Don't Just Make the List - Live By It!

“Words are just words until you put them into action. Then they can become the character traits that you live by.” ~ Michelle Weimer

Over the last few weeks, we've been talking about character. We've explored the freedom that comes from being yourself, the difference between personality and character, and the fact that no matter how you're naturally wired, you can choose how you show up in the world.

My hope is that through these conversations, you've gained a little more clarity about the kind of person you want to be and the character traits you most want to possess.

So today, I want to leave you with one final thought:

It's not enough to simply make a list… You have to live by it.

Because knowing who you want to be and actually becoming that person are two very different things.

Most people have a pretty good idea of the qualities they admire. They know they want to be more patient, more confident, more courageous, more joyful, more disciplined, or more compassionate. The challenge isn't identifying those traits. The challenge is remembering to practice them consistently enough that they become part of who we are.

That's where intentionality comes in.

Character isn't built by accident. It's built through repeated actions and daily choices. It's built when you consciously decide how you want to show up and then look for opportunities to practice those qualities over and over again.

Start with What You Already Know

If you've been following along throughout this series, hopefully you've already started creating a list of character traits that are important to you.

Look at that list and begin by identifying three to five traits you already possess. These might be qualities that others often compliment you on or strengths you know you consistently demonstrate. Maybe you're loving, determined, patient, generous, dependable, or optimistic.

Then identify three to five traits you'd like to strengthen. Perhaps you want to become more confident, courageous, peaceful, disciplined, joyful, or resilient.

This isn't about judging yourself. It's about creating awareness. After all, it's hard to grow intentionally if you aren't clear about where you're headed.

Keep Your Character Front and Center

Once you've chosen your traits, don't just close the notebook and move on.

Put them somewhere you'll see them.

Write them on a sticky note. Put them on your desk. Add them to your planner. Save them as a note on your phone. Whatever works for you.

The goal is simple: keep these qualities front and center in your mind.

I have my own list posted where I'll see it regularly, and over the years I've found that simply reviewing those words helps me become more intentional about how I'm showing up.

It's amazing what happens when you're consistently reminded of who you want to be.

You begin noticing opportunities to practice those traits.

You begin making different choices.

You begin acting more in alignment with the person you're trying to become.

Create a Daily Ritual

One of the most powerful things you can do is turn this into a daily practice.

Every morning, take a few moments to review your list. Read each word slowly. Think about what it means. Ask yourself how you can demonstrate that trait today.

Sometimes, if I'm struggling with something specific, I'll focus on a particular trait. For example, if I'm feeling stressed or unsettled, I may spend a few moments reflecting on the word “peaceful”. Just bringing my attention back to that quality often helps me reset and show up differently.

It's a simple practice, but simple doesn't mean ineffective.

In fact, some of the most powerful changes happen because of small actions repeated consistently over time.

From Awareness to Action

Here's what I know for sure:

The character traits you admire won't become part of your life simply because they're written on a list.

They become part of your life when you practice them.

When you choose patience instead of frustration.

When you choose courage instead of avoidance.

When you choose gratitude instead of complaining.

When you choose discipline instead of excuses.

Those small moments may not seem significant at the time, but they are exactly how character is built.

One choice at a time.

One action at a time.

One day at a time.

Your Challenge This Week

Take a few minutes to create or revisit your character list.

Choose three to five traits you already possess and three to five traits you'd like to strengthen.

Then create a simple daily reminder system that keeps those traits in front of you.

Most importantly, don't stop at awareness.

Practice them.

Live them.

Because it's not the words on the list that change your life.

It's the actions that follow.

And when your actions consistently align with the person you want to become, those character traits stop being words on a page and start becoming who you are.

 Needing some words of wisdom but don't have the time to read and comprehend a whole book right now, check out the Philosopher's Notes. With these, you can read, listen, or watch short excerpts and breakdowns of over 700 non-fiction books.