The way to handle life when undesired situations come up is not to react to it, no, that would only make things worse. When we “react” to certain things that happen to us, it is no different than taking action without thinking first. Taking action without thinking, or planning first is a simple mistake many people do in life, especially in relationships. Although, it goes much further than relationships, we sometimes have the tendency to react to many situations in all areas of our lives. Such as our jobs, our businesses, health conditions, failures, setbacks, and so on.

The solution is to no longer react to life problems, but to clearly respond. As we respond to situations we should think clearly before we say or do anything so that the correct word and right action are taken. It sounds pretty simple, but at those times when you are upset, for some this way could be a challenge. However, when you actually do it, you always feel much better at the end knowing that you handled everything in a respectful way by intelligently handling the problem by responding.

Every issue that we have desires a solution. That problem or issue needs to be handled in the correct way. The solution is no different than a lock. Once you open the lock your problem lets you go, and then you are free from that particular problem. But, the key to opening the lock is to know the combination. Only the correct inputs in a combination can open the lock, right? Well, reacting to problems is like pulling and yanking at the lock hoping it will open. We know that wouldn’t work, so the best way, and only way to open the lock (problem) is to make sure you input the correct code. Responding to things intelligently is exactly how you place the correct code into the lock and then opening it.

You must respond intelligently to handle any problem or issue and see it’s solution. In order to respond intelligently, you must know how to respond. Here are a few of many tips.

1. Make sure you have all of the facts first. Many people look very foolish when they try to attempt to give a clever response, but without the correct facts. This is like confidently putting in the wrong combination to the lock. So whatever you do, get the facts straight.

2. Know how to get the facts if you don’t have them. A great way to do this is by applying the number one tool to staying alive, ASK QUESTIONS! Continue to ask questions about everything, and every detail that is relevant to successfully solving the problem. “The more you ask the more you know, the more you know the more you can apply - Walt”

3. Don’t try to attack the person or thing. Sometimes everybody just wants to be right, and it seems like we’ll do anything to win. In order to solve problems, the focus should not be Win Lose, but Win Win situations. Win Win situations is when both sides win. Win Win situations won’t come if you attack the other person for example by bringing them down. You should strategically plan what you are going to say first, of course. You do that by telling that person how good of a person they are, and why you appreciate that person. Then tell them what they did right in the situation (you can find something, it’s there if you look closely) and once you have lifted them up a little is the perfect time when you tell them gently what they did wrong. If you do this successfully the other person will actually listen to you, and the chances are much more higher that the problem will be resolved much easier, and faster.

More to come!

You never know when someone is watching you. During those times when you are performing well and sometimes at your peak is because you know someone is watching you. But what about the times when there is no one around? (or so you think) What about when the task is not as important to you than it is to someone else? Would you still put your all into it? Great people who have integrity put all of their energy into everything they do, and they do it right, every time.

A person with integrity is always respected with the highest authority. These type of people treat everyone equally, and they respect each and every person they come in contact with. I consider myself a man of integrity, so it is my purpose to make sure that I treat everyone fairly. Also, I do more of the listening rather than the talking. I am more interested in learning about what others are interested in rather than always blurting out my own. This is key in living and being a person with integrity. You must always be willing and more than happy to help and look out for others, and learn to be considerate by thinking more of others rather than yourself. I know this conflicts with the way the majority of people today think, but to be honest, the majority is wrong, always. When you follow what everyone else is doing, you are doing things the mediocre way, or the normal way. In order to achieve greatness of any kind you must do everything differently than the rest of the crowd to get noticed. Just picture yourself in the middle of a huge audience of people. What can you do that is absolutely different than what everybody else is doing to be seen? “The important thing to remember is to not be seen with the crowd, but instead be seen as the individual from the crowd - Walt.” This is why people with integrity are rare. This is why they have high value, like a priceless diamond. In order to stand out from the crowd you must be completely different than everyone else. As you stand out, your results will always be outstanding (Get it?).

The reason I bring up integrity is to help you choose the correct way that you should do everything. If how you do anything is how you do everything then you might as well learn to do it the best way, the honest way. Doing everything with integrity leaves you a clean track record, and provides you with a clearer path on your journey. Integrity opens up doors for you. When you have this particular mindset, people are much more willing to help you, even if it means they have to go out of their way to do it.

You can almost always tell who displays integrity and who doesn’t by their actions. No matter how big or small something is, whenever someone does something a certain way, more than likely they treat other things in the same way. For example, you have a friend who you talk to frequently. The majority of the time that person is always talking negative about other people behind their back. However, when that person is around the people they talk negatively about and they are smiling in their face and carrying on as if there was no problem, chances are they probably treat you the same way behind your back.

Many people are aware of this and they take note of everything they see people do. So if those people are watching you, then you want to make sure that you are always displaying your integrity so that you can be known as an authentic trustworthy person.

Treat your less important duties the same as your most important duties, this is integrity in action at all times.