Building Character

This brings us to the question “how do you compose your character?” How does a person develop a set of qualities or traits in their life that sets them apart from the common man? Where do you start? This can be a difficult question if an individual hasn’t defined what comprises positive character traits, or if one has failed to live a life filled with these positive qualities over the years.

The best way to start to compose your character or to forge a stronger character is to study the traits, which you want to incorporate into your life. Study the traits of the uncommon men of the past. What made these men “men of character?” Why do you admire them? What traits set them apart? By studying the lives of warriors, sages, and men of character, you can get a good picture of what it takes to be a man of character – an uncommon man. These men sought to live lives of honor and integrity. They took life seriously and lived life to the fullest, at the same time; they did so without compromising their character. These men were not perfect. Nobody is perfect. They simply worked at being men of character. They made a firm decision about the way that they were going to live their lives and followed through with that decision. When they found that they had fallen short or had faults that needed to be corrected or removed, they made the effort to make the necessary changes. Everyone falls short on this quest.

The key is to never give up, never stop trying. When you recognize a fault you acknowledge it, redirect it with a positive affirmation and move on. This is an ongoing process. Although you may develop your character to that of an uncommon man, you will never reach a point where you will not have to make adjustments from time to time. Building and maintaining your character takes time. It doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself, especially when you fail to live up to the standards, which you are striving to achieve. Sophocles, one of the most influential writers of Ancient Greece, wrote that, “All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil.” Your imperfections do not indicate that you are not a man of character, but merely that you are a human being. George Washington pointed out that even the greatest men are not without their faults when he said, “It is to be lamented that great characters are seldom without a blot.” It is your duty to work to achieve the perfection of your character, not to be perfect.