Character

It’s been said that talent is a gift, but character is a choice.

In David Brooks’ book, The Road to Character, he explores what character is, what it does, and how various individuals chose to cultivate it in their lives. As I reflected on each of the life journeys he describes (and on my own pot-holed road), I kept coming back to the concept of faith.

What is Faith?

To me, it’s trusting in something or someone bigger than myself that gives me a deep-seated confidence and conviction to stay the course, regardless of obstacles.

Some of Brooks’ subjects had a deep-seated faith in God. They were able to draw strength from that higher power to take the sometimes-difficult road to character. Other subjects had little or no faith in God. Nonetheless, they were also able to live meaningful, inspiring lives by anchoring to a believed truth or having faith in a higher ideal than just their own short-term pleasure.

Focus on Actions

The Apostle James wrote, “Faith without works is dead.” In this verse, James says that if faith isn’t backed up with actions, it’s not really faith. Likewise, Brooks says that character cannot be honestly expressed without corresponding action. Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way, “What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say.” Our words hold no weight if our actions contradict them.

These actions (or lack thereof) demonstrate our level of faith. That’s where the link back to character is made. I cannot be a man of character if my actions and behaviors don’t align with my beliefs. Each character-driven action I perform will bring me ultimately closer to my intended purpose. Any misalignment between my character and my experience creates an “unsettled” feeling, as if something’s not quite right. In contrast, when I’m walking in integrity (a key ingredient of character), I have a greater sense of serenity, patience, and calm.

What appeals to me in Brooks’ book and similar readings is the common theme that it’s a long road and an arduous journey to character. It’s not something we acquire overnight. Essentially, we mature into a person of virtue, integrity, and wisdom—the essence of character—over time. Some of us get there sooner, others much later, but it does seem to generally be a gift of age and experience.

Use Your Experience

Maybe you’re over 50 (like me) and enjoy the many advantages of hard-earned experience. If so, why not use your unique treasure of accumulated wisdom to not only better yourself but those around you?

I’m calling those of us in our second half to ask ourselves two questions:

“How can I use the gift of wisdom and experience to better myself and make my life richer, while serving the greater community?”

“How can I replace retirement with intentional living, approaching each day as an opportunity to make the world better by my simple contribution of character?”

We learn so many valuable lessons in a lifetime. To not share them is a terrible waste. I’m not suggesting we sit and spout off about what’s wrong with America or the state of youth today (after all, humility is another key character trait). Instead, I’m suggesting we teach character by our actions in the workplace and in how we contribute our time, energy, and resources. We can best demonstrate character in our behavior when we’re carrying out the purpose we are called to serve.

Continue Pursuing Character

I’m not saying I’ve achieved everything I advocate.

Like you, I have flaws. However, unlike when I was younger, I now know the difference. Today, I take the long view and work through the ROI. In my younger days, I pursued immediate gratification, not worrying about the consequences of my actions or how they might affect others.

This growing awareness has only come with time and wisdom. If you’re maturing in character, it will show in everything you do. It’s likely your loved ones and close friends already see a softening and growing sense of peace in you.

But remember, nothing you say has nearly the impact of how you live and act.