August 2008

Keep Your Joy

I passed a sand lot yesterday,
Some kids were playing ball,
I strolled along the third base line
Within the fielder's call.

"Say, what's the score?" I asked.
He yelled without a hint of huffing,
"There's no one out, the bases full,
They're winning forty-two to nothing!"

"You're getting beat, aren't you my friend?"
And then in no time flat
He answered, "No, sir, not as yet!
Our side has not been up to bat!"

-Author Unknown

You find springs in watches, chairs, mattresses, doorstops, automobiles, and many other things. The key to a spring's usefulness is its ability to endure pressure and "bounce back" to its original shape. The more pressure a spring experiences, the harder it pushes back.

You can "bounce back" from difficult situations by responding with integrity.

Know your purpose.
Recognize every worthy goal has a cost.
Keep your priorities straight. Focus on the important things in your everyday choices.
Learn your job. Ignorance causes undue worry and frustration.
Improve communication. Stress from misunderstood expectations is unnecessary and avoidable.
Set challenging, realistic goals for yourself and take responsibility to achieve them.
Celebrate achievements. Use progress as motivation for continued success.

Building Character

Difficult experiences are the "classrooms," "pop quizzes," and "final exams" of your character.

You can understand the concepts. You can appreciate good character. You can even resolve to show good character. But you must exercise good character in order to make it part of your life.

The disappointments, pains, and conflicts of life provide opportunities for character growth. The more concerned you become for others, the more aware you become of the timeless principles of good character, and the less absorbed you are with yourself, your interests, and even your character, the clearer you will see your experiences, and the better you will be able to respond.

Character counts most when you experience pressure. Difficulty tests your recognition and your commitment to what is right, and each good decision prepares you for your next experience.

Back to School

"To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society." -Theodore Roosevelt

Character First! Education provides a systematic approach for helping young people build good character. Lessons are clear, memorable, and easy for teachers and parents to use.

Watch a 15-minute introduction video, or download information for local teachers and administrators. Call the Character Training Institute at 405-815-0001 for more information about how your school can implement Character First! Education.

2009 Calendar

The 2009 Character First! Calendar makes a great gift, and it will help you, your family, and your coworkers remember each month's character quality.

Subscribers to the monthly character bulletin qualify for a 30% "Early Bird" discount when they order before September 15. You can also personalize your calendars with your organization's logo.

Not a subscriber? Sign up today.

Character in the News

Visit our news page to read the latest news articles about character.

"Character council honors librarian for decisiveness" - August 9, 2008
"City Council, Character Council honor Edmond girl" - July 31, 2008
"A City of Good Character" - July 30, 2008