At SuperCamp's academic summer camps, kids and teens learn a powerful framework for personal effectiveness called the 8 Keys of Excellence. These are keys to successful living - they help create a place where each person is valued and respected. When you hold yourself accountable for how you apply the 8 Keys, others are more willing to be held accountable for their own choices and actions.

Integrity is the first of the 8 Keys of Excellence. Integrity can be defined as the state of authenticity when our values and actions are in alignment. In other words, integrity happens when what we value is reflected in the things we do and the way we act. Integrity is first about knowing yourself-your values, desires, talents and dreams-and then being true to that self, in all your actions and interactions.

Living in integrity means making sure your behaviors are congruent with your values. When your actions are aligned with your values, you conduct yourself with authenticity, sincerity and wholeness. When you clarify your values, it helps you set goals that are consistent with those values. Together, your values and goals bring a sense of passion and purpose to everything you do in your life. A lot of people simply act as they feel like acting, and afterwards find some justification-any justification-for why they did what they did. Their actions are largely unconsidered.

On the other hand, highly successful individuals use their values to steer their behaviors. They reflect first and act second. Their values motivate their actions, because they choose their actions to complement their values. Take a moment to check your motivation-can you be honest enough with yourself to truly admit why you're doing something? Does it really reflect your values, or is it a reflection of what you want at that point in time?

Choose your behavior to reflect your values, and you'll move through life with authenticity, sincerity, and wholeness. When you live with integrity, it'll show. People will trust you, almost instinctively. They'll think of you as a person of your word. You'll be known for your strong character.

When you live with integrity, you'll enjoy a clear conscience, which will allow you to think more positively of yourself. Those good feelings will flood into everything you say and do. Integrity promotes trust and respect, two key characteristics of good relationships, and good relationships are fundamental to success in all aspects of life. Align your actions with your values and your quality of life will increase dramatically.

The first of the 8 Keys of Excellence tells you to live what you value. If you value honesty, be truthful. If you value keeping your word, follow through. If you value being fair, do what you expect others to do. Your identity is who you are, and your integrity is an expression of that identity. So ask yourself - What do you value? How do these values show up in your life? Do your current actions support these values?