Lesson 30
Integrity and Trust
The course concludes with a focus on integrity—the foundation of all the principles taught throughout. Participants learn that integrity means alignment between values, words, and actions. Building trust through consistent integrity opens doors that remain closed to others.
Module Resources
In This Module
Living with Integrity
Align your values, words, and actions consistently
Building Trust
Understand how consistent behavior builds trust over time
Foundation for Success
See integrity as the foundation that supports all other achievements
What Is Integrity?
Integrity means wholeness—when your values, words, and actions are aligned. A person of integrity says what they believe and does what they say. There is no gap between their public and private behavior.
Integrity is the foundation that supports everything else in this course. Without integrity, goals become empty, relationships fail, and success is hollow. With integrity, you build a life that you—and others—can trust.
The Components of Integrity
- Honesty: Speaking truthfully, even when it's difficult
- Reliability: Doing what you say you will do
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for your actions
- Consistency: Behaving the same way whether observed or not
- Values-Aligned: Acting according to your principles
Integrity Builds Trust
Trust is earned through consistent integrity over time. Every time you:
- Keep a promise, trust grows
- Tell the truth, trust grows
- Take responsibility, trust grows
- Act consistently with your values, trust grows
Conversely, each violation of integrity damages trust—sometimes irreparably. For people with criminal histories, rebuilding trust is essential. It requires a sustained track record of integrity.
Integrity in Reentry
When you return to society, integrity will be tested constantly. Employers, family members, and community members will watch to see if your words match your actions. Your integrity—demonstrated over time—will determine whether doors open or remain closed.
This is the final lesson because integrity is where everything comes together. All the other principles—values, goals, attitude, accountability, growth—flow from and are sustained by integrity.
Course Completion
Congratulations on completing the Preparing for Success After Prison course. You now have a framework for transforming your life. But knowledge without action accomplishes nothing. The real work begins when you apply these principles daily, building the life you envision through consistent effort and integrity.
Reflection Exercises
Write responses to the following questions. Take time for thoughtful, detailed answers.
Integrity Assessment
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your current integrity? Where are the gaps between your values and your actions?
Trust to Rebuild
With whom do you need to rebuild trust? What specific, consistent actions will demonstrate your integrity over time?
Daily Integrity
What daily practices will help you maintain integrity? How will you hold yourself accountable?
Course Reflection
As you complete this course, what are your key takeaways? What will you commit to doing differently? Write a commitment statement.
Course Complete
You've completed all 30 lessons of Preparing for Success After Prison. Apply these principles daily and continue your journey toward the life you envision.
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