Both life satisfaction goals and character goals are important to living a good life.
Self-management - the ability to keep disruptive emotions and impulses under control - is an important character goal. It involves mastering opposing impulses within yourself. The one that wants to work vs the one that wants to play; the one that wants to party vs the one that wants to do chores; the one that wants to improve vs the one that wants to be complacent, the one that wants to......vs the one that wants to.....(you can fill in the blanks).
Self-discipline - the ability to limit yourself, whether it is food, alcohol, entertainment, gambling, shopping, or anything else which may impact your life, even money itself, is an important character goal. The more successful you are, and the more money you have, the more you are likely to face temptations of all kinds. One small compromise can lead to another to another. You have to have a version of the Billy Graham rule for each of the temptations in your life, because if you are successful, money and access will not be obstacles to you. This might involve avoidance, abstinence, prayer, policies, and the routine of good habits. Routine is underestimated as a tool.
Character goals become increasingly important as we get older, and those who are able to correct character flaws (or character risks) earlier in life rather than later, have a better chance of long-term professional and personal success.
Those who have a Benjamin Franklin type list of do's and don'ts, and those who evaluate how they are doing on their list of do's and don'ts, will do better than those who don't have that list.
A list of basic character goals should include being on time, and being dependable. Being reachable is part of being dependable. All 3 are a part of being respectful.
Doing one's share, and paying one's dues are also basic character goals. It is part of being responsible and respectful, and it is also part of being fair.
Being responsible applies to our own money and things, of course; but it also applies to other people's money and things. Being responsible with other people's money and things is a part of integrity, which is an important character goal.
Lying is an intentional falsification, usually related to wanting to maintain the image of status, likeability, or integrity, without delivering the goods; it is often also a form of manipulation and control tied to a hidden agenda. Being honest in all circumstances shows integrity. Lying shows a lack of integrity. We should take the first step by being honest with ourselves about why we lie.
Being willing to own our mistakes, say sorry, and make amends, is a basic character goal, and shows both integrity and humility.
True or false: there's a lot to think about when it comes to our character building self.
Suggested further reading on the value of being truthful...It's Not The Truth That Hurts, It's Your Behavior.
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