So, you want to become a better person. You want to build “character.” But what does that mean exactly? Character comes from the Greek word kharakter , meaning “to engrave.” When someone has character, they’re trustworthy, honest, humble, dependable, and courageous—they have every positive personality trait in the book! Building character doesn’t happen overnight; it’s something you gain from experience. We’ll fill you in on the best ways you can start building your character in this article. With our help and a bit of dedication, you can become the person you want to be.
Things You Should Know
- See failure as an opportunity to grow rather than a mistake to build character from every experience.
- Communicate and have empathetic conversations with everyone to gain trust and learn different perspectives.
- Do things that make you uncomfortable to step outside your comfort zone, experience new things, and learn valuable lessons.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can I become more mature?Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.You become more mature by putting yourself outside your comfort zone and taking on more responsibilities.
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QuestionHow can I learn to be accommodating?Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.I would change the word accommodating with compassionate or empathetic. Accommodating suggests that you are trying to please other people and their needs rather than taking care of your own.
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QuestionHow can I push myself to get out of my comfort zone?Michelle Shahbazyan is the Founder of The LA Life Coach, a concierge life, family, and career coaching service based in Los Angeles, California. She has over 10 years of experience with life coaching, consulting, motivational speaking, and matchmaking. She has a BA in Applied Psychology and an MS in Building Construction and Technology Management from Georgia Tech University, and a MA in Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University.Look around for people you look up to, and see what they do in the day-to-day part of their life. That can be a great way to get ideas for what you can do that might help you be successful in life.
Video
Tips
- Keep in mind that there is no easy path to the things you want. If you want to learn a skill or master something, it takes effort and dedication (which builds character).Thanks
- Use a journal or calendar to track your progress and see how far you’ve come.Thanks
References
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-flux/201512/5-benefits-stepping-outside-your-comfort-zone
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2021/09/19/empathy-is-the-most-important-leadership-skill-according-to-research/?sh=62a9b89b3dc5
- ↑ https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/kindness/kindness-matters-guide
- ↑ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/04/kindness-happiness-negative-feedback/673862/
- ↑ https://www.mhanational.org/helpful-vs-harmful-ways-manage-emotions
- ↑ https://www.harvardbusiness.org/good-leadership-it-all-starts-with-trust/
- ↑ https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/kidspost/losing-gracefully-is-one-of-the-most-important-lessons-from-playing-sports/2020/11/18/9faf1280-2386-11eb-8672-c281c7a2c96e_story.html
- ↑ https://www.hult.edu/blog/using-challenges-as-an-opportunity-to-build-character/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2019/07/use-failure-as-an-opportunity-to-reflect-on-your-strengths
- ↑ https://www.usmcu.edu/Portals/218/What%20is%20Locus%20of%20Control%20by%20James%20Neill.pdf
- ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffboss/2017/01/19/5-reasons-why-goal-setting-will-improve-your-focus/?sh=674e2517534a
- ↑ Michelle Shahbazyan, MS, MA. Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.
- ↑ https://www.viacharacter.org/topics/articles/what-are-your-defining-moments
- ↑ https://blogs.illinois.edu/view/8605/1833882347
About This Article
To build character, try to hang out with people that are different than you, especially those you admire, so you can learn from them and get a different perspective. Then, when you’re faced with a challenge, don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone so that you’re better able to handle tough situations. If you fail, try to look at it as a lesson that you can learn from, instead of something to be ashamed of. Finally, take what you’ve learned and try again until you’ve reached your goals. For tips from our Mental Wellness reviewer on how to stop looking to others for approval, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "it was very inspiring and informational. The tips may be easier said than done, but it presents them in a less threatening way than what tons of people say." ..." more