Become: Unleash the Power of Moral Character and Be Proud of the Life You Choose

People care so much about their popularity, their appearance, and their status. They care about what people think, whether others approve, and how they measure up. What’s more, people buy things to appear successful and even lower their personal standards to gain acceptance. But how are you viewed by the person you spend the most amount of time with — yourself?

When you have strong moral character, you take pride in yourself rather than seeking approval from others; you think for yourself rather than yielding to peer pressure; and you remain true to your values rather than blowing in the wind. In other words, instead of trying to look good, you are good.

• Are you a good person?

• Are you proud of the way that you live your life?

• Would you want to be friends with yourself?

• Would you be happy if your kids followed in your footsteps?

When you look back on your life, will you gauge success by the power that you attained and the wealth that you accumulated? Or will you measure the degree to which your life was rich in character and purpose? Will it matter that you led an honorable existence, made a difference in people’s lives, and left the world a better place for your children?

Be a role model who leads by example. Be the person who lives with honor and integrity, commands everyone’s respect, and makes decisions based on what’s right rather than what’s convenient. It won’t always be popular. It won’t always be easy, but you can take great pride knowing that you’re setting the standard for excellence.

It’s a life in which you hope for the best, try your best, and bring out the best in others. It’s a life in which you reach for the stars and extend your hand to help others in need. But most of all, it’s a life in which you earn the trust, respect, and admiration of people, not because you try hard to please them, but because of who you are. It’s your life. Your journey. Live each day in such a way that you earn the respect of others — and yourself.