We are judged by our character. Let’s take a look at the basics of an honorable character: honesty and trustworthiness and dependability. These traits are necessary in a healthy relationship.
Integrity
Integrity means whole or undivided. You are consistent in your actions versus behaving in any situation based on what is your best benefit. Integrity also means strength of character. It is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. You know your beliefs/values/goals and you adhere to those in each situation. Integrity is a “way of life”.
Honesty
Honesty is the best policy; that is more than just a saying. People hedge the truth for basic reasons: fear of ramifications or they are trying to hide something. Lack of honesty results in destroying your truth and the trust of those who believed in you. Lies are like those tormented shadows that follow you even in the dark.
Loyalty
People with decent character are loyal. People with honest character stick with their friends even in tough times. We all make mistakes and loyalty is important in helping people that we care about. Loyal people ask you to stretch your thinking and behaving to a healthier place than where you are now versus judging/blaming you. This does not mean that we accept responsibility for the other person’s behaviors.
Self-Sacrifice
Self-sacrifice creates followers. People are drawn to someone that is willing to help others without the expectation of returns. People of decent character do not use other people. They show sacrifice of personal gain. A person with good character shows that they can give up personal gain for the benefit of the whole.
Accountability
People of decent character welcome accountability. They are willing to allow others to have a say in their life–to talk with them clearly about their life and conduct. We all have blind spots in evaluating ourselves and it helps to have people we trust to help us see those blind spots. Accountability says a lot about a person’s character. When we allow ourselves to be held accountable, others know that we are honest and honorable in our behaviors.
Self-Control
Our character is based on the ability to make wise decisions about what we will and will not do. There are many opportunities to participate in things that are unhealthy or illegal. Those are everyday temptations. A person with good character knows to exercise self-control (control over your choices). People lose respect for themselves when they refuse to use self-control. Other people also lose respect for that person.
Self-control is using the Cognitive Behavioral Skills to: Communicate Effectively, Problem Solve, Team Play.
Remember: You get to decide how you Think – feel – Behave. Thoughts lead to feelings that lead to Behaviors. CHANGING IS A CHOICE.
Learn Cognitive Behavioral Skills to:
Communicate Effectively
Problem Solve
Team Play/Work