Character Qualities Listing

Building Character

Character Qualities

Each month, the Character Council will highlight one of the qualities on these pages in greater detail. The listings as they appear here are intended to give you a brief look at each trait.

After we name and briefly define each character quality, we'll list "actions to practice." These actions will help you get in the spirit of the quality by providing you with several concrete methods for putting the quality definition into action. Next, we tell you the month and year the quality will be highlighted. Click here to see the chronological calendar.

Character Qualities 10-21

Decisiveness
Deference
Dependability
Determination
Diligence
Discernment
Discretion
Endurance
Enthusiasm
Faith
Flexibility
Forgiveness

Decisiveness
"The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions."
Action Steps:

Not look back
Do what I say
Make the right decision and stick to it
Look at things from more than one point of view before making up my mind
Not give in to peer pressure

Top

Deference
"Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me."
Action Steps:

Notice those around me
Respect the feelings of others
Not use offensive language
Not play loud music in public
Be careful how I dress

Top

Dependability
"Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice."
Action Steps:

Keep my word
Be careful what I promise
Correct my mistakes
Pull my share of the load
Not have a bad attitude

Top

Determination
"Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition."
Action Steps:

Set goals
Make sure my goals are right
Ignore distractions
Not be discouraged by others
Face problems head-on

Top

Diligence
"Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me."
Action Steps:

Finish my projects
Do a job right
Follow instructions
Concentrate on my work
Not be lazy

Top

Discernment
"Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen."
Action Steps:

Ask questions
Not judge hastily
Learn from experience
Not repeat mistakes
Trace problems to their causes

Top

Discretion
"Recognizing and avoiding words, actions and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences."
Action Steps:

Choose my words carefully
Practice good manners
Listen to criticism
Not make fun of others
Turn down any invitation to do wrong

Top

Endurance
"The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best."
Action Steps:

Not be a "quitter"
Accept both instruction and correction
Not waste my time, energy and talent on meaningless pursuits
Bend instead of break
Put my whole heart into everything I do

Top

Enthusiasm
"Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort."
Action Steps:

Be an energy-giver to others
Smile
Treat every job as important
Put my whole heart into what I do
Not be discouraged by failure

Top

Faith
"Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how."
Action Steps:

Expect the best
Make right choices based on principles of character rather than whims of circumstance
Believe the truth and reject a lie
Not take things for granted
Trust those who have proven character

Top

Flexibility
"Willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction of my authorities."
Action Steps:

Not get upset when plans change
Respect the decisions of my authorities
Not be stubborn
Look for good in changes
Not compromise what is right

Top

Forgiveness
"Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge."
Action Steps:

Be quick to forgive
Not cover up my own wrongs but will be quick to ask forgiveness
Not seek revenge
Respond kindly to those who hurt me
Not take up offenses for others

Top

Click here to see the next set of character qualities
Click here to see the previous set of character qualities

49 Character Qualities and definitions copyrighted by the Character Training Institute.
Used by Permission.