Back in the day, during my coach training program, it was considered a personal affront to be called out on the mat for “being out of alignment”.

This was confusing to me at the time, as it was unfamiliar parlance in the corporate world.

However, in holistic and healing circles it provokes a gasp at very minimum.

Alignment had to be spelled out for me. It's really a fancy way of saying – start to live your life in accordance with integrity.

But what does it mean to be living in integrity?

It's a simple formula.

Words + Action in Alignment = Integrity

Words have power, and they do have meaning. Words are one significant way that you signal intent to the world.

Throwing words around without awareness can be reckless.

Action is the second half of the equation.

Movement that supports your words is what it means to be in alignment.

Movement that does not match your words is a major red flag.

You can blow smoke all day and night long about your promises, dreams, and goals but if you do not take the proper steps then it's really all a bunch of bullsh*t.

I'm the first to say that I am guilty of talking an awesome game about what I want and not getting it. We all do it.

• We want to get a new job but we don't dust off our resume
• We want to drop 20 pounds but we don't hit to the gym
• We want to get promoted but we don't go the extra mile
• We want new clients but we don't make sales calls
• We want a romantic partner but we won't risk our hearts

So, why am I rattling on about integrity?

It's because this is where we lie to ourselves and others.

And lying is a tough place to live.

Of course, the backdrop to our conversation is that of your belief system – your ethics and morals.

What do you believe is right and wrong? What makes you proud or shameful? What is a priority and what receives marginal investment?

We can't expect our lives to line up, take root, and grow effortlessly if we are horrific farmers.

Here's where to look:

• What is the focus and content of your daily self-talk?
• What do you say to your partner and family?
• What hasn't changed in a long time?
• What promises have you broken?
• What dreams have you abandoned?

Integrity is not an easy practice but it is worth it.

What is the one area of your life that you are committed to bringing into alignment?

-Kelley A. Joyce, MBA, CPC

Kelley is a career development coach who is dedicated to helping people discover their career path and land their dream jobs. Kelley and her partner Josh live in New York City from which she has served hundreds of professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Australia since 2012 to radically change their relationship with work.

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