“It has been said that our reputation is how others view us, and our character is who we really are.”[i] The chances are that if you haven’t succeeded in realizing your New Year’s resolutions in the past, it may be because you are resolving to change your reputation and not your character. How do those that know you best “characterize” you? “When we think of character, we typically think of virtues like faithfulness, moderation, self-control, respectability, hospitality, and trustworthiness.”[ii] These virtues come from the bible, but you can easily Google “virtues” and see lists of the top 100.
The point of the “virtue-discussion” is that character can be defined “as a set of virtues that are universally accepted as being essential to well-being and excellence.”[iii] In other words, when we characterize others, we assess their “well-being and excellence.” As we reflect on 2021, how would we “asses our well-being and excellence?” Did we let COVID influence our waste-bands, political opinions, attitudes toward others, and general well-being? What would those closest to us say?”
This year my resolutions will be focused on character. Specifically (for me) the virtues of Patience, Persistence, and Temperance. I could shed a few pounds, and there is no doubt that COVID (and the politics of it all) has tainted my views and who I was in 2021. To get out of this 2021 “rut,” I will need to adjust the habits of my heart, mind, and behavior. By staying calm and not getting annoyed when those with different views share their opinions, I can change my attitude toward others and perhaps even grow in my understanding. I need more patience.
By creating new habits of what I eat, drink, and spend my time with, I can shed those unneeded pounds, increase my physical fitness and mental well-being. I need more Perseverance and Temperance. You see, I’m tired of setting New Year’s resolutions only to end up at the end of the New Year, the same place I resolved not to be at the end of the Past Year. I need to work harder on who I am (my character) to realize a healthy physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and 2022 excellence! What virtues will you resolve to try on for 2022 to change your life?
[i] Phillips, R. (2021). Finding Joy in Leadership: By Developing Trust You Can Count On. BDI
[ii] Phillips, R. (2021). Finding Joy in Leadership: By Developing Trust You Can Count On. BDI
[iii] Phillips, R. (2021). Finding Joy in Leadership: By Developing Trust You Can Count On. BDI