City of Character Traits

Alertness 
“Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses.”

Action Steps:

  • Keep my eyes and ears open
  • Recognize and heed warning signals
  • Choose to do right before I am tempted
  • Tell others of danger
  • Stay away from unsafe places

 

Attentiveness 
“Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration.”

Action Steps:

  • Look at people when they speak to me
  • Ask questions if I don’t understand
  • Sit or stand upright
  • Not draw attention to myself
  • Keep my eyes, ears, hands, feet and mouth from distractions

 

Availability 
“Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve.”

Action Steps:

  • Put others ahead of myself
  • Find a way to help, not a way to hide
  • Be ready when I’m called
  • Be glad for the chance to serve
  • Check with the right person before I make commitments

 

Benevolence 
“Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward.”

Action Steps:

  • 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 misfortunes of others
  • Give more as I get more

 

Boldness 
“Confidence that what I have to say or do is true, right and just.”

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Cautiousness 
“Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.”

Action Steps:

  • Think before I act
  • Follow safety rules
  • Ask permission
  • Talk at the right time
  • Look out for danger

 

Compassion
“Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.”

Action Steps:

  • 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, age, or nationality

 

Contentment
“Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.”

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Creativity 
“Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.”

Action Steps:

  • 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

Decisiveness 
“The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.”

Action Steps:

  • 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 before making up my mind
  • Not give in to peer pressure

 

Deference 

“Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me.” 

Action Steps:

  • Notice those around me
  • Respect the feelings of others
  • Not use offensive language
  • Not play loud music in public
  • Be careful how I dress

 

Dependability
“Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.”  

Action Steps:

  • Keep my word
  • Be careful what I promise
  • Correct my mistakes
  • Pull my share of the load
  • Not have a bad attitude

 

Determination 
“Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition.”

Action Steps:

  • Set goals
  • Make sure my goals are right
  • Ignore distractions
  • Not be discouraged by others
  • Face problems head-on

 

Diligence 
“Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.” 

Action Steps:

  • Finish my projects
  • Do a job right
  • Follow instructions
  • Concentrate on my work
  • Not be lazy

 

Discernment
“Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen.”

Action Steps:

  • Ask questions
  • Not judge hastily
  • Learn from experience
  • Not repeat mistakes
  • Trace problems to their causes

 

Discretion
“Recognizing and avoiding words, actions and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences.” 

Action Steps:

  • Choose my words carefully
  • Practice good manners
  • Listen to criticism
  • Not make fun of others
  • Turn down any invitation to do wrong

 

Endurance 
“The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.” 

Action Steps:

  • Not be a “quitter”
  • Accept both instruction and correction
  • Not waste my time, energy and talent on meaningless pursuits
  • Bend instead of break
  • Put my whole heart into everything I do

 

Enthusiasm 

“Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.”

Action Steps:

  • Be an energy-giver to others
  • Smile
  • Treat every job as important
  • Put my whole heart into what I do
  • Not be discouraged by failure

 

Faith 
“Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how.” 

Action Steps:

  • Expect the best
  • Make right choices based on principles of character rather than whims of circumstance
  • Believe the truth and reject a lie
  • Not take things for granted
  • Trust those who have proven character

 

Flexibility 
“Willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction of my authorities.” 

Action Steps:

  • Not get upset when plans change
  • Respect the decisions of my authorities
  • Not be stubborn
  • Look for good in changes
  • Not compromise what is right

 

Forgiveness
“Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge.” 

Action Steps:

  • Be quick to forgive
  • Not cover up my own wrongs but will be quick to ask forgiveness
  • Not seek revenge
  • Respond kindly to those who hurt me
  • Not take up offenses for others

Generosity 
“Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Gentleness 
“Showing consideration and personal concern for others.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Gratefulness 
“Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.”

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Honor 
“Respecting those in leadership because of the higher authorities they represent.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Hospitality
“Cheerfully sharing food, shelter or conversation to benefit others.” 

Action Steps:

  • Welcome visitors
  • Make others feel important
  • Prepare for guests
  • Gladly share my things
  • Not expect anything in return

 

Humility 
“Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others in my life.” 

Action Steps:

  • Praise my parents, teachers, teammates and coaches
  • Not think more highly of myself than I ought to
  • Take responsibility for all my actions
  • Try again after each defeat
  • Give credit to those who have made me successful

 

Initiative
“Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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 than the problem
  • Look for ways to help others

 

Joyfulness 
“Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Justice
“Taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right and true.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Loyalty 
“Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve.” 

Action Steps:

  • Serve my family and teachers
  • Encourage others in hard times
  • Not mock authorities
  • Point out the good in others
  • Honor my country

Meekness
“Yielding my personal rights and expectations, with a desire to serve.”

Action Steps:

  • Be slow to get angry
  • Not boast
  • Not grumble or complain
  • Look for ways to help those in need
  • Be willing to go last

 

Obedience
“Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the wise direction of those who are responsible for me.”

Action Steps:

  • Obey my authorities immediately
  • Have a cheerful attitude
  • Complete all that I am expected to do
  • Not complain
  • Go the “extra mile”

 

Orderliness
“Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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 purpose
  • Return lost things to their rightful owners

 

Patience 
“Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Persuasiveness
“Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Punctuality 
“Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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”

 

Resourcefulness
“Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard.”

Action Steps:

  • See values 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

 

Responsibility
“Knowing and doing what is expected of me.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

Security
“Structuring my life around that which cannot be taken away or destroyed.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Self-Control
“Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Sensitivity
“Perceiving the true attitudes and emotions of those around me.” 

Action Steps:

  • Listen to others fully
  • Watch facial expressions
  • Notice tone of voice
  • Put myself in others’ shoes
  • Show that I care

 

Sincerity
“Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Thoroughness 
“Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words, if neglected.” 

Action Steps:

  • Plan my work
  • Pay attention to details
  • Make a list so I don’t forget
  • Finish what I start
  • Clean up before I quit

 

Thriftiness 
“Allowing myself and others to spend only what is necessary.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Tolerance 
“Realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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 and the unchangeables of others
  • Listen before I form an opinion

 

Truthfulness 
“Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Virtue 
“The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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

 

Wisdom
“Making practical applications of truth in daily decisions.” 

Action Steps:

  • 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?”