Many Americans have likely heard a Marine proudly and emphatically say, “Semper Fi!” when they speak about the Corps. Semper Fidelis has been the motto of Marines since 1883 and is Latin for “Always Faithful.” Have you ever given any thought to what exactly the US Marine Corps is inspired to always be faithful to? 

I previously summarized our company’s value of Faith—the central facet of our individual identity that is always searching to understand why I believe and what I believe. Moreover, as we discover the deeper passions of our lives, Faith gives us the motivation to pursue them relentlessly with purpose and meaning.  

In another blog, I focused on the value of Family—and how the success of our company’s mission depends on the qualities that enrich our relationships. They translate into our ability to be fully in the moment with family members, friends, colleagues, and ultimately in the provision of person-centered care to our customers. 

So, exactly what is the Marine committed to being faithful to? Everything. Everything that results in the accomplishment of the Corps’ mission. Fidelity is the value that animates and motivates our most superlative efforts to achieve the fullness of Faith and Family—it is the glue that binds them together. It is an all-encompassing concept that enjoins the character traits of honor, integrity, loyalty, and moral courage. It defines both who we are and the satisfactions we earn in what we do.   

I often have the great privilege of counseling young teenagers struggling with the development of their fragile identities. Regularly, I am encouraging them to make healthy choices given the dilemmas of modern times. They seem to connect with the idea that moral courage is having the strength to always choose the right action—especially when no one is watching. There are so many circumstances where we can make a choice today that can plant shame deep within our senses and our souls. We can literally feel when Fidelity is absent—that loss of honor and loyalty to what our conscience and principles have affirmed as right. Integrity is similar, but different. It means my character is never negotiable—no matter the trial or tribulation, my principles will anchor me not only to survive the storm but also to grow stronger through it. 

Beyond our character, Fidelity also means seeking truth in everything we do—our therapists are always striving for greater knowledge in evidence-based practices that have proven successful in helping our counseling clients heal. Likewise, it should also motivate our relentless desire to be wholly competent in the exercise of our talents. If our mission is worth our efforts, then Fidelity means we challenge ourselves in everything we do to remain loyal to our colleagues and to everyone entrusted to our care.    

Thomas Paine was one of our country’s founding fathers, and he once remarked during the American Revolution, “That which we obtain too easily, we esteem too lightly.” We know this to be inherently true—it isn’t comparable for someone to say, “I climbed Mount Everest,” and another to say, “That’s nothing, I once rode the scariest rollercoaster at Six Flags!” Accomplishing the highest purposes of the heart, mind, soul, and spirit is only possible when it is dedicated to Fidelity in character, and then becomes manifested in our actions. There is no mountain too high, and at its summit you will Discover Your Best!