December's Life Skill: Integrity

December's life skill is integrity. Integrity means "always telling the truth," or "doing the right thing even when no one is looking."

Unlike some of our other life skills, Integrity is hard to see. But that doesn't mean it isn't important. Just as a small seed can grow into a big pine tree, having integrity can make a big difference in our lives. That's because integrity is the foundation for all of the other life skills we learn in the ATA. Integrity is our promise to ourselves that we will always do the right thing. In Taekwondo class, only you will know if you are trying your hardest and doing your best. At school, there are times when no one will find out if you don't do your homework or skip a few problems. In fact, there are many times when we can easily give up, lie, dodge work and avoid accountability.

However, as the author Mark Twain points out, "A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval." And more importantly, the ATA Training manual says, "Withouth integrity, honor is impossible. Without honor, spirit is impossible. Without spirit, self-control is impossible. Without self-control, perseverance is impossible. Without perseverance, the achievement of goals is impossible!" (December Instructor Trainee Manual).

We build integrity in the little things, when the stakes are low. It's a decision we make for ourselves every day, and it can have big results!