Character

Character can be summarized as basically the attributes, personality, and behaviors that make up a person’s persona or who they are. We all know and are aware of others and their character. How often do we think about our own character? How would others view and evaluate your character?

Your character and demeanor will have a massive impact on your life. How many friends you have. Where you focus your time and energy. How you handle adversity. How high your standards are. What you choose to do, and how you choose to do it.

Your character is who you are. Your reputation is who others perceive that you are.

One of the greatest things about your character is that it can be developed and adjusted over time. Through intentionality and work, you can literally build, adjust, and change your character.

For example, my son does jujitsu twice a week. Usually twice before his class, one on the way to the gym, and once right before the class, I go through a routine with him. I say ‘elbows in,’ and he says ‘always win.’ I say ‘elbows out’, he says ‘watch out.’ I say ‘heavy hands,’ he says ‘light feet.’ I say ‘first one up or last one up?’ He says ‘first one up.’ I say ‘good effort, or best effort.’ He says best effort. What I am doing with him, is reminding him, without telling him, that he is working on his character. Every choice and action is literally building your character. What kind of effort are you going to give? Are you trying to improve or just maintain? Are you going in with an attitude to just go through the motions, or will you give the effort that will allow you to push yourself and grow?

In a similar way, every day we get to build and shape our character. We can choose to keep doing the same things with the same effort and mentality. Or we can approach things with a desire and intentionality to grow and improve. The choice is yours. Your perspective and attitude will greatly impact what you do, and how you choose to do it.

The types of things that shape and mold your character are your attitude, your perspective, your level of discipline, your desire to improve, and your impact and influence on others. Is your typical attitude positive or negative? Is your typical outlook and perspective positive or negative? Are you a disciplined individual? Are you driven to improve and grow? Are you the type of person who likes to help others, and see others succeed? These are all things that influence and affect you and your character.

If you are willing to take the time and think about your character, and honestly evaluate yourself, you may find a few things that need to be adjusted. That is not a bad thing. Making adjustments is always encouraged. Striving to grow and improve one’s own character is very admirable! Being a person of good character means that you are in a great position to succeed in your life, but you are in a position to have a great impact on others as well.