North Columbus News

May 23, 2025

Master Coach Marilou Butcher Roth discusses the concept of agreements individuals make with themselves and how these agreements can impact one's sense of integrity. Roth emphasizes that personal commitments, such as losing weight or drinking more water, are often disrupted by life's unexpected events.

Roth notes that failing to keep or communicate changes to these self-agreements can lead to feelings of discontent. "The reason you feel this way is that you are out of integrity with yourself," she explains.

She points out that self-agreements should be treated with the same importance as those made with others. As an example, Roth describes a scenario where someone commits to exercising three times a week but encounters interruptions. She advises against simply dismissing these commitments: "If you merely blow off your exercise times, you will find yourself feeling bad at some point."

To maintain personal integrity, Roth suggests acknowledging these agreements consciously and writing them down if necessary. In case plans change, she recommends consciously altering the agreement rather than ignoring it.

"You then will be accountable to yourself," says Roth, highlighting the benefits of maintaining self-awareness and integrity in personal commitments.