Good character traits are an important aspect of having a great life.
You may not have had them growing up for a variety of reasons. But as an adult, it is critical that you develop good character traits. Because character traits will define your personality and serve as your road map and tools toward success.
What are character traits?
Character traits are all the thoughts and actions behind what we do.
They are the deeply ingrained thought patterns of action, reaction, and adjustment that govern our lives. And these character traits can be difficult to hide or fake, especially when we are stressed out or tired. This is because our character traits are the foundations of our identity.
It is therefore essential that we develop good and upright character traits deep within our psyche, consciousness, and action. As it will serve as the stronghold of our being to motivate and inspire us toward the right path.
Why develop good character traits?
Your character is a combination of your qualities, personal philosophies, beliefs, and experiences that distinguishes you from others. This particular combination is uniquely you.
And when you develop good character traits for your unique identity, it will help build a positive personality, meaningful relationships, and overall happiness.
Moreover, good character traits are important because they:
- Contribute to the development of respect and trust from other people.
- Motivate and inspire other people to improve.
- Improve your self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Create a framework for making critical decisions and choices.
- Assert leadership qualities in personal and professional activities.
35 Good character traits for a great life
Although it is not a popular topic, developing a good character is critical for success in life. Because it determines how well you will be able to achieve your objectives. How well you fit in with your groups and whether others want to deal with you.
In addition, character development is one of the most rewarding and emotionally intelligent endeavors you will ever undertake.
And when we talk about character development, we are talking about internal character traits.
It is not about making a good first impression. Rather, it is about internal transformation to assist you in redefining your core identity.
So, take a look at this list of 35 character traits and pick at least one to work on:
Character traits for your core being
1. Kindness
Kindness is a quality demonstrated by generosity, attention, assistance, or concern for others without expecting anything in return.
This positive trait fosters pleasant and friendly connections, which contribute to the creation of a great environment.
2. Compassion
Compassion is the trait that drives you to assist others, including yourself, in alleviating their physical, mental, or emotional suffering.
The desire to help and actually doing something to help are key components of compassion.
Being compassionate to yourself and others enables you to reap benefits.
Among these benefits are increased happiness, improved medical outcomes, decreased stress, decreased mental health problems, and increased social connectedness.
3. Honesty
Honesty is the quality of being truthful, sincere, and straightforward in word and deed.
People will regard you as a trustworthy individual if you are honest, which contributes to healthy, positive relationships.
4. Generosity
Another good character trait to develop for your core being is generosity. Which is defined as the willingness to give time, energy, effort, emotions, words, or resources without expecting anything in return.
The importance of developing this character trait is that it activates the pleasure-producing part of your brain. Furthermore, generosity has been linked to better health.
Aside from the health benefits, cultivating your generosity allows you to experience more fulfillment, happiness, and peace within yourself. In addition to being more productive at home and at work.
5. Integrity
Integrity is a personality trait that consists of having strong moral principles and core values and then living your life with those as a guide.
When you have integrity, you adhere to it whether or not others are watching.
6. Passionate
Being passionate means having, expressing, or being motivated by strong feelings or beliefs.
When you are passionate about what you do, you have more positive perceptions and can overcome difficulties through problem-solving. Rather than simply going through the motions of life.
7. Pragmatic
Pragmatic means dealing with things in a reasonable and realistic manner, based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.
When you cultivate a pragmatic personality, you become practical, focused, and goal-oriented.
You also develop direct, to-the-point responses or actions that result in a large number of tasks being completed.
8. Mindfulness
Another good character trait to cultivate for a successful life is mindfulness. Being mindful means being fully present in the moment and fully appreciating what you are doing.
Mindfulness is beneficial to cultivate because, among other things, it improves emotional intelligence.
It enables you to control your emotions and thus significantly reduce stress. Which has been linked to lower blood pressure, better memory, and reduced anxiety.
9. Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the deliberate decision to let go of resentment and anger toward another person for wrongdoing. It is an act done whether or not the individual seeks forgiveness.
However, when you forgive, you are doing yourself a huge favor. Because forgiveness enables you to let go of negative emotions that only serve to weigh you down.
Character traits to have fun in your life
10. Creativity
Creativity is the ability to think outside the box. To be more specific, it is the character trait that demonstrates inventiveness and the use of imagination.
Being creative has numerous advantages, including the ability to absorb information more easily. Making the learning process more efficient. And developing new ways of thinking.
But, more importantly, creativity can add fun, joy, and pleasant surprises to your life, which is beneficial to your overall health.
This is due to the fact that incorporating some fun into your life helps to balance out your stress and feel-good hormones. Also, allowing yourself to experience joy and happiness can help you avoid diseases in the long run.
11. Curiosity
Curiosity is a childlike wonder and a strong desire to know or learn about something. Being curious strengthens your mind as it propels you forward to explore, seek, discover, experiment, or ask questions.
Curiosity as a character trait will greatly benefit you. Because it will help you avoid complacency, boredom, mediocrity, indifference, and feeling stuck.
12. Vitality
Vitality is an important characteristic that allows you to grow and live a meaningful life. Being vital means being strong, active, and energetic.
This state of perception gives you a sense of meaning and purpose, which are strongly linked to happiness and well-being.
13. Zaniness
Zaniness is defined as the quality of being amusingly unconventional and original. It is also defined as acting in a playful manner or just having a great sense of humor.
With these definitions, you might not think it belongs on a list of positive character traits.
But don’t dismiss it just yet. Because it is always a good thing to be able to laugh at yourself. To not take things too seriously all of the time or to be simply silly every now and then.
Developing a zany personality may help you improve your emotional well-being.
14. Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is the quality of displaying intense and eager pleasure, interest, or approval about something or someone.
Being enthusiastic is a positive character trait to cultivate because it motivates you to pursue your goals with vigor and zeal. This trait promotes increased productivity, confidence, and a more positive impression on others.
15. Open-minded
An open-minded character trait is that of being accepting of and receptive to change or new ideas.
It is being unbiased when faced with different perspectives and being willing to consider these viewpoints from various angles.
Openness to new ideas is a positive personality trait that promotes critical and rational thinking.
Thus, it is beneficial for you to step outside of your comfort zone and keep an open mind. Because it helps strengthen your relationships and makes it easier to cultivate new ones.
Being open-minded leads to more learning and experience, which leads to a better life and personality.
16. Affability
Being affable refers to being friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to.
Affability indicates that you are easy to talk to, concerned about the well-being of others, and approachable. You are also polite, gracious, and friendly.
This is a good character trait to cultivate because it can be found in great leaders, collaborators, communicators, and inclusive motivators.
Character traits for a great career
17. Confidence
Confidence means believing in your own worth, abilities, and qualities.
You are more than ready for life’s experiences when you are confident. You are more likely to pursue people and opportunities rather than shy away from them.
And if things don’t work out the first time, having confidence motivates you to get back up and try again.
18. Reliability
Reliability is a positive social character trait. Being reliable means that you follow through on your promises and that others can make decisions based on your character.
Reliability is an important character trait as it fosters other people’s trust in you and your abilities. Because you can be relied on, you are guaranteed to keep your personal and professional relationships beneficial, deep, and meaningful.
Your reliability demonstrates your regard for other people’s time and how much you value them in your life. And it is well rewarded by their trust in you.
19. Diligence
Diligence is defined as devoting time and energy to completing each task and doing it well. When you are diligent, you demonstrate the character of leaving things better than you found them.
Diligence is the ability to discipline yourself to do the right thing even when no one is looking.
You should make diligence one of your core character traits. To help you achieve your goals, be successful, and be known for your exceptional performance.
Once diligence becomes ingrained in your personality, you will be able to do work effortlessly. You can achieve excellence and experience remarkable success.
20. Determined
Determination is the quality of purposefulness and the resolve to overcome obstacles in order to achieve a goal.
Determination is an important character trait that leads to life success. For it is what drives you to persevere in the face of setbacks and failures.
Additionally, determination motivates you to aim higher and dream bigger. To persevere in the face of adversity in order to reach your full potential.
What’s more, determination motivates you to believe in yourself and your objectives. If you are determined, hardworking, and consistent, nothing can stop you from achieving your goals.
Several studies have found that determination is more important than intelligence. Every other quality pales in comparison to determination, which is an active trait that keeps you going no matter what.
21. Rational
A rational character trait thinks and acts in accordance with reason or logic.
We, humans, are emotional beings and oftentimes we think and act with our emotions which leads us to sticky situations. As such, it is important that we develop and strengthen our rational character.
For sure, getting yourself to be rational will not be easy. It is certainly difficult to constantly inspect your thought processes in order to separate your well-founded opinions from your temporary views.
Because rationality is not simply thinking; we can all think. It’s just that we do it rashly.
However, when you are rational, you apply your knowledge or strive to gain more accurate perspectives. You use logic to identify your mistakes, identify your blind spots, test your findings, and, if necessary, change course.
22. Persistence
Persistence is defined as staying the course in the face of adversity or opposition. It is a key attitude for living a great life.
Refusing to give up despite overwhelming odds. And making consistent progress, even if at a slow pace, is an admirable trait you should develop.
Once you have a goal, trust that with persistence, even if you don’t achieve your goal today, tomorrow, or the following year. Just keep trying and you will eventually realize your dream.
23. Neatness
Neatness is defined as the state of being tidy, presentable, and well-organized.
You feel more relaxed, in control, fulfilled, at ease, and successful when you develop neatness as a key character trait.
Being neat can also improve your overall well-being and focus, as well as reduce stress and give you more time to relax.
24. Flexibility
Flexibility means being ready and able to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
It is a character trait that enables you to deal with various changes. Find solutions and complete tasks in unique, creative ways in light of said changes.
25. Reasonable
Being reasonable entails exercising sound judgment, being fair, sensible, and moderate.
To elaborate, being reasonable entails recognizing and comprehending how the perspectives of others can be incorporated into our own.
It also entails trying to understand what can and will not change. Finally, being reasonable requires the ability to take a stand, speak up, and fight for what we believe to be right.
Character traits for great relationships
26. Supportive
Giving others encouragement or emotional support is what it means to be supportive.
Being supportive is an important character trait that is essential in building relationships.
People who are supportive and understanding provide emotional support, reduce stress, and improve levels of happiness, satisfaction, safety, and protection.
27. Listening
Listening is the act of observing and making an effort to hear others. And it is a good character trait that everyone should have in order to live a happy life.
Being a good listener entails completely focusing on what the other person is saying and engaging with their ideas in a thoughtful, comprehensive manner.
It is about giving the other person uninterrupted time to speak. Asking probing or clarifying questions for further understanding and providing feedback constructively.
28. Encouraging
An encouraging character trait is about giving others support, confidence or hope.
As an encouraging individual, you exude safety and comfort. You provide encouragement and know how to boost the self-esteem of those around you.
This helps to deepen and strengthen existing relationships while also fostering new ones.
Being encouraging gives you a positive feeling in return. It gives you the sense that you have made a difference in someone else’s life. And it opens doors of opportunity, where those around you will gladly assist you whenever you need it.
29. Respectful
Respect is characterized by regard for the feelings, desires, or rights of others.
It means treating others the way you would like to be treated. It essentially involves accepting, understanding, and allowing others to be themselves, to express their opinions, desires, ideas, and feelings.
30. Affectionate
Being affectionate means showing fondness or tenderness.
It is an important character trait to cultivate, particularly in relationships, because it promotes an experience of increased harmony, love, and mutual understanding.
Giving and receiving affection simply contributes to a more secure and caring relationship.
Character traits for improved financials
31. Modest
Being modest means having or displaying a moderate or humble estimation of your own merits, importance, and so on. It is being free of vanity, self-absorption, or feelings of superiority.
It’s also a way of thinking and acting that avoids drawing attention to yourself.
It is therefore important to develop a modest character trait because it will benefit you in more ways than one. That is, it will benefit your emotional intelligence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. And it will also benefit you financially.
This is because it is easier to save money when you don’t need to flaunt your possessions in front of others. When you don’t need attention or status. And when you don’t place any value on what others think of your possessions.
32. Frugal
A frugal person is one who is careful with money or food.
Frugality means spending money on things that are important to you and not on things that aren’t. And it is not the same as being cheap.
In fact, it is another character trait worth cultivating for a fulfilling life. This is because spending consciously, saving consistently, and investing wisely give you more control over your finances and, more importantly, your life.
33. Prudent
Prudence is defined as showing concern for the future. It can also refer to being wise in practical matters, using good judgment, or common sense.
This character trait requires making deliberate decisions and pausing to consider your options before acting. It is an ability gained through self-control.
When you’re prudent, you’re objective and practice restraint. So you don’t take unnecessary risks. You don’t say or do things you’ll regret later because you understand the long-term consequences of your actions.
Prudence helps you avoid wasting money by allowing you to plan ahead for your future wants and goals while keeping what you have now in mind.
Because knowing that money and time are limited resources that must be managed responsibly is part of that practical wisdom in prudence.
34. Self-control
Self-control is the ability to manage one’s emotions and desires in difficult situations.
According to research, having self-control benefits your health, relationships, finances, and career. You are also less likely to struggle with issues such as overeating, overspending, procrastination, and unethical behavior.
As a result, developing self-control will benefit you in improving your physical and mental health, as well as achieving financial success.
This is because people who have self-control are more likely to save money, and have better overall financial behavior. They are less anxious about financial matters and are more secure in their current and future financial situation.
35. Thrifty
Being thrifty means using resources wisely and not wasting them. The advantages of spending wisely and living within your means are that you will have a better future.
Saving money by being thrifty is one of the most important aspects of living a life free of financial constraints or stress.
By finding ways to reuse items, you can improve your financial situation, simplify your life, and boost your creativity. Being thrifty definitely puts you on the path to financial success.
How to build good character traits
So after discussing what good character traits are and why they’re important and beneficial for living a great life. Here are some action steps to show you how to develop good character traits.
Know your core values
This will require extensive introspection on your part in order to determine your values for your professional and personal lives.
Because the values you discover serve as the guiding principles for your priorities, choices, actions, and behaviors.
Practice and commit to the habit
One of the key principles to the development of a good character trait is the consistent practice of the behavior.
To avoid being overwhelmed, pick one, at most two good character traits from the list above to practice for several weeks.
Write down your plan of action or the behaviors you want to adopt that reflect the trait you have chosen. Then put them into practice in your daily interactions and life.
Find your tribe
Avoid people who are entirely contrary to the trait you are attempting to develop because they will only derail you from your path to a better life.
Rather, seek out and surround yourself with people who exhibit the characteristics you wish to emulate. They will inspire and motivate you to cultivate these characteristics in yourself.
Set lofty goals
Set high standards and ambitious goals for yourself.
Expect the best from yourself and work hard to achieve it, even if there are setbacks and failures along the way.
Just keep going, knowing that each stretch boosts your confidence and awareness that your positive character traits are growing stronger.
Strive for self-improvement
Recognize that developing your character is a lifelong process. It is something that you practice in both the mundane and the hugely significant moments of your life.
There will be times when you excel at the qualities you value, and times when you fall short. However, if you remain committed to improving yourself and stay the course, you will undoubtedly reach your full potential.
Conclusion
To conclude, having positive character traits will define your personality and serve as a road map and tool for success.
Because life is not about making a good first impression. Rather, it is about improving yourself by developing good character traits that will help you redefine your core identity.
Discovering your core values, aligning your character with those values, and presenting them as part of your personality will help you achieve your goals of living a great and fulfilling life.
Please share your thoughts or ideas about the Top 35 Good Character Traits You Should Develop For A Great Life in the comments below.