As we prepare to step into 2025, I invite you to embark on a transformative practice that has profoundly shaped my journey of self-discovery and alignment: the Integrity Inquiry. Adapted from James Clear’s Integrity Reports and rooted in the 3D Power Tools Framework, this practice helps us stay connected to our Values, Strengths, and Needs (VSNs), ensuring we show up authentically and with purpose.

Why Integrity Matters

Integrity is often seen as a universal value, but I view it as foundational to aligning with our VSNs. In her book The Way of Integrity: Finding the Path to Your True Self, Martha Beck describes integrity as being “whole and undivided.” It’s not about perfection or rigid adherence to expectations. Rather, integrity is the daily practice of honoring who we are at our core. It’s what keeps us grounded in our values, harnesses our strengths, and clarifies our needs.

When we operate from a place of integrity, we bring our full brilliance to the world. A watered-down version of ourselves cannot fully access our genius. But when we are wholly authentic and aligned, we heal ourselves and contribute to the healing of our communities.

The Integrity Inquiry: Your Quarterly Progress Report

The Integrity Inquiry serves as your personal progress report—a chance to pause, reflect, and realign. It encourages us to:

1. Develop “why” questions to uncover barriers to aligning with our VSNs.

2. Reflect on improvements made over time.

3. Identify struggles and create actionable steps for the next quarter.

Examples from My Own Integrity Inquiry

Here’s a glimpse into how I use the Integrity Inquiry:

• Values: My core values—Authenticity, Connection, Curiosity, Leadership, and Liberation—act as my internal compass. Some questions I’m reflecting on include:

  • Why am I feeling guarded when expressing my thoughts?

  • Why do I get frustrated when I feel disconnected from my spouse?

  Tip: Define your values for yourself because they are your internal compass to keep you in alignment. You can find my definitions here.

• Strengths: My strengths—Love of Learning, Perspective, Perseverance, Spirituality, and Bravery—guide how I approach challenges. Questions I’m exploring include:

  • Why have I lost my drive to deepen learning for collective growth?

  • Why am I letting external pressures interfere with achieving my goals?

• Tip: Use the search tool of the VIA Institute on Character to define your strengths. You can find it here.

• Needs: My needs include To See and Be Seen, Liberation, Emotional Safety, Discovery, To Be Heard, Ease, and Dignity. Some questions I’m pondering are:

  • Why do I feel tension in my chest when thinking about emotional safety?

  • Why am I so driven to advocate for the dignity of Black women?

Reflections and Commitments

As I reflect on these questions, I’ve noticed progress in key areas:

• I’ve worked on not repeating myself or over-explaining when I feel unheard.

• I’ve disrupted negative thought patterns and learned to meet my needs without over-reliance on others.

• I’ve reclaimed my mornings to read, learn, and grow, grounding myself for the day ahead.

• I’ve realized that not every activity labeled “personal development” aligns with my priorities.

• I’m more attuned to my body—acknowledging tension as a signal to pause and reflect.

• I’m embracing my Enneagram 8 strengths, ensuring advocacy for others doesn’t overshadow my healing journey.

To move forward, I’ve committed to:

• Practicing daily connection with my spouse and acknowledging his attempts to connect.

• Using a prioritization matrix to stay on track with my strategic goals.

• Grounding myself with affirmations or breathwork when I feel unsettled.

• Launching the 3D Power Collective, which aligns with my doctoral work and serves a critical need for Black women to find community.

Need a visual? Visit the RESOURCES section of my website for a free download of a fillable PDF Integrity Inquiry, complete with a redacted copy of my own from this quarter. In order to not lose your thoughtful inquiry, please DOWNLOAD the file and SAVE it! This tool includes space for a mantra, scripture, or affirmation—mine is 1 Timothy 4:14: “Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.” And while you're at it, click on "Amber's Favorites" to download a free copy of resources that I am sure will help you uncover your VSNs. (Links to free assessments included.)

One More Practice to End the Year and Start Anew

In addition to the Integrity Inquiry, consider reflecting on these three essential questions to close out the year and set intentions for the next:

1. What went well this year?

2. What didn’t go so well?

3. What did I learn?

These prompts provide clarity, allowing us to celebrate wins, acknowledge challenges, and identify growth opportunities.

The 3D Power Tools Framework

The Integrity Inquiry aligns with the 3D Power Tools Framework, which anchors the work of the upcoming 3D Power Collective. This framework helps us:

• Discover: Identify narratives, beliefs, and barriers misaligning you from your VSNs.

• Discern: Reflect on your values and strengths to ensure your actions align with your truest self.

• Determine: Take small, intentional actions to create meaningful change.

What’s Ahead for 2025

In 2025, the 3D Power Collective will integrate the Integrity Inquiry into quarterly practices. Together, we will:

• Reflect deeply: Using prompts inspired by our Curiosity Cards, we’ll identify areas for realignment.

• Build community: Through group coaching, we’ll support each other in practicing and embodying our VSNs.

• Take action: Guided by the 3D Power Tools Framework, we’ll implement strategies for authentic, liberatory living.

Integrity is the cornerstone of alignment. By practicing it regularly, we not only unlock our full potential but also model for others what it means to live whole and undivided.

Your Invitation to Begin

Start your Integrity Inquiry today. Reflect on this essential question: What behaviors would I practice if I were fully aligned with my values, strengths, and needs? If you need guidance, visit the RESOURCES section of my website to download free tools.

Also, for women from the African Diaspora, I invite you to complete the interest survey to inform the upcoming launch of the 3D Power Collective. Your insights are vital as we prepare to build this transformative community together.

Let’s step into 2025 with intention, curiosity, and alignment. The world needs your brilliance—whole and undivided.