InteGRITy
During this third quarter, our theme of GRIT (Growth, Resilience, Integrity, Tenacity) focuses on the aspect of integrity. At first glance, this one defining term might not seem to fit as well as the other three. The question might be, how is integrity a part of grit?
Integrity and grit have somewhat of a symbiotic relationship. You need grit to have integrity and you need integrity to have grit. Grit is the ability to stick to your passion or goal over a long period of time even in the face of setbacks. Integrity is a key to being able to do that.
To be a person of grit you have to be someone who
- Is Honest (especially with yourself)
- Takes Responsibility for your action and choices
- Learns from your mistakes and does not blame others for them
- Follows through on commitments (to yourself and others)
It is not hard to see how integrity is at the core of grit. All the characteristics above are ones you find in someone with integrity. At the same time, it is easy to see that you need grit to be a person of integrity. A person of integrity is someone who chooses to do the right thing even when no one is watching. He or she will not take the easy path or the easy way out. To do the right thing oftentimes takes grit.
Next week we will continue to unravel the importance of integrity in grit and vice versa. For now, please have a wonderful long weekend and a great Chinese New Year.
Karl Steinkamp is passionate about Dalat International School and training up young people to make a positive impact on their world, walk with integrity, and follow Christ. Karl was a student at Dalat and returned with a degree in education as a student teacher, high school principal, and now Dalat Director since 2006. 