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3 Reasons Acting with Integrity Leads to Success

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A few years ago, a customer in my software business paid upfront for a round of changes to their custom software application. It wasn’t an issue until the customer changed their mind.

I don’t mean the customer decided to change something in the original scope. The customer chose to execute the project with another company with little warning. After 18 months, the customer said they wanted a new confidentiality agreement. The agreement would prohibit my firm for working with other companies in the same field.

We tried to negotiate a reasonable arrangement, in good faith. Unfortunately, the customer was adamant. We could not sign an agreement limiting our ability to do business.

So, we proceeded to wrap up business with the customer. We turned over credentials and documentation to the software. We tried to do the right thing; make sure the next vendor could continue the project.

But, what about their upfront deposit? The obvious answer was we should refund it. However, I cannot say it was the easiest decision to make. Honestly, it was hard. I had worked diligently with them the last year and was looking forward to the future revenue. How dare the customer try to change the terms of our business arrangement midstream?

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley

It was only after wrestling with the implications of not giving the refund that I made the right decision. Even if you are “wronged”, there are consequences of not acting with integrity.

Here are 3 reasons why acting with integrity leads you to success:

1. Employees Are Watching You

The first reason I considered when making the decision was, how is this going to impact my relationship with my employees? They knew the customer had paid us a 4-figure advance.

If I was willing to short the customer, would I do the same to them? How could this influence how they viewed their job, their responsibility to customers and my responsibility to them?

In reflecting on the possible outcomes, I realized if they saw me act without integrity with a customer, it would diminish their trust in me. They might wonder if their next paycheck would be on time.

Also, it would reduce their enthusiasm for what we do. My team might cease to go the extra mile for the customer or simply spend more time on social media rather than serving. Intellectually, I knew this, but reflecting on the scenarios above helped me to get comfortable with the decision emotionally.

2. Customers Are Talking About You

The second reason I considered was, how is this going to affect what is said about us? Obviously, this customer was not going to be a customer going forward. However, they will talk to other companies.
It is common sense that referrals are the preferable form of marketing. We often think of a successful customer talking to future customers. Yet, a customer who “switches” will also tell a story.

I wanted the story they told to be a positive one. It would probably go something like, we were not able to reach an agreement on XYZ. And, they will remember concluding the relationship with integrity.

Hopefully, their story will end like this, “I think they would be a good match for you because they always treated us honestly.” The reputation that proceeds from an ending can still be a good one.

“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” – Oprah Winfrey

3. You Have to Live with Yourself

The third reason I considered was, how am I going to feel about myself after this decision? If I am proud of the decision, it will strengthen my self-image. Otherwise, it will weaken it.

I might feel good for a while by making them pay. Over time, the feeling will fade, and I will be left with the voice of my conscience. If it is negative, it will haunt me. Sometimes, I do not consider the impact of a decision on myself. Whether I realize it consciously or not, it is there, and it makes a difference. Even if I tell myself I can live with it, in the long run, I cannot.

To function at my best, I need to remove any thought of acting unethically. If I do something without integrity once, it will be easier to do it again. And, it will influence my view of what success is.

The next time you are facing a challenging decision, ask yourself three questions. How will this impact my co-workers? How will it impact what customers say? And, how will it impact my view of myself?

How has acting with integrity helped you in tough situations? Please leave your thoughts below!

Kirk Bowman is the founder of Art of Value, a pricing consultancy in Dallas. He is the host of the Art of Value Show, a weekly podcast exploring the business model of value pricing for professional services. In 2010, Kirk changed the business model at his software company, MightyData, from hourly billing to value pricing and grew revenue by 55+% the first year.

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Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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