Your Character, your Word and your Loyalty… that is really all we have left in this world. Everything else falls into the “grey” category, an awkward realm where it can be proven or debunked by some high priced attorney or crazy prophet. In today’s fast paced world of quick talk at the end of the commercial or small writing at the bottom of the contract, there is way too much wiggle room for exploitation or a con.
Your Character is a different story. What you do that isn’t posted to social media, the acts of kindness that will never have a spotlight shown on them and how you treat those who can never repay you. Your Character should enter a room long before you ever walk in and linger after you exited. It does not need to be brought up because it is already known. A simple , “he’s a good guy.” with a head nod.
You can’t have Character without your word. You have to keep your word. If those around you cannot depend on what you say then your Character is garbage. Do not promise the impossible just that which you know you will be capable of following through on and be sure to follow through.
And last but not least is Loyalty… almost no one has it anymore and it is sad. It appears everywhere you look nowadays you are only as good as your last f@%K up and this is what kills morale. In the past, our loyalty would allow us to overlook a misstep, an error and move on. We would be loyal to our friends and heaven help whoever would bad mouth them in our presence.
These are the traits that I look for in my inner circle and the traits that I promise to return to those who take this ride with me. Take a good look around your circle, if you have any doubts… cut them loose.