Developing Character
Our character reflects to others who we are, how people see us. But what is character?
by Heath Henwood
Our character is the sum of the characteristics we possess. It refers to our moral qualities and our ethical standards. It is often discussed as the way people see or perceive our inner qualities.
This can be of concern at times, however not all hope is lost. We can shape and change our character to mould it. However, unlike how some books on the topic suggest, re-shaping your character this is not a quick fix, but takes patience, time, and discipline.
Before we delve more deeply into what character is, some suggestions on how to re-shape your character.
I would recommend a coach to provide you with direct and feedback. A quality coach will help you explore the issues in your life, and guide you in making changes. They also provide accountability to ensure follow through of changes.
Generally, people of good character don’t mind accountability. It allows others to have a say in your life, to provide direction and clarity to reveal issues and blind spots in our lives.
Men of character have a vision for their life. They have purpose, which gives direction to where they are going, and allows the decision-making process easier for them. They know the decisions to make, because they have already thought about the purpose, consequences and the future.
Discipline follows vision. Discipline is enacting self-control. The ability to make good decisions, regardless of public opinion, to have and stand on morals for the good on your family and community, regardless to outside pressure.
Face temptations by exercising self-control over their choices. When we exhibit self-control, we build trust in those around us. They respect us and want to follow us.
Following self-control is the need for honesty. Honesty is not only the best policy, but I would argue that it is the only policy. This leads to being a man of integrity.
Integrity means “whole”. To have integrity is to have an undivided life, that is, to act the same way regardless of the setting or situation. Men of character, act the same way regardless of where they are, and who they are with.
Men of character are self-sacrificing men. They put others first. A person of good character shows that they can give up personal gain for the good of the whole.
To be of good character is a noble thing. It means ensuring the sum of qualities: intellect, thoughts, ideas, motives, intentions, temperament, judgment, behaviour, imagination, perception, emotions, loves, and hates; are of sound and quality nature.
Many men feel that character is developed in times of crises. This is not the case. Character is developed and built in normal times, and tested in times of character. Tests, and pressure, reveal the cracks in a man’s character or the solid nature that a man.
It is through our everyday actions and interactions that we are making and living out our character. It is through our habits that our character is revealed, remembering that we are always being watched, by children, by bosses, by employees, by those around us in the community.
We need to ensure that we identify and remain true to the man that we desire to be
by Heath Henwood
Our character is the sum of the characteristics we possess. It refers to our moral qualities and our ethical standards. It is often discussed as the way people see or perceive our inner qualities.
This can be of concern at times, however not all hope is lost. We can shape and change our character to mould it. However, unlike how some books on the topic suggest, re-shaping your character this is not a quick fix, but takes patience, time, and discipline.
Before we delve more deeply into what character is, some suggestions on how to re-shape your character.
I would recommend a coach to provide you with direct and feedback. A quality coach will help you explore the issues in your life, and guide you in making changes. They also provide accountability to ensure follow through of changes.
Generally, people of good character don’t mind accountability. It allows others to have a say in your life, to provide direction and clarity to reveal issues and blind spots in our lives.
Men of character have a vision for their life. They have purpose, which gives direction to where they are going, and allows the decision-making process easier for them. They know the decisions to make, because they have already thought about the purpose, consequences and the future.
Discipline follows vision. Discipline is enacting self-control. The ability to make good decisions, regardless of public opinion, to have and stand on morals for the good on your family and community, regardless to outside pressure.
Face temptations by exercising self-control over their choices. When we exhibit self-control, we build trust in those around us. They respect us and want to follow us.
Following self-control is the need for honesty. Honesty is not only the best policy, but I would argue that it is the only policy. This leads to being a man of integrity.
Integrity means “whole”. To have integrity is to have an undivided life, that is, to act the same way regardless of the setting or situation. Men of character, act the same way regardless of where they are, and who they are with.
Men of character are self-sacrificing men. They put others first. A person of good character shows that they can give up personal gain for the good of the whole.
To be of good character is a noble thing. It means ensuring the sum of qualities: intellect, thoughts, ideas, motives, intentions, temperament, judgment, behaviour, imagination, perception, emotions, loves, and hates; are of sound and quality nature.
Many men feel that character is developed in times of crises. This is not the case. Character is developed and built in normal times, and tested in times of character. Tests, and pressure, reveal the cracks in a man’s character or the solid nature that a man.
It is through our everyday actions and interactions that we are making and living out our character. It is through our habits that our character is revealed, remembering that we are always being watched, by children, by bosses, by employees, by those around us in the community.
We need to ensure that we identify and remain true to the man that we desire to be