1. Character refers to the traits that determine who you are at a core level.
2. Integrity reveals the values you live your life by.
Character is often said to be “what you do when you think no one is watching”. What a revealing little statement that is! Most of us have done things we’re not proud of; things we hope don’t come back to haunt us later. These events usually take place in our younger years, when we’re still trying to figure out who we are.
Once we know who we are (or decide who we want to be), we begin to understand that we are largely a product of our actions. Positive actions make us a “good person,” and a valuable member of society. Negative actions reveal a cruel, selfish or undeveloped character.
Your character will directly affect your personal excellence in powerful ways. How? If excellence is all about throwing your whole self into whatever you do, shouldn’t your “whole self” be a person of great value?
Remember, your character is determined by your actions. If you consistently cheat, steal and lie to others, your inner self is diminished and therefore largely ineffective. On the other hand, if you strive to serve others, contribute something of value to others and the world, your inner self will grow and expand into something far more pervasive than you can imagine.
THEN when you throw your whole self into whatever you do, you are throwing a “bigger and better self” into the process, and your results will be that much more powerful.
Here’s how to build your character in life-changing ways:
* Be the best “YOU” you can be. Don’t try to emulate others, but instead look within and bring out the very best parts of yourself that are unique and special.
* Strengthen and develop the best parts of yourself until they are all-pervasive. Let them take over your personality, your work, your relationships – and every aspect of your life. Let them become the largest parts of yourself.
* Share the best parts of yourself with others. Share your strength, your ideals, your vision, your power. Be willing to show others who you truly are, and you will become a powerful magnet for likeminded people.
* Focus on what you can do for others, rather than what you stand to gain from others. Ironically, a focus on giving will also increase the amount and magnitude of what you receive. Again, don’t focus on that, just focus on contributing immense value to other people, and the world in general.
* Do only that which you can be proud of. Remember, character is revealed by what you do when you think no one is watching. A good way to keep this in perspective is to imagine a hidden camera trained on you at all times. If you would feel ashamed or guilty about an activity you’re considering – it’s a sure bet that it will detract from your character rather than adding to it.
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