I am an avid reader and love to read books that inspire others to elevate who they are. We have become a society that "settles" for mediocrity and I think this is the saddest changes to who we are.
Author William Hersey Davis explains the difference between a person's reputation and what determines someone's character. To be a person of character was once the most important aspect of someone's life. If you had good character you were a person others could trust. In James Bond movies the British had a saying that their word was their bond. In earlier times, a handshake was all that was needed between business partners because the individuals involved knew each other to be people of character. They were trusted because they had a history of being trustworthy. Trustworthy people tell the truth and live principled lives according to standards of excellence not mediocrity. They are honest because they value honesty in others. They are kind, because they desire to be treated kindly. They are considerate of others because they believe that is the right thing to do. They are motivated by their own desire to be good. A person of character does not compromise on their beliefs because that is unacceptable to them.
A person of character inspires others to be the best they can be. One must be an example of good character first. They must be trustworthy and they must live lives that are humble. I love this quote (photo) this tells the difference between a teacher and a great teacher who inspires others. Our children are being taught by teachers who may not be inspirational. As parents we have the ability to inspire our children every moment of every day by showing them our good character.
“The circumstances amid which you live determine your reputation…
The truth you believe determines your character…
Reputation is what you are supposed to be; character is what you are…
Reputation is the photographs; character is the face…
Reputation comes over one from without; Character grows up from within.…
Reputation is what you have when you come to a new community; character is what you have when you go away.
Your reputation is made in a moment; your character is built in a lifetime…
Your reputation is learned in an hour; your character does not come to light for a year…
Reputation grows like a mushroom; character less like eternity…
Reputation makes you rich or makes you poor; character makes you happy or makes you miserable…
Reputation is what men say about you on your tombstone;
Character is what the angels say about you before the throne of God.
William Hersey Davis
Recently I asked my students what they thought were character traits. This is what they came up with:
How to build Character:
1. Be humble
2. Live out your principles & values
3. Be intentional
4. Practice Self-discipline
5. Be accountable
I think if you begin to live these 5 traits you'll begin to show others you are a person of character and you just might inspire someone else to have character as well.