Finding Your impact at the intersection of intensity and integrity: A journey of purpose and passion

In a world where success is often measured by wealth, status, or power, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Many chase after these markers of achievement, only to find themselves unfulfilled and disconnected from their true purpose. But what if success is not just about the accolades and achievements, but about making a real, lasting impact on the lives of others? What if the key to finding your impact lies in the balance of two fundamental qualities: intensity and integrity?

The Origin of a Life's Motto

My life's motto, "You find your impact at the intersection of your intensity and integrity," wasn't born out of a single moment but through years of experience, reflection, and a deep understanding of what drives meaningful success. As a third-generation contractor, entrepreneur, pastor, and leader, I've worn many hats and walked many paths. Each role taught me something valuable about life, leadership, and what it means to truly make a difference.

Intensity and integrity—two words that might seem contradictory at first glance—are, in fact, deeply intertwined. Intensity, in this context, isn't about aggression or forcefulness; it's about passion, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of your goals. It's the fire that drives you to get up every morning and give your all to whatever you're doing, whether it's running a business, leading a team, or simply being the best version of yourself.

Integrity, on the other hand, is the compass that guides your actions. It's about honesty, ethics, and staying true to your values, even when it's difficult. Integrity ensures that your intensity is channeled in the right direction, that your efforts are not just about personal gain but about contributing something meaningful to the world.

The Power of Intensity: Fueling Your Purpose

Intensity is often misunderstood. In a world that sometimes celebrates moderation and balance to the point of complacency, being intense can seem excessive or even counterproductive. But intensity, when harnessed correctly, is a powerful force. It’s what separates those who dream from those who do.

For me, intensity is about a deep, unwavering commitment to my goals and my purpose. It's the drive that keeps me pushing forward, even when the road gets tough. It's about having a vision so clear and compelling that it ignites a fire within you—a fire that cannot be easily extinguished.

But intensity is not just about hard work or determination; it’s about passion. It’s about finding that thing that makes you come alive and pouring your whole self into it. Whether it’s in business, family, faith, or leadership, your intensity is what fuels your ability to make a real impact. It’s what turns good intentions into tangible results.

In my years in the construction industry, I learned that intensity is what gets the job done. It's what drives you to meet deadlines, solve problems, and deliver quality work, even under pressure. But beyond the nuts and bolts of the job, intensity is what inspires others. When people see your passion and commitment, they are drawn to it; they want to be a part of something that matters.

The Role of Integrity: Staying True to Your Values

While intensity is the fuel, integrity is the engine that ensures you stay on the right path. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success and lose sight of what truly matters. But without integrity, success is hollow. It might bring temporary rewards, but it won’t bring lasting fulfillment or a sense of true accomplishment.

Integrity is about more than just being honest; it's about being whole and undivided in your values and actions. It’s about making decisions that are aligned with your principles, even when those decisions are difficult or unpopular. Integrity means that you don’t cut corners, even when it might be easier or more profitable to do so. It means that you treat others with respect and fairness, regardless of their position or status.

In my career, I’ve seen firsthand how integrity builds trust. Whether you're leading a team, running a business, or serving your community, people need to know that they can rely on you to do what is right. Trust is the foundation of all successful relationships, and integrity is the cornerstone of trust.

But integrity is not just about how you treat others; it’s also about how you treat yourself. It’s about being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, your successes and failures. It’s about being willing to take responsibility for your actions and to learn from your mistakes. It’s about living in a way that is authentic and true to who you are.

Photo by Henry & Co. 

The Intersection of Intensity and Integrity: Where Impact is Found

It’s at the intersection of intensity and integrity that true impact is made. When you combine the passion and drive of intensity with the moral compass of integrity, you create a powerful force for good. This is where you find your impact—not in the pursuit of success for its own sake, but in the pursuit of something greater.

For me, this intersection has been the guiding principle in my career and my life. It’s what has driven me to not just build businesses, but to build people. It’s what has inspired me to not just lead, but to serve. It’s what has pushed me to not just achieve, but to empower others to achieve as well.

In my work as a consultant, coach, and speaker, I aim to help others find their own intersection of intensity and integrity. I believe that everyone has the potential to make a significant impact, but it requires a willingness to embrace both the intensity of their passions and the integrity of their values. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your greatest strengths meet your deepest convictions, and using that to make a difference in the world.

Practical Steps to Finding Your Impact

So how do you find your own impact at the intersection of intensity and integrity? Here are some practical steps that have helped me along the way:

1. Clarify Your Purpose: Take the time to understand what truly matters to you. What are you passionate about? What are your core values? What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Your purpose is the foundation upon which your intensity and integrity will be built.

2. Cultivate Your Intensity: Once you’ve identified your purpose, pursue it with everything you have. Don’t be afraid to be intense in your efforts. Work hard, stay focused, and don’t give up when things get tough. Remember, intensity is about passion and commitment, not just hard work.

3. Align with Integrity: As you pursue your goals, make sure that your actions are aligned with your values. Don’t sacrifice your integrity for short-term gains. Build trust by being honest, fair, and consistent in everything you do. Integrity will keep your intensity on the right path.

4. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly take the time to reflect on your actions and your progress. Are you staying true to your purpose? Are you living out your values? Are you making the impact you want to make? If not, don’t be afraid to adjust your course.

5. Empower Others: Finally, remember that true impact is not just about what you achieve, but about how you help others achieve their own potential. Use your intensity and integrity to inspire, guide, and support others in their own journeys.

Real-Life Examples of Impact

In my journey, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how the intersection of intensity and integrity can lead to profound impact, not just in my own life, but in the lives of others. Here are a few examples:

•  Building a Business with Purpose: In the construction industry, it’s easy to focus solely on profits and efficiency. But I’ve found that when you approach your work with both intensity and integrity, you build something much more valuable. By committing to quality, honesty, and fairness, I’ve been able to not just build successful projects, but to build lasting relationships and a reputation that people trust.

• Leading with Integrity: As a faith leader, I’ve learned that people are not just looking for someone to follow; they are looking for someone they can trust. By leading with both passion and integrity, I’ve been able to inspire others to not just follow, but to lead with their own intensity and integrity.

• Coaching and Mentoring: In my work as a coach and mentor, I’ve seen how helping others find their own intersection of intensity and integrity can change lives. When people are able to align their passions with their values, they become unstoppable. They not only achieve their goals, but they do so in a way that is meaningful and fulfilling.

The Legacy of Intensity and Integrity

As I reflect on my journey, I am reminded that the impact we make in this world is not just about what we do, but about how we do it. Intensity without integrity can lead to burnout, disappointment, and a sense of emptiness. Integrity without intensity can lead to missed opportunities, unfulfilled potential, and a lack of progress. But when the two are combined, they create a powerful force that can change the world.

My hope is that my life and my work will serve as a testament to the power of finding your impact at the intersection of intensity and integrity. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a leader, a pastor, or simply someone trying to make a difference in your corner of the world, I encourage you to embrace both your intensity and your integrity. Let them guide you, fuel you, and inspire you to make the impact you were meant to make.

In the end, the measure of our lives will not be in the wealth we’ve accumulated, the titles we’ve earned, or the power we’ve wielded. It will be in the lives we’ve touched, the people we’ve empowered, and the legacy of integrity and intensity that we leave behind. So, find your intersection, and make your impact. The world is waiting for what only you can give.