BUILDING STRENGTH OF CHARACTER
Guide Description:
This guide is designed to empower us to develop a robust and resilient character, we will explore the foundational virtues and values that contribute to a strong character, including integrity, courage, empathy, and perseverance.
Through a combination of theoretical insights and practical exercises, the guide will facilitate self-reflection and personal growth.
Key components of the guide include:
Understand the Concept of Character.
Identify Core Values.
Cultivate Resilience.
Practice Ethical Decision-Making.
Enhance Empathy and Compassion.
Set Personal Goals.
Learning Objective:
By the end of this guide, we will have gained valuable insights and practical skills aimed at building and maintaining strength of character, empowering them to lead fulfilling, purposeful lives while positively impacting those around them. Objectives – By the end of this course, you will understand:
The value of having a strong strength of character
How to cultivate your strength of character
The 24 Character Strengths
How your strength of character shapes your relationships
The value of good character to humanity
Character is the moral strength to do the right thing even when it cost more than you want to pay – Michael Josephson
Reflection Point: Here are a few questions to reflect on before we get started: Take a moment to honestly examine yourself and the answers you provide -
What is your understanding of strength of character?
What qualities do you value in an individual? Why?
Are you aware of your character strengths?
How does it define you?
What is your natural aptitude?
The Value of Having a Strong Strength of Character
Strength of character is not a measure of physical prowess or the ability to overpower others, it is instead an inner strength that enables us as individuals to remain true to our values and principles in the face of adversity. It refers to our determination to do the right thing even in the face of temptation or opposition.
Having strength of character is viewed as possessing integrity, resilience and being guided by a strong moral compass that leads a person towards compassion and fairness.
Having a strong moral compass empowers us to face challenges head-on and stand up for our beliefs. This does not mean a lack of fear or caution, but rather it provides us with a guiding principle on which to proceed despite the fear.
A show of strength of character can be a source of admiration and inspiration for others and as humans, we bear the responsibility of equipping young minds, not only with knowledge, but also the strength of character necessary to survive in the face of challenges.
Strength of character is an essential virtue we all need to develop in some way, if we want to make a difference in our lives and communities.
How to Cultivate Your Strength of Character
Cultivating your strength of character begins with understanding and defining your core values – this refers to the principles guiding your day to day decisions and actions. Building a strong character is considered a challenging task, as it is a process that requires intentional effort and self-reflection, as it usually comes into play when we face the greatest temptations to compromise our values and take the easy way out. By identifying what truly matters to us, we lay the foundation for building a solid character.
Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is another important way to cultivate strength of character. Being able to acknowledge your imperfections and actively work on them, allows you to grow and become a better version of yourself. It takes courage to confront and accept our flaws and by doing so, we build the determination to address them honestly.
As stated above, one of the most effective ways to cultivate a strong character is how you manage the adversities faced in life. We all encounter numerous obstacles and setbacks in life, rather than consider them as stumbling blocks, you can look at them as opportunities that offer valuable chances for growth. Embracing challenges with resilience and perseverance builds our character muscles, this enables us to weather storms and emerge stronger on the other side.
Mindfully building healthy relationships also contributes to the cultivation of a strong character. Empathy, compassion, and integrity are the building blocks of meaningful connections. By treating others with kindness and respect, you not only nurture your own character, but also inspire others to do the same. This enables us all to share a sense of belonging and common purpose.
Consistent self-care practices can help to nourish your character. Taking time for reflection, mindfulness, and self-compassion allows you to recharge, gain clarity, and develop emotional resilience. When we prioritize our well-being, we develop a self-love that allows us to view the world more positively. Note, you should not apologize or feel a sense of shame for needing self-care, you can’t give your best if you have not taken care of yourself, so don’t be afraid to take the time to focus on you.
The cultivation of strength of character is a lifelong journey rather than a destination. It requires constant self-evaluation, willingness to learn, and the courage to adapt. As we learn and grow, we develop the moral courage to stand up for what is right, the integrity to act in alignment with our values, and the compassion to uplift and support others.
Cultivating strength of character is both an individual and collective endeavor, each act of integrity, each display of resilience, and each act of compassion ripples out into the world and inspires others to do the same.
The 24 Character Strengths
Character strengths and virtues are the building blocks of a well-rounded individual. While each person possesses a unique combination of strengths, there are several common virtues that contribute to the development of character.
The VIA Survey:
In the early 2000s, Social Scientists discovered a common language of 24 character strengths that make up what’s best about our personality. Everyone possesses all 24 character strengths in different degrees, so each person has a truly unique character strengths profile.
When we draw on our strengths, research shows we can have a more influential positive impact on others, improve our relationships, and enhance our well-being and happiness.
The VIA Survey is one validated tool that can help us discover our strengths, including those we tend to use and rely on the most (Peterson & Seligman, 2004).
You can learn more about the VIA character strengths here, and also register to take the free test.
Each character strength falls under one of these six broad virtue categories, which are universal across cultures and nations: See the full character strengths list here and learn more about each one.
Wisdom: Wisdom and knowledge involves the ability to discern what is true, valuable, and meaningful, it takes into account, our different perspectives and experiences. Individuals with wisdom seek knowledge and engage in lifelong learning, leading to personal development and the ability to make informed decisions.
Courage: This emotional strengths empowers us to face adversity head-on, whether it be physical, emotional, or moral. It requires the strength to take risks, defy societal norms, and stand up for what is right. Those with courage demonstrate resilience in the face of challenges, inspiring others through their actions.
Humanity: These strengths come into play by helping us build and maintain positive, warm relationships with others. It is a fundamental virtue that builds empathy and understanding, to recognize and respond to the suffering of others. Compassionate individuals are driven to alleviate the pain of those around them, showing kindness, support, and a genuine desire to connect with others. This virtue allows people to build strong relationships and create a more compassionate society.
Justice: these strength encompasses honesty, trustworthiness, and a commitment to ethical principles. Individuals with integrity possess a strong sense of right and wrong and consistently act in alignment with their values.
Temperance: is a strength that enables us to persist in the face of setbacks and obstacles. It requires determination, grit, and self-control. Those with this strength do not let failures define them, but use them as stepping stones toward success. This virtue helps individuals overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Transcendence: is a virtue that promotes appreciation and recognition of the good in life. Grateful individuals have a positive outlook, finding joy in the simplest of things. They express appreciation for others' efforts, encouraging gratitude within their relationships. This virtue cultivates happiness, contentment, and the ability to savor life's blessings.
Knowing our strengths allows us to consciously use those that benefit us and develop those that we might find useful. (Positivepsychology.com)
Reflection Point
Have you been able to uncover your character strength? Did it surprise you?
Would you consider yourself an example for others to emulate? Why/Why not?
Do you have a role model? What makes them stand out to you?
What are you willing to compromise in the face of adversity?
How do you feel when you have to compromise a core belief due to adversity?
Do you believe “the end justifies the means?”
How Your Strength of Character Shapes Your Relationships
Due to the complexity of human relationships, our strength of character plays an undeniable role in shaping the connections we make. Regardless of the type of relationship - whether with oneself, friends, family, community or romantic partners, our character sets the stage for how we engage and interact with others and defines the moral, emotional and intellectual attitude that surround said relationships.
Qualities such as honesty, integrity, compassion, empathy, resilience and truthfulness, act as a guiding light towards forming more meaningful connections built on trust and understanding.
First, our strength of character enables us to exhibit honesty and integrity in our relationships. By being true to ourselves and others, displaying transparency and authenticity, we establish a solid foundation on which trust can be built. Honesty promotes genuine connections, making way for open communication and a sense of security that allows relationships to flourish.
Empathy allows us to understand and share the emotions of others, enabling us to offer genuine support, comfort, and understanding. Compassion, in turn, creates an emotional safety net, encouraging an environment where individuals feel heard, validated, and accepted. When we exhibit these qualities, we create an atmosphere of warmth and trust in our relationships, encouraging emotional intimacy.
Resilience allows us to navigate the inevitable challenges and setbacks that arise in any relationship. It empowers us to confront adversity head-on, bouncing back from disagreements, conflicts, and hardships with grace and determination. By displaying resilience, we demonstrate our commitment to the growth and nurturing of our relationships, even in the face of obstacles.
Individuals with integrity possess a strong sense of right and wrong and consistently act in alignment with their values. Their actions reflect their beliefs, earning the trust and respect of those around them.
Lastly, our strength of character shapes our relationships by anchoring us to our values and principles. It serves as a moral compass, guiding our actions and decisions within the context of our connections. By living according to our core principles, we contribute to an environment that respects boundaries, cultivates trust, and promotes healthy dynamics.
Some might turn their noses up and say these are ideals that are impossible to attain and only feasible in books or far away lands, but that outlook is only from people who lack the will to improve and do better, and lack a belief in themselves, and that says a lot about their strength of character. Don’t be that person!
We are one
Individuals that exhibit a strong sense of character possess the power to make a positive impact, not only in their own lives but in the lives of others, and society at large.
The Value of Good Character to Humanity
Why should we do the right thing?
Having strength of character is a quality that holds immense value for humanity as a whole. People who show resilience and determination to carry on in the face of adversity become beacons of inspiration and hope. They are the stories we repeat to our children and actions we point out as examples to emulate when faced with similar circumstances.
A fundamental benefit of strength of character is its ability to guide individuals to make ethical choices. In modern societies where moral dilemmas are abound, it is essential to have people who possess the strength to uphold decency and do what is right, even in the face of adversity or temptation (especially of the monetary kind). Such individuals become role models, inspiring others to follow their footsteps and make choices that benefit not only themselves but also for the greater good.
Strength of character gives us the resilience to become problem solvers, with the aforementioned ethical dilemmas, individuals who do not wish to compromise themselves seek creative solutions that would bring them peace within their conscience.
People with a strong sense of character, understand the importance of helping others and take action to address social injustices. Through their strength and action, they become advocates for the voiceless and agents of change. Their courage can in turn inspire others to contribute to the betterment of society, creating a ripple effect that benefits all of humanity.
Strength of character encourages us to lead by example. People with strong character traits understand the significance of their actions and words. They are mindful of how their behavior influences those around them. By demonstrating integrity, honesty, and empathy, they inspire others to adopt similar attitudes and behaviors. With all the divisiveness and conflict in the world, this encourages a culture of trust and cooperation, building a strong sense of community among individuals.
Those who possess it have the ability to bridge gaps between different cultures, religions, and ideologies. Their strong moral compass guides them to seek common ground and promote understanding. Through their actions, show empathy and bring about open dialogue that creates an environment where differences are celebrated rather than vilified.
Next Steps
1. Self-Reflection
Take time to reflect on your values, beliefs, and actions. Writing your thought down can be a helpful way to document your thoughts and identify areas for growth. Consider questions like:
What do I stand for?
How do my actions align with my values?
2. Set Clear Goals
Define specific character strengths you wish to develop, such as resilience, honesty, or empathy. Create measurable goals that outline how you will achieve these strengths. For example, if you want to be more empathetic, set a goal to volunteer regularly or practice active listening in conversations.
3. Embrace Challenges
Strength of character often emerges from adversity. Seek opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone, whether it's tackling a difficult project at work or engaging in honest discussions with others. Embrace failure as a part of growth.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Influences
Choose companions who embody the strength of character you aspire to develop. Engage with individuals who challenge you to grow and provide constructive feedback. Learning from others can inspire you and reinforce your commitment to your values.
5. Commit to Lifelong Learning
Seek out books, podcasts, and courses that expand your understanding of ethical behavior, emotional intelligence, and personal development. Being open to new perspectives fosters a deeper understanding of human experiences and strengthens character.
6. Take Responsibility
Own your mistakes and learn from them. Admitting when you are wrong or when you have hurt someone is a sign of strength. Use these moments as learning opportunities to refine your character further.
7. Review and Adapt
Periodically assess your progress and adjust your goals as necessary. Emphasize continuous improvement by recognizing that building strength of character is a lifelong journey.
Further Reading:
CHARACTER COUNTS https://charactercounts.org/
Peterson, C., & Seligman, M. E. P. (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A handbook and classification. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Seligman, M. E. P., & Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Positive psychology: An introduction. American Psychologist, 55, 5-14.
Ryan M. Niemiec, & Robert E. McGrath (2019): The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate and Ignite Your Positive Personality
Reference:
The Classification of Character Strengths and Virtues by Dr. Reham Al Taher, Psychologist 30 Aug 2016
https://positivepsychology.com/classification-character-strengths-virtues/
Character Strengths and Virtues: A Handbook and Classification https://www.viacharacter.org/character-strengths-and-virtues