“How to develop a strong character

 

  In this world, each and every one of us is unique. We have different styles, fashion, and even attitude. Now, we know that as we continue to interact, connect and socialize to other people, aside from it can be a bridge in building a good relationship towards other it also help us to improve and enhance the way we behave, react and handle situations which help influence/develop one individual's character. The question is " how? And In what way?" you may ask. As we socialize, and bond with other people, we encounter group work and activities which requires determination and teamwork. Remember that your attitude and your way of thinking will leave an impression to your group mates regarding what kind of characters that you possess upon handling the said activities. 

  Now, I know many of us are interested and seek an answer about how to develop a strong character in order to have an optimistic and successful life. However, we can't deny the fact that some of us are confused about the difference between personality and character and sometimes refer personality to character or vice versa. 

  Now, this blog will discuss and share information about Character including the questions "What is the difference between personality and character? How to develop strong character? And Does it really necessary?". These are the common questions that might appear in your mind and will answer in this blog. 

  But before I give the tips or advice that one individual must perform and possess in order to develop strong character, let's first define the definition of Character and Personality in order to have ideas and understand more this blog. 

  Characters are a set of attitudes or beliefs that describe the type of person you are. It influences whether you will successfully accomplish your goals, be honest with other people, and abide by the group's laws and standards. Your assessment of a person's character is based on how they come across in terms of their attitudes or behaviors toward the things you hold dear. Although they are connected, character and personality are not the same. Character is comprised of taught behavior from your friends, family, and surroundings, whereas personality consists mostly of inborn traits. While some people look energetic and conversational, others come across as shy. While some people appear to be leaders, others think analytically. Depending on the scenario or circumstances, both may change.

  Now that we already have insight about the difference and definition between personality and character. Let's now discuss the ways to develop strong character. 

  Remember that your character traits are beliefs concerning the “right way” to act, behave or conduct yourself, based on rules you learn from your parents, friends, and experiences. You believe those actions will benefits you. 

  Now, according to a leadership development expert name John Maxwell. He identified four key building blocks to develop strong character. 

These are the following:

- Self - discipline and Moral Courage

- Core Values 

- A sense of identity

- Integrity

 The first one is Self - discipline and Moral Courage. 

• Self-discipline and Moral Courage

   To do what is right, even if you don’t feel like it – i.e, to practice the self-control to balance your own desires with the needs of others and the courage also to face the fears, risks and changers of standing up for what is right.

 The first step in order to develop strong character is you must have self - discipline and Moral Courage. One must not be selfish and self centered just because you think what is right for you is the same with other people. One person must weigh the consequences of his actions if it gives uncomfortable to the others or not. Even if you don't like it, but doing what is right for everyone must be the first priority than to your own beneficial. One must also have the courage to take risk, will be the voice for the voiceless and spread its wings to wonder what will be the best and right for each and every one. Having this will help you to have and develop a strong character. 

• Core Values

A clear sense of the values that guide your behavior everyday.

Some of the core values that must person possess are the following:

- Respectful

- Loyalty

- Perseverance

- Discipline

- Accountability 

  Having a transparent and and particular moral values will help an individual to be more active, determine, compassion, dependability, consistent and have enthusiasm.These guiding principles dictate behavior and can help people understand the difference between right and wrong. One must remember that the way a person acts and treats others is impacted by the individual's core values. Others often interpret a person's core values as examples of character traits. Moreover, as one individual possess and apply core values everyday and everywhere, you can a develop strong character that nobody has. 

• A sense of identity

Truly knowing yourself and your beliefs. The second stanza of Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If” perfectly captures this concept.

“If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too”

   It is important to maintain one's identity since it builds character. That is, we become stronger as individuals when we are aware of who we are, confident in who we are, and able to recognize our abilities. Secondly, it keeps us unique and distinguishes us from everyone else. Now, in order to achieve a strong character, one individual must stand on his on feet. You stand because you know you have big possibilities to win the challenge. You know yourself better than anyone else. This statement is a hint saying to even though everyone around you are watching for you to goof up or fail, never lose faith in yourself. There will always be individuals who are envious of you or to your family and who are eagerly awaiting your failure. Do not give the haters that satisfaction. They will talk about it, and it will only make you look bad. However, taking consideration and listening to other people criticism will also improve your character as an individual. Turning those negative words into opportunity will be a great step to be a better version of yourself. Trust yourself and prove to them that you can shine by just believing to your own capabilities and beliefs. 

• Integrity

   The practice of aligning your actions, feelings, and thoughts with your values. “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy”

   Doing something that is from your own will together with your values will help you develop your character as a human being. Some of the example of aligning your performance, thoughts, and feelings with your values is being dependable and following through on commitments. Being open and honest when communicating with others. Holding yourself accountable and owning up to your shortcomings. If one person will take an action and behave in a manner that is from his heart and think what is the best tactics for the betterment of everyone will help to develop his character and grew as an individual. 

  Having these tips and ways to develop a strong character is essential for us to be more mature, compassion and understand more ourselves. Performing and apply these key blocks to develop strong character by John Maxwell to your daily life, routine and to your work place will shape you as a whole and lead your path to the best version of yourself. Thus, as we continue to interact and behave in a manner that is right and beneficial for everyone will help you to be mature and improve your character as an individual. Hope you learn and understand more about how to develop a strong character. Thank you for reading.