How Strong Is Your Character?

A riddle for you…

What is the one thing others see in you, and who all of your loved ones will remember you as (and can only be built by you)?

It’s the one thing we should all wish to master in our life…

Building our character.

It’s a word we have taken for granted in this modern age.

Your character is who you choose to be in the one life that you have been gifted.

The word “character” comes from the Greek Kharakter which means “engraved mark”.

In the 17th century, the word came to be associated with “the sum of qualities that defines a person.”

These qualities include your:

• Intellect & imagination
• Thoughts & ideas
• Motives & intentions
• Temperament & behaviour
• Emotions, loves, and hates

How you dress, your favourite music, or the job you do have nothing to do with character.

Character was defined as and referred to as a “moral structure”.

Something you build and display through the actions you take (or don’t take).

The question is…

How do you build it?

Let’s start with the parts of character.

The psychology of character is made up of 3 parts of your personality.

1. Your Self-ideal

2. Your Self-image

3. Your Self-esteem

Your self-ideal is the picture of who you want to be and what the best version of yourself looks like.

Your self-image is how you see yourself every day,

And finally, your self-esteem is how you feel emotionally and psychologically about yourself.

These 3 pillars combine to form your identity and it’s this that drives everything you do in your life.

Takeaway Tactic

One of the best ways to build these 3 pillars of your character is through Self-Discipline.

Every time you practice or put self-discipline into effect, it builds your character.

You practice self-discipline whether you know it or not.

It all starts with keeping the promises you make to yourself.

Do you want to get fitter? 

Practice self-discipline by making choices that support this e.g. always choosing the stairs.

Do you want to grow your business? 

Practice self-discipline by making sure you attack the necessary tasks to move your business forward.

Do you want better quality relationships? 

Practice self-discipline by setting time aside each day to spend time with your family, no matter what. 

Being disciplined to… 

• Stick with habits which cultivate your SELF-IDEAL will create your true self along the way.

• Do what’s best for you by resisting temptations and not following the crowd will make your SELF-IMAGE stronger and ever closer to your self-ideal.

• Choose the best options will boost your SELF-ESTEEM and make you more confident each day.

It can be challenging building these 3 pillars but nothing worthwhile ever comes easy in this life.

Avoiding challenges will NOT forge a strong character.

Easy choices, hard life. Hard choices, easy life.

If you embrace discomfort and practice discipline you will end up living a life full of freedom and happiness. 

And remember, it’s never too late to become the person you want to be. To fulfil your potential and excel further than you have ever imagined.