Building integrity and emotional strength (S4) S41:E3

Welcome to Inspirations for Your Life, where we unlock powerful strategies for personal and professional greatness. I’m John C. Morley, Serial Entrepreneur, Engineer, Marketing Specialist, Video Producer, Podcast Host, and Podcast Coach—and above all, a passionate lifelong learner. On this journey, we’ll dig deep into what it really means to live with integrity and emotional strength, transforming your workplace and your life one insight at a time. Get ready to elevate your leadership and mind—let’s dive in.

[1️⃣] Choose honesty, even when no one’s watching. Integrity starts in the moments no one else sees. Every time you choose honesty—especially when it would be easier not to—you strengthen your inner foundation. These small decisions echo outward, defining your character and the trust others place in you.

[2️⃣] Your word is your bond—protect it. There’s nothing more powerful than a promise kept. When you stand by your word, people know they can rely on you. Trust grows, and so does your reputation as someone who delivers—no exceptions.

[3️⃣] Strong boundaries protect your energy. Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re bridges to self-respect. By clearly communicating where you stand and what you value, you create space for meaningful connections and ensure your energy goes where it matters most.

[4️⃣] Own up to your mistakes—then level up. Mistakes are inevitable, but growth is optional. Owning your errors shows humility, self-awareness, and a commitment to bettering yourself. Each time you admit a shortcoming and learn from it, you become stronger and more respected.

[5️⃣] Respect is built action by action, not talk. Respect is earned through the everyday things—simple courtesies, fair treatment, and follow-through. Others notice the way you handle the small stuff, and that’s how big respect is built.

[6️⃣] Do what you say—always. Show up, follow through, make it happen. When your actions align with your promises, people will never have to doubt where you stand or if you’ll deliver.

[7️⃣] Apologize with intent, and grow from it. A sincere apology opens the door to healing and understanding. When you apologize meaningfully and make amends, you not only mend relationships—you also fuel your personal growth.

[8️⃣] Your values should outlive any trend. Trends come and go, but integrity is timeless. Stand firm in your principles, even when the world encourages shortcuts. Your authenticity will set you apart.

[9️⃣] Trust is earned daily—don’t break it for easy gains. Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust or to squander it. Never sacrifice trust for a quick win; the real payoff comes from honoring it day after day.

[🔟] Face hard truths—don’t run. Facing difficult realities takes guts. It’s tempting to take the easy route, but true leaders confront challenges and hard truths head-on, knowing that growth lies beyond comfort.

[1️⃣1️⃣] Stand tall for others, even when it’s tough. Use your integrity to uplift those around you. Defending what’s right—especially for others—sparks inspiration, builds loyalty, and strengthens your community.

[1️⃣2️⃣] Vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s power. Letting yourself be seen, flaws and all, opens the way for genuine connections. Emotional strength lives in honest vulnerability—it’s the birthplace of real courage.

[1️⃣3️⃣] Emotional strength means feeling, but not folding. Feel your emotions deeply, but don’t let them dictate your destiny. Emotional discipline is mastering the art of responding, not reacting.

[1️⃣4️⃣] The strongest people keep it real. Authenticity isn’t just refreshing—it’s magnetic. When you bring your unfiltered self to the table, you inspire others to do the same, building trust and genuine rapport.

[1️⃣5️⃣] Learn to say “no” without guilt. Saying no isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Every “no” you say to others is a “yes” to your wellbeing and priorities. Give yourself that permission.

[1️⃣6️⃣] Boundaries are bridges to self-respect. Having clear boundaries attracts respect from others and makes your life healthier and more fulfilling. They’re not barriers, but the framework for your best self.

[1️⃣7️⃣] When you feel lost, return to your core values. When life gets chaotic, your values are your true north. Center yourself, revisit what you stand for, and let those principles guide the next step.

[1️⃣8️⃣] Let your actions mirror your beliefs. Actions are the truest reflection of your mind and heart. If what you do consistently matches what you believe, your legacy will take care of itself.

[1️⃣9️⃣] Integrity is doing the right thing when it costs you. It’s easy to stay honest when it’s convenient; true integrity shows when keeping your standards means making sacrifices. Those moments define your character.

[2️⃣0️⃣] True power is found in consistency. Flashes of brilliance are great—but reliability is unstoppable. Whe

Episode Transcript

(00:23):
Well, hey guys, it is John C.
Morley here, serial entrepreneur.
Great to be with you today on inspirations
for your life.
Thank you so much for being here.
Really do appreciate that.
If you're new here, I want to say
thank you.
And of course, welcome.
If you're coming back, I want to say

(00:43):
a big thank you and a big welcome
back.
Thank you so much.
Of course, ladies and gentlemen, you know, we
do the show every single day and it's
getting more popular and we're closing our fourth
year out in just a few months.
And I wanted to not only say thank
you, but I want to let you know
about our master topics.
That's how we do this every single week.
We have a master topic and that master

(01:07):
topic is a really good one.
Uh, this master topic, in case you're wondering
guys, again, it's, it's a very good one.
So all the topics basically are granular topics
based around the master topic.
So I think that's a pretty, you know,
a pretty cool thing if you ask me.

(01:27):
Uh, and so this week's master topic you're
ready is resilience, leadership, and positive change.
That is the master topic.
The granular topic for this evening is building
integrity and emotional strength series four.
Joe 41 episode number three.
Well guys, um, if you haven't been here

(01:49):
before or you have, don't forget to check
out, believe me, achieve.com.
That is right after the show is over.
You can catch long form content, short form
content, articles, and much more.
By the way, if you're thirsty, feel free
to go grab yourself something.
I have something very unique here with me
today.
It's an energy kind of drink.
I have a, um, you may or may
not be able to see it.
I have a base.

(02:10):
It looks like a teacup or a coffee
cup.
And inside that I actually have some hot
water.
I have two tablespoons of molasses that's been
melted and I have my tea bag that
I steeped in here for a little while
and just sweet enough.
It's really good for you.
And I do that every single day.
There's lots of health benefits.
All right, guys, without any further ado, I

(02:31):
want to go ahead and get the show
kicked off about that.
All right.
Um, I know that a lot of you
are saying, you know, how can I make
a change?
And the change has to come from your
desire.
That's what it comes from.
All right, guys.
So let's kick this off.
All right.
So welcome to inspirations for your life where

(02:52):
I unlock powerful strategies for personal and professional
greatness.
I'm John Seymour, serial entrepreneur and an engineer,
marketing specialist.
I'm a video producer, a podcast host, you
know, and a podcast coach.
And of course, may or you may or

(03:13):
may not know this as I'm a graduate
student pursuing my master's in computer science, AI,
and also later my PhD.
And above all, ladies, gentlemen, I am a
passionate lifelong learner.
On this journey.
I'm going to dig very deep into what
it really means to live with integrity and
emotional strength, transforming your workplace and your life,

(03:39):
no matter where that is one insight at
a time, so get ready everyone to elevate
your leadership and mine.
Are you ready guys?
Let's dive in together because when we're ready
to dive in so many great things can
happen, but we first have to realize that

(03:59):
we have to dive in.
All right, guys.
So number one is choose honesty.
Even when no one's watching, it's important to
choose honesty.
Uh, by the way, this, this tea, uh,
molasses thing is really good.

(04:19):
Not too hot, not too cold.
It's really, really good.
So, um, you know, I think, I think
it's important guys to understand, you know, what's
going on in life and to be, how
can I say, uh, on the pulse for
things, and I think that's a very, um,
important thing to realize.
And when we realize this, we could actually

(04:41):
affect it and guess what guys we can
make changes.
Yes, we can make changes, but only if
we're focused and we're really wanting to do
that.
And we're passionate, right?
That's the most important thing on this wonderful
journey of life.
The journey is so meaningful and rewarding when

(05:02):
we learn how to embrace every up, every
down, just like we do in a roller
coaster, right?
So as, uh, we tackle this together and
give you some insights one at a time,
I invite you to get ready because like
I said, we're going to elevate your leadership
and your mind.
And so that's something that is really, really

(05:22):
key.
So now that we know a little more
about this, um, integrity starts in the moment
and that's the moments that no one else
sees every time you choose honesty, especially when
it would be easier not to you strengthen

(05:44):
your inner foundation, these small decisions echo outward,
defining your character and the trust others place
in you.
Number two, guys, your word is your bond.
Protect it.
There's nothing more powerful than a promise kept

(06:08):
when you stand by your word, people know
they can rely on you.
Trust grows and so does your reputation as
someone who delivers no exceptions.
Are you ready for number three?

(06:30):
I know you are.
I'm going to have another swig of this,
uh, delicious molasses tea.
So quick story.
I was doing this for a while and
I was having the molasses and I was,
uh, you know, putting the molasses in, in,
uh, usually a plastic cup.
And then I was putting the, the boiling
one 95, my instant hot, melting it, and

(06:50):
then putting some water and then putting orange
juice in and it was okay.
But I said, why am I doing this?
Why don't I just enjoy the orange juice
and have the beverage later as a hot
tea or coffee type thing, right?
So number three, guys, strong boundaries protect your
energy.
Boundaries aren't walls guys.

(07:10):
They're bridges to self-respect by clearly communicating
where you stand and what you value, you
create space for meaningful connections and ensure your
energy goes where it matters.

(07:32):
Number four, guys, you got to choose to
own up to your mistakes.
You're going to make them so own up
to them.
And then level up so they don't happen
next time.
Mistakes are inevitable in life, especially if you
want to learn, but growth is optional.
How we choose to apply those mistakes and
how we choose to handle that is the

(07:52):
difference in shaping our character and how we
grow or not grow.
Owning your urge, your mistake shows humility, self
-awareness, and a commitment to bettering yourself.
Each time you admit a shortcoming and learn
from it, you become stronger and more, well,

(08:16):
respected.
Number five, guys, respect is built action by
action, not talk.
Respect is earned through the everyday things, simple
courtesies, fair treatment, and follow through.

(08:38):
Others notice the way you handle the small
stuff, and that's how big respect is built.
Number six, guys, do what you say always.
Let me say that again.
Do what you say, always do what you

(08:58):
say, always do what you say, always.
That's the first part of living a life
with integrity.
Show up, follow through, and make it happen.
Show up, follow through, make it happen.
Show up, follow through, and make it.

(09:23):
That's key guys, really, really key.
When your actions align with your promises, people
will never have to doubt where you stand
or if you'll deliver in the future.
Number seven, guys, apologize with intent and grow

(09:47):
from it.
A sincere apology opens the door to healing
and understanding.
When you apologize meaningfully and make amends, you
not only mend relationships, you also fuel your
personal growth, that's important.

(10:10):
Number eight, your values should outlive any trends
or fads that are around.
Trends and fads come and go, but integrity
is timeless.
Stand firm in your principles, even when the

(10:30):
world encourages shortcuts, don't take any shortcuts, don't
cut any corners.
Your authenticity will set you apart and people
will notice.
Number nine, trust is earned daily.
Don't forget that.

(10:51):
Don't break it for easy gains.
I know it can be tempting.
Every interaction is an opportunity to build trust
or to squander it.
Never, never, never, never, never, never sacrifice trust
for a quick win.

(11:11):
Might seem like you're gaining gold today, but
you're going to be paying a price.
It could be money, could be friends, could
be a job, could be lots of things.
The real payoff comes from honoring it day
in, day out, or day after day, as
most people would say, face hard truths.

(11:33):
Don't run from them.
Facing difficult realities takes guts.
It's tempting to take the easy route, but
true leaders confront challenges and hard truths head
on, knowing that growth lies just beyond the
comfort zone.

(11:55):
Number 11, guys, stand tall for others, even
when it's tough to do so.
Use your integrity to uplift those around you,
defending what you believe is right, especially for
others.
And this sparks inspiration and it builds loyalty

(12:17):
and strengthens your community.
Number 12, guys, vulnerability isn't weakness.
No, it is not.
It's power.
Letting yourself be seen, flaws and all, opens

(12:38):
the way for genuine connections.
Emotional strength lives in honest vulnerability.
It's the birthplace of real courage.
Number 13, guys, emotional strength means feeling, but

(12:59):
not folding.
I said feeling, but not folding.
In other words, don't give up.
Feel your emotions deeply, but don't let them
dictate your destiny.
Emotional discipline is not easy, but mastering the
art of responding not reacting, see, that's the

(13:23):
key.
A lot of people want to go ahead
and say, you know, they want to have
that quick fight or flight mechanism because they
think they're trying to survive.
Resist that urge to operate from the fight
or flight mechanism.
Everything is not do or die.

(13:43):
Everything is meant to be calm, but if
you're not calm, then how do you proceed?
That's a problem.
And so I want to encourage you guys
to think before you act.
Number 14, guys, the strongest people keep it

(14:04):
real.
In other words, they're authentic.
So authenticity isn't just refreshing.
It's not a fad or trend.
It's magnetic.
When you bring your unfiltered self to the
table, you inspire others.

(14:24):
To do the same building trust and genuine
rapport is the key.
Guys learn to say no without guilt.
Saying no, isn't selfish.
A lot of times we're taught that it
is not selfish to say no to others.
Because remember I told you before, if your

(14:45):
cup is not full, you can't help yourself
and you definitely can't help others, it's essential
that you say no.
Sometimes so you can keep your own cup
full.
Every no that you say to others is
a yes to your wellbeing and priorities.
Give yourself that permission.

(15:06):
Don't feel guilty about doing it.
Number 16 guys, boundaries, boundaries, boundaries, boundaries.
They're bridges to self respect.
Having clear boundaries attracts respect from others and

(15:29):
makes your life healthier and more fulfilling.
They're not barriers guys, but the framework for
your best self.
So embrace it and know that these bridges
you're building may not help you today or
tomorrow.
Sometimes you might find there's a way to

(15:53):
cross or an opportunity to connect you because
of it.
Number 17, when you feel lost, return to
your core values.
When life gets too chaotic, your values are
your true north, right?
Like magnetic north.

(16:15):
Center yourself, your own yen and Zen, revisit
what you stand for each day and let
those principles guide the next step.
Not the person around you, not the naysayers.
You, you're your direct core of north.
Number 18, let your actions mirror your beliefs.

(16:39):
Actions are the truest reflection of your mind
and heart.
If what you do consistently matches what you
believe your legacy will take care of itself.
You don't have to worry about doing this
or doing that because you're going to be

(17:00):
ahead of the game before you even start.
And I think that's a very important thing
to realize guys, very, very important thing, because
if you can realize that you operate because
of who you are, not because you're trying
to be someone or impress someone, you operate
from the core values that you've installed deep

(17:20):
with inside you.
And if something you do goes against those
core values, well, then you need to answer
to yourself, not to anybody else.
Number 19 guys, integrity.
Integrity is doing the right thing when it
costs.
It's easy to stay honest when it's convenient.

(17:46):
True integrity shows when keeping your standards means
making sacrifices.
Those moments define your character.
And I think a lot of people crack
because they don't know what to do in
that case.
I think

(18:20):
sometimes people don't understand, but they have to
operate from their true North.
True power is found in consistency.
Flashes of brilliance are great, but reliability is
unstoppable.
When you show up consistently prepared and principled,

(18:46):
you become, well, the cornerstone, the rock everyone
can count on and they will number 21,
never trade your character for convenience.
Short-term gain is never worth the long

(19:08):
-term loss.
It's important.
That's important.
Stand your ground.
Even when the easy route tempts you to

(19:31):
compromise.
All right.
And I know you're going to want to
compromise.
Believe me.
I know this, but don't number 22, be
the example you wish you had.
Want to see greatness transform in your life
or kindness in the world?

(19:53):
Start by embodying it yourself.
The best way to inspire is to lead
by example.
Lead by example.
You get that number 23, your reputation is

(20:16):
your silent resume.
People talk, let what they say about you
be a testament to your character and reliability,
your actions speak for themselves.
And I think that's something you have to
realize.

(20:40):
You do number 24 guys, emotional courage.
Speak your truth calmly.
It takes guts to express your authenticity, your
feelings, especially under pressure.
Speaking up respectfully is a powerful act of

(21:01):
leadership.
I had something happen just the other day.
And somebody who was in authority was, um,
let's say not too respectful to me because
they had to appear high and mighty.
This was several weeks ago.

(21:24):
Well, when it came time for someone to
tell me that they needed to make a
suggestion to improve something in their place, I
was hesitant, but I wrote them an email
and said, I'm only doing this because a
friend of mine asked me.
I know that you don't need my help
now or in the future.

(21:44):
And that's obvious.
I've gotten the message from the way you
treated me.
I've tried multiple times to help you.
And I had just been met with basically,
uh, political nonsense.
Thus, I don't have time for politics.

(22:05):
Or clicks.
So I'm just going to do what I
do and I'm not going to overextend myself
anymore to you or anyone else here.
Number 25, tough times reveal true character.
When everything's going well, it's so easy to

(22:27):
look good.
It's during the hardship that your real metal
shows, let adversity shape you, not break you,
but adversity shape you, not break you.
That's an important thing to understand guys.
What you tolerate sets your standard with this

(22:50):
person.
I didn't tolerate it.
And I was polite, but I sent an
email letting them know where I come from.
They weren't very pleased.
They responded back to me saying all that
such and such.
No, because I said, I know you have
people that'll probably take care of this.
Sometime in the future.
And they just said, thank you.
And they ignored the whole rest of the

(23:12):
email.
What does that mean?
That means you're right.
I didn't gloat about it, but they didn't
even want to touch or open that can
of worms.
You teach others how to treat you by
what you accept.
You don't accept that crap.
Stop treating me like that.

(23:33):
Set the high standards, not just for how
you treat others, but for how you allow
yourself to be treated.
I think that's the point that a lot
of people miss.

(23:56):
That's very important guys to understand that.
Number 27, legacy is built, not in one
move one night or one day or one
week, but in every choice you choose to
make every decision, big or small adds up.
Build your legacy guys daily with small acts

(24:20):
of honesty, kindness, and purpose.
Let these practices wash over you and become
the pillars of your existence, your leadership, and
the blueprint for your core values in life.
You know, when you do that guys, you

(24:41):
are going to be so much more happy
with life.
Okay.
Together, we're going to foster, ladies and gentlemen,
acknowledgement, gratitude, and celebration, fueling, lasting growth and

(25:02):
high performance.
This is not going to be easy stuff
guys, but I promise you that if you
commit to this day in and day out,
you are definitely going to like it.
Okay.

(25:28):
If you understand that you don't build Roman
a day, you don't create success in 24
hours, you take steps toward it every single
day.
And as you take steps toward it, guess
what happens?
You become that success.

(25:53):
Does that make sense?
I want you to understand that the choices
you make, there's something called short-term gratification,

(26:15):
a long-term gratification.
Now I can go eat a huge, large
chalk of pie.
Wouldn't be good for me.
I'd get the short-term gratification, but I
wouldn't get the long-term gratification.
The long-term would be healthy, right?
These are important things, guys.
You have to embrace them.

(26:37):
Does that make sense?
I know a lot of you watching this
are saying, Hey John, I get this, but
like, I don't know where to start.
We'll start at the very beginning.
Start at the very beginning.
That's the important thing.
When you start at the beginning, life changes.

(27:17):
That's important guys.
I invite you to connect with me, which
you can do now 24 hours a day
at BelieveMeAchieved.com and check out my long
-form content, my short-form content, and I'm
going to catch you real soon.
Thank you so much.
Remember integrity is not overrated.
Do it.
Even if you don't get thanked for, or

(27:38):
if no one is watching, because eventually you'll
notice that it has paid off.
Have a great one, everyone.