Character. What’s your reputation? What do you stand for? Who are you and what are you made of? These are things that will likely take years to learn.
I wrote a few weeks ago about being a leader even if it’s unpopular or painful. You might lose friends, but that’s okay. In order to navigate the world you need to be of sound character.
Sound character means something different to everyone. Not everyone is the same–that’s part of what makes the world an interesting place–but it’s important to follow your own conscience. Are you polite? Do you have respect for others? Do you value differences? Or are you someone who thinks only of themselves?
Are you someone who evades the truth? Are you someone who can’t look someone else in the eye when confronted? These–and many more–questions will help you define your character.
Today we’re faced with so many decisions. How we react and respond will determine our reputation.
I think about challenges that have defined MY character, when I’ve had to really walk my talk. I’ve often been called a prude because I’m one of those people who isn’t particularly fond of off-color jokes, or jabs at people because of how they look or talk. I am usually the person who will stop a story someone else is telling in mid-sentence because I can see the path the story is taking. But I’m okay being called a prude if it means I am true to my character and myself.
Recently I was having dinner in a group and one person seemed amused by the appearance of another person eating at another table. The woman at the other table couldn’t hear the joke being made at her expense, but that wasn’t the point–I could hear it loud and clear and I did not like it. I was uncomfortable with the conversation. It was mean and rude. I could have laughed and gone along with the group, but that isn’t me. So I took the hard route and I told the person at my table to stop. I wasn’t very popular but I didn’t care. That’s who I am.
What are some experiences that have forced you to define your character?
Until next time…
About Lori Luna
Love this. I make it a policy to not gossip about other people. I rarely comment on others’ behavior to anyone but them.
And I hate jokes about people’s appearance, although I admit I used to read “People of Wal-Mart” for a while. Then I thought about it and realized it was mean, which made the whole thing very sad to me. I stopped.
Twitter Name: msmegan
Great stuff here, Lori. I am definitely one who shares your mindset. I’m not always brave enough to speak up, but I don’t go along with the crowd just because it’s the cool thing to do or everyone else is doing it.
Love the way you said all of this and the examples you used.
Twitter Name: erinmargolin