What comes to mind when you think of character? Most people will use word such as honesty, and integrity to describe character. Most will describe it as your outward treatment towards others, using words such as, kindness and consideration. While all of these are true, we sometimes forget, or are unaware of the main component of character… YOU! It’s not all about how you treat others outwardly, but also how you care for yourself. What if I told you that perseverance, ambition, consistency, and discipline where also components that make up good character? The word comes from the Greek kharakter for “engraved mark,” “symbol or imprint on the soul.” Webster’s defines it as, “a person’s distinctive nature”, “strength and originality of a person’s nature.”
Being a person of honorable character is not only about how you treat others, but how you care for yourself. Have you ever heard of the saying, “your talents can open doors that your character can’t keep you?” I don’t know about you, but I have always interpreted that saying to mean a person has “slimy” character. They must be untrustworthy or conniving. Never did I understand it to mean that maybe they lack discipline; that they lack the drive that it would take to sustain them. Maybe they give up easily at the first sign of rejection. The lack of self-confidence can be considered “bad” character. When is the last time you’ve done a character temperature check on yourself? Character can and will affect your life across the board. Whether it is in business success or your relationships, your character will determine your success.
It isn’t enough to just tell yourself, “I’m a good person”, and go on about your life. Sustaining good character doesn’t happen just because you said it. It requires you to be intentional. Dig deeper! When you say, “I’m a good person”, what does that mean? Overall you very well may be, but does that mean there aren’t areas that need attention? Do you take the time to self reflect? I challenge you today to do just that! If you are not operating at your fullest potential, and being the best you that you can be, you cheat the world, and yourself of your value and greatness. No one can care for YOU; your emotions, your mental health, your dreams the way that you can. You owe it to yourself to thrive! I believe in you. Do you?
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