0 or 100%: The Forrest Gump Principle of Integrity

The Forrest Gump Principle: 0 or 100%

What does Forrest Gump have to do with Integrity? Alot! Yes, he isnt real, and yes he was a very simple man, but he is a great example of an integrious character in film. Look at what he accomplished in his life. College athlete, decorated war hero, inspirational road runner, successful business man, loyal friend, devoted husband and father (I do find it a bit humorous however, to point at his on-screen accomplishments!).  I think we can all learn a few things from Forrest Gump. He had an intense focus and whatever he was doing he did with 100% passion and integrity. He was very lucky in the movie, but I think you will find that luck tends to favor the integrious!

The Choice: Because the integrious man/woman knows very clearly who they are and what they value or believe in, they are able to make decisive commitments and hold to them. The choice to do or not to do is something that becomes easier the more integrity you have. We saw this with Forrest often, things were very simple and “black and white” for him. This clarity and courage of convictions (otherwise known as integrity) allowed him to live and enjoy life to a high capacity.  It was also his ability to act quickly and decisively that not only saved his life and others, but gave him a leadership quality. Of course in reality, life is much more complex and one cannot simply drop everything and run to Mama or Jenny, but the point is that personal integrity makes the choices in life clearer.

Velocity: Making decisions in life through the filter of personal integrity is very important, but it is the “way” the integrious man/women does things once the decision has been made. Once the choice has been made, they follow through in a fashion that can be described as 100%, or 0%. 100% meaning the full and complete capacity of what is possible in action, or 0% meaning they choose not to do it. They either do, or they choose not to do, simple as that. You may have heard the quote or saying, “If something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.” Or it can be said to “always give your very best or don’t give it at all.” This concept goes hand in hand with the meaning of personal integrity. We either believe in something or we don’t. And if we are indecisive, our integrity would dictate some thought (discernment) in order to come to a decision conclusion. Maybe we have conflicting beliefs that are surfacing, or maybe we just are not sure about the people or entities involved, very common. However, more due diligence must be done to confirm or deny whether the said commitment or action is in line with our integrity or not.

Living with Integrity means we give our complete and whole attention, effort and sincerity to whatever it is we are doing. If we cannot do so, then we must refrain and take note of the reason for conflict. This principle also has a powerful effect on  the way others respond. A much higher degree of respect and trust will be received from everyone around us.

The Nobility in Non-Action: It is important to mention here that equally important is the ability to say no, or take 0′s (meaning 0% or “choosing not to act”). It is impossible to act or give 100% to a commitment when one is “saying yes” to everything. We cannot please everyone and if we are using our independent judgment and thought (a major pre-requisite to personal integrity) we surely cannot believe in or agree with everything that is presented or asked of us.  Here is what can happen when a person doesn’t say no or take enough 0′s: Internal conflict, hesitation, doubt and anxiety, a drop in performance and confidence, exhaustion, flakyiness, less trust and respect from others, and less enjoyment and pleasure! We all know that we strongly dislake flaky behavior, but how many people know that the opposite of this is personal Integrity?

And……….. as is always the case with integrity, there happens to be some tremendous benefit to this 0 or 100% approach. Forrest Gump is a great cinematic example of this. With a commitment to live integriously we are committing to do and give our best in whatever we do. With this kind of effort, focus, attention and sincerity applied consistently over time one can truly accomplish amazing things.