A Person of Character
By Michael Josephson of Character Counts (525.2)
Let's face it: It's not easy to become a person of
character. It takes a good heart, but it also requires
wisdom to know right from wrong and the discipline to
do right even when it's costly, inconvenient, or
difficult.
Becoming a person of character is a lifelong quest to
be better.
A person of character values honesty and integrity and
pays whatever price is needed to be worthy of trust,
earning the pride of family and friends, and
self-respect.
A person of character plays fair even when others
don't and values no achievement unless it was attained
with honor.
A person of character has strong convictions, yet
avoids self-righteousness.
A person of character believes in the inherent dignity
of all people and treats everyone with respect, even
those whose ideas and ideologies evoke strong
disagreement.
A person of character deals with criticism
constructively and is self-confident enough to take
good advice, to admit and learn from mistakes, to feel
and express genuine remorse, and to apologize
graciously.
A person of character knows what's important,
sacrifices now for later, is in control of attitudes
and actions, overcomes negative impulses, and makes
the best of every situation.
A person of character willingly faces fears and
tackles unpleasant tasks.
A person of character is consistently and
self-consciously kind and empathetic, giving
generously without concern for reward.
A person of character feels and expresses gratitude
freely and frequently.
A person of character is not defeated by failure or
dissuaded by disappointment.
A person of character seeks true happiness in living a
life of purpose and meaning, placing a higher value on
significance than success.
