Surround yourself with people who empower you, but you need to embrace the awkwardness and challenges of being a person who behaves with integrity. This one is general and helps you in the long run, but might not always be a Hazard Zet Forward tip for an immediate solution. Avoid people who are negative. Avoid people who enable you to find excuses or an easy way out. (It is far easier for adults to avoid specific people, but it's not as easy for students since friends are seemingly “locked into” their friend groups/lunch tables for longer periods of time.) It is also incredibly beneficial to give advice or help someone because this immediately builds your own confidence and self-efficacy. In fact, Relationships and a Meaningful Life.
Hold yourself accountable for your actions. Responsibility builds pride and self-worth. Those who are not responsible for their actions or allow others to act on their behalf have a decreased sense of value.
Additionally, we all need to do all things with integrity because when you continually do things that compromise integrity, you get depressed and lack a feeling of self-worth – and quite often you don’t know why you are melancholy. Additionally, if you can get OTHERS to raise their standards, you will have true purpose and meaning.
Additionally, we all need to do all things with integrity because when you continually do things that compromise integrity, you get depressed and lack a feeling of self-worth – and quite often you don’t know why you are melancholy. Additionally, if you can get OTHERS to raise their standards, you will have true purpose and meaning.
- In the Navy Seals, being a trustworthy person is more valuable than your proficiency and expertise in battle. Simon Sinek: Trust Over Performance.
- Your impact on others is often immeasurable, substantial, and often latent. TED-Ed: Your Impact on Others
- You do NOT have to be in a position of authority to be a leader. Simon Sinek: Leadership Without a Title
- If you are friends with people who degrade your character, get new ones. Choosing Friends Who Build Your Character.
- “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” Jesus (John 13:14–15)
- “The reward for conformity is that everyone likes you except yourself.” Rita Mae Brown
- “Tell me who you spend time with, and I will tell you who you are.” Goethe
- "If you have some power, it is your job to empower somebody else.” Toni Morrison
- “Happy is the man who can make others better, not merely when he is in their company, but when he is in their thoughts.” Seneca the Younger
- “Associate with people who are likely to improve you.” Seneca
- “It’s better to be hated for what you are than loved for what you’re not.” Kurt Cobain
- “Rather fail with honor than succeed with fraud.” Sophocles
- “It is wrong and immoral to seek to escape the consequences of one’s acts.” Mahatma Gandhi
- “If you dwell with a lame man, you will learn how to limp.” Ancient proverb
Action Questions
- Who are the role models in my life that inspire and empower me, and how can I learn from their examples?
- In what ways can I become a role model for others by embodying qualities such as resilience, determination, and integrity?
- How can I surround myself with individuals who support and encourage my growth, while also being mindful of my own influence on others?