Building Character
Character Qualities
Each month, the
Character Council will highlight one of the qualities on these pages
in greater detail. The listings as they appear here are intended to
give you a brief look at each trait.
After we name and
briefly define each character quality, we'll list "actions to
practice." These actions will help you get in the spirit of the
quality by providing you with several concrete methods for putting the
quality definition into action. Next, we tell you the month and year
the quality will be highlighted. Click
here to see the
chronological character calendar.
Character Qualities 10-21
Decisiveness
Deference
Dependability
Determination
Diligence
Discernment
Discretion
Endurance
Enthusiasm
Faith
Flexibility
Forgiveness
Decisiveness
"The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult
decisions."
Action Steps:
- Not look back.
- Do what I say.
- Make the right decision and stick to it.
- Look at things from more than one point of view before making up
my mind.
- Not give in to peer pressure.
Top
Deference
"Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those
around me."
Action Steps:
Respect the feelings of others.
Not use offensive language.
Not play loud music in public.
Be careful how I dress.
Top
Dependability
"Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected
sacrifice."
Action Steps:
Be careful what I promise.
Correct my mistakes.
Pull my share of the load.
Not have a bad attitude.
Top
Determination
"Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time,
regardless of the opposition."
Action Steps:
Make sure my goals are right.
Ignore distractions.
Not be discouraged by others.
Face problems head-on.
Top
Diligence
"Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to
me."
Action Steps:
Do a job right.
Follow instructions.
Concentrate on my work.
Not be lazy.
Top
Discernment
"Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen."
Action Steps:
Not judge hastily.
Learn from experience.
Not repeat mistakes.
Trace problems to their causes.
Top
Discretion
"Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that
could bring undesirable consequences."
Action Steps:
- Choose my words carefully
Practice good manners.
Listen to criticism.
Not make fun of others.
Turn down any invitation to do wrong.
Top
Endurance
"The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best."
Action Steps:
Accept both instruction and correction.
Not waste my time, energy, and talent on meaningless pursuits.
Bend instead of break.
Put my whole heart into everything I do.
Top
Enthusiasm
"Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort."
Action Steps:
smile.
Treat every job as important.
Put my whole heart into what I do.
Not be discouraged by failure.
Top
Faith
"Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield
the best outcome, even when I cannot see how."
Action Steps:
- Expect the best
- Make right choices based on principles of character rather
than the whims of circumstance.
- Believe the truth and reject a lie.
- Not take things for granted.
- Trust those who have proven character.
Top
Flexibility
"Willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction of
my authorities."
Action Steps:
- Not get upset when plans change.
- Respect the decisions of my authorities.
- Not be stubborn.
- Look for the good in changes.
- Not compromise what is right.
Top
Forgiveness
"Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not
holding a grudge."
Action Steps"
- Be quick to forgive.
- Do not cover up my own wrongs but be quick to ask for
forgiveness.
- Do not seek revenge.
- Respond kindly to those who hurt me.
- Not take up offenses for others.
Top
Click here to see the next set of character qualities
