This is the last installment of the Core Values of FFOTB. When we constructed these, integrity was the first, and the most important of these values. I went in reverse order hoping that readership would be most elevated by the time integrity, our most valued principle, came to the blog.
—
Integrity runs exactly parallel with solid character. Decisions that are made with integrity are decisions that are made with honesty and truthfulness at their core. A person that operates with integrity holds these values close.
—
There is a quote that embodies this very well, from a man that was the last of the “Five Good Emperors” of the Roman Empire. Marcus Aurelius was a leader that earned the respect of those around him by leading a life of integrity, not a life of tyranny and oppression over those he ruled. After all it is 2012, and he ruled from 161 AD to 180 AD, so its been a few years, and he is still talked about. These are his words…
—
“Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.”
—
In fact, the movie Gladiator highlights his rule. Here is the scene:
—
—
Now this is a movie, but the allegiance to a man of integrity is unquestionable. I can only imagine what it was like in real life. To have a person like this in your life is a gift, to be a person like this is even more special. There are attributes to be applauded, and I truly believe integrity is at the top of this list.
—
Integrity can be applied to your training, as well. Integrity in training looks like doing every rep in a workout, completing full range of motion on reps, and recording correct weights. I believe Marcus Aurelius would have locked out his elbows and touched his chest on every pushup. A similar but different example of this is losing track of rep in your head during a workout. Say, for example, you are not sure whether you have done 46 or 47. Acting with integrity would look a lot like taking 46 rather than the easy route of 47. As a coach I have seen both take place. Of course, I think it’s clear which we prefer. What is right, however, is sometimes different.
—
Have integrity in your training. After all, it is your body. This is a place where honesty lives. ‘The Nation’ is a place with integrity in its every fiber.
—
#Truth
Danny Lesslie
——————–
Thursday’s Workout:
4 rounds:
Every five minutes complete the following for time:
40 Squats
400m run
400m run