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home > Quality
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These 49 character qualities are copyrighted materials
of CHARACTER FIRST!® and are used on this site with the permission
of the Character Training Institute. The Character Council of Indiana
has adopted these as the starting-point for studying character. Many other
qualities could be added to the list. It does, however, represent a very
comprehensive view of good character.
Each quality has an operational definition that is action-oriented.
The opposite of the quality helps to clarify its meaning. Just as character
qualities are linked to success in life, their opposites can lead to failure.
The "I will" statements break down a quality into practical commitments
that help to deepen our understanding of what good character looks like
in action.
The 49 Character Qualities are listed here in alphabetical
order. Click to download supporting information including Character Comments
(monthly character study), the Biblical Character Study, and TV and Radio
PSA's.
ALERTNESS vs. Carelessness
Exercising my physical and spiritual senses to recognize the dangers that could diminish the resources entrusted to me |
| I
will...
remember that I am at war with the Enemy
guard my time from distracters
recognize and heed warning signals
choose to do right before I’m tempted
protect my good name
stay away from unsafe situations
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ATTENTIVENESS
vs. Distraction
Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration |
| I will...
look at people when they speak to me
ask questions if I don't understand
sit or stand up straight
not draw attention to myself
keep my eyes, ears, hands, feet, &
mouth from distractions
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RESOURCES
Character Comments
Biblical Character Study
Bulletin Insert
View TV PSA
Listen to Radio PSA
|
AVAILABILITY
vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes
of those I serve |
| I will...
put others ahead of myself
f ind a way to help, not a way to hide
be ready when I am called
be glad for the chance to serve
check with the right person before I make commitments
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BENEVOLENCE
vs. Selfishness
Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal
reward |
| I will...
see the needs of others as quickly as I see my own
give freely without expecting anything in return
not hoard things for myself
not profit from the misfortune of others
give more as I get more
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BOLDNESS
vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right, and just |
| I will...
not be afraid to speak the truth
keep a clear conscience
support others when they are right
be willing to stand alone
speak with humility
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CAUTIOUSNESS
vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions |
| I will...
think before I act
follow safety rules
ask permission
talk at the right time
look out for danger
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COMPASSION
vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others |
| I will...
stop to help
listen when others want to talk
give of my resources to help those in need
look for lasting solutions
comfort others without regard to race, gender, faith, or age
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CONTENTMENT
vs. Covetousness
Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions |
| I will...
be thankful for what I do have
not complain about what I don't have
not always ask for "one more"
value people above things
want less and give more
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CREATIVITY
vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective
|
| I will...
use my talents for good
see things from more than one perspective
use principles to solve problems
learn all I can
look for new ways to be a person of character
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DECISIVENESS
vs. Procrastination
The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult
decisions |
| I will...
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
not give in to peer pressure
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DEFERENCE
vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those
around me |
| I will...
notice those around me
respect the feelings of others
not use offensive language
not play loud music in public
be careful how I dress
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RESOURCES
Character Comments
Biblical Character Study
Bulletin Insert
View TV PSA
Listen to Radio PSA
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DEPENDABILITY
vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected
sacrifice |
| I will...
keep my word
be careful what I promise
correct my mistakes
pull my share of the load
not have a bad attitude
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DETERMINATION
vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless
of the opposition |
| I will...
set goals
make sure my goals are right
ignore distractions
not be discouraged by others
face problems head-on
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DILIGENCE
vs. Slothfulness
Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned
to me |
| I will...
finish my projects
do a job right
follow instructions
concentrate on my work
not be lazy
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DISCERNMENT vs. Shortsightedness
Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen |
| I will...
ask questions
not judge hastily
learn from experience
not repeat mistakes
trace problems to their causes
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DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness
Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that
could bring undesirable consequences |
| I will...
choose my words carefully
practice good manners
listen to criticism
not make fun of others
turn down any invitation to do wrong
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RESOURCES
Character Comments
Biblical Character Study
Bulletin Insert
View TV PSA
Listen to Radio PSA
|
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ENDURANCE vs. Discouragement
The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best |
| I will...
not be a "quitter"
accept both instructions and correction
not waste my time, energy, and talent on meaningless pursuits
bend instead of break
put my whole heart into everything I do
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ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy
Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort |
| I will...
be an energy-giver
smile
treat every job as important
put my whole heart into what I do
not be discouraged by failure
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FAITH vs. Presumption
Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield
the best outcome, even when I cannot see how |
| I will...
expect the best
make right choices based on principles of character rather than
whims of circumstance
believer the truth and reject a lie
not take things for granted
trust those who have proven character
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FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance
Willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction
of my authorities |
| I will...
not get upset when plans change
respect the decisions of my authorities
not be stubborn
look for the good in changes
not compromise what is right
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FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not
holding a grudge |
| I will...
be quick to forgive
not cover up my own wrongs but will be quick to ask for forgiveness
not seek revenge
respond kindly to those who hurt me
not take up offenses for others
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GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess
Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those
in need |
| I will...
share what I have with others
recycle
not expect anything in return for my generosity
give of my time and talents
praise the good I see in others
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GENTLENESS vs. Harshness
Showing consideration and personal concern for others |
| I will...
show good manners
reject violence as a solution to my problems
look for ways to ease the pain of others
not annoy or irritate others
be a peacemaker
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GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness
Letting others know by my words and actions how they have
benefited my life |
| I will...
show my parents and teachers that I appreciate them
write "thank you" notes
take care of my things
be content with what I have
count my benefits rather than my burdens
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HONOR vs. Disrespect
Respecting those in leadership because of the higher authorities
they represent |
| I will...
be attentive to those who lead me
show loyalty to my authorities
speak only the truth
obey cheerfully
give place to those who are older or hold positions of prominence
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HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit
others |
| I will...
welcome visitors
make others feel important
prepare for guests
gladly share my things
not expect anything in return
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HUMILITY vs. Pride
Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment
of others in my life |
| I will...
praise my parents, teachers, teammates, and coaches
not think more highly of myself than I ought
take responsibility for all my actions
try again after each defeat
give credit to those who have made me successful
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INITIATIVE vs. Idleness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked
to do it |
| I will...
do what is right before being told
not put off until tomorrow the things I can do today
contribute to the success of the whole team
be a part of the solution rather then the problem
look for ways to help others
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JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity
Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant
conditions |
| I will...
look for good in all things
smile at adversity
not give in to discouragement
not allow my emotions to rule my mind
take time out of every day to laugh and to sing
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JUSTICE vs. Corruption
Taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right,
and true |
| I will...
respect the authority of the law
speak out for what is pure, right, and true
never prejudice others
always remain open to reason
keep my own conscience clean
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LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those
I serve |
| I will...
serve my family and teachers
encourage others in hard times
not mock authorities
point out the good in others
honor my country
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MEEKNESS vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations with a desire
to serve |
| I will...
be slow to get angry
not boast
not grumble or complain
look for ways to help those in need
be willing to go last
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OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness
Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the wise direction of
those who are responsible for me |
| I will...
obey my authorities immediately
have a cheerful attitude
complete all that I am expected to do
not complain
go the "extra mile"
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ORDERLINESS vs. Confusion
Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency |
| I will...
pick up after myself
keep my work and play areas clean and neat
put things back where they belong
use things only for their intended purposes
return lost things to their rightful owners
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PATIENCE vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline
to remove it |
| I will...
change the things I can change and accept the things I can't
keep trying until I succeed
make the most of my spare time
not interrupt
not complain if I don't get my way
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PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks |
| I will...
point others in the right direction
not stretch the truth to make it more attractive
appeal to a person's conscience in terms of character
wait for the best time
not argue
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RESOURCES
Character Comments
Biblical Character Study
Bulletin Insert
View TV PSA
Listen to Radio PSA
|
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PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardinesss
Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the
right time |
| I will...
be at the right place at the right time
prepare for unexpected delays
do my work ahead of time
plan a daily schedule and keep it
not fall into the trap of "just one more"
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RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness
Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook
or discard |
| I will...
see value in objects, ideas, and people
repair, reuse, and recycle
make wise use of my time, talents, energy, and mind
give away or sell the things I do not use
not litter
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RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me |
| I will...
keep my promises
not make excuses
do all my work to the best of my ability
make things right when I do wrong
know my duty and do my duty
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SECURITY vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which cannot be destroyed
or taken away |
| I will...
not worry or fret
look to my authorities for protection
correct unsafe conditions
find peace of mind in a clear conscience rather than personal
comfort
not meddle in the concerns of others
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SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence
Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right |
| I will...
not act impulsively
not equate desires with rights
set my own limits
see my anger as a sign that something is wrong in me
walk away from things that aren't right
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SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness
Perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of those around
me |
| I will...
listen to others fully
watch facial expressions
notice tone of voice
put myself in others' shoes
show that I care
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SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerness to do what is right with transparent motives |
| I will...
be all that I can be
take responsibility for my own actions
respect others' opinions
always mean what I say
not take advantage of other people
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THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my
work or words, if neglected |
| I will...
plan my work
pay attention to details
make a list so I don't forget
finish what I start
clean up before I quit
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RESOURCES
Character Comments
Biblical Character Study
Bulletin Insert
View TV PSA
Listen to Radio PSA
|
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THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance
Allowing myself and others to spend only what is necessary |
| I will...
save more and spend less
make good use of what I already have
look for the best value
budget my money, time, and energy
not confuse what I need with what I want
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TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice
Realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character
development |
| I will...
not confuse what is right with what is popular
expect the same of myself as I expect others
look for ways to help others mature
accept my own unchangeables & the unchangeables of others
listen before I form an opinion
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TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts |
| I will...
tell the truth
encourage others to be truthful
not cheat or steal
admit when I am wrong
not exaggerate to make things seem different from what they
are
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VIRTUE vs. Impurity
The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently
do what is right |
| I will...
do what is right and encourage others to do the same
guard my eyes, ears, words, and thoughts
learn to stand alone
abstain from anything which might damage or pollute my mind
or body
treat others as I would want them to treat me
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WISDOM vs. Foolishness
Making practical applications of truth in daily decisions
|
| I will...
listen to my parents and teachers
learn from correction
choose my friends carefully
remember there are consequences to all my actions
ask, "What is the right thing to do?"
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