification, but winning a friend brings lasting satisfaction. I remember my mother always saying to us….”If you have nothing good to say, then don’t say it.”

3)   Keep learning and maintain a teachable spirit.  Don’t let pride hinder you from growing spiritually.  Keep good people around you to help you process ideas and issues. 

4)  Guard your integrity.  It is priceless.  Do not allow anyone to dismantle it.

5)   Work hard.  The reason many people underachieve is that they are not willing to pay the price of focused work to reach their goals.

6)   Give to others – your money, your time, your support, your ear.  “Give and it will be given to you….for the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”  Luke 6:38

7)  Show mercy to others and control your emotions.  You are where you are by God’s grace.  Remember to be gracious and grateful to others willing to help you along the way.

8)  Do not fear people, nor allow others to intimidate you, as this can make you vulnerable to compromising your faith and integrity. God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and love and sound mind.

God’s ways are not necessarily our ways.  God values and loves people, not necessarily profits and He wants our lives to bless others. It would be wonderful to know that our colleagues at work or in business appreciated and were even grateful to have worked with or for you.

God will guide us in specific and practical ways if we just ASK Him. The closer you walk with Him, the more clearly you will recognize where He is leading.

So, work with love and from love, displaying kindness and reciprocity.
Most importantly, commit to excellence and integrity.  Our life is a journey and not a destination. Look forward to the future and smile kindly on the past…your experiences and lessons have made you what you are today.
Remember this: Your personal decisions have eternal impact, not only on you and your family but on hundreds of people around you. Think for a moment of the impact of your prayers, the influence of your donations, and the positive ripple effect of your good deeds. Your choices are powerful.  Allow your spirit to help you make even better choices.
Make a difference by walking a higher road and living your values in your business or workplace with conviction and courage.

Copyright Karen Zizzo 2009.  All rights reserved.  Karen is an Author, Inspirational Speaker and Life Coach.  This article is an excerpt from Chapter 8 of her latest book – “Ask and You Shall Receive – Spiritual Success Strategies for Business, Work, Life and Your Soul”.  This book will be available for purchase from Karen’s website – www.karenzizzo.com  in the summer of 2009.  Contact Joyce Hansen, Karen’s Publicist at joyceh@classactconnections.com or 905-278-0952 to reserve Karen’s time for presentations, workshops and retreats.