How to Develop Your Character

"This candidate has been found satisfactory in both character and in learning" - This statement has always been on the certificate of graduation of the best university in Nigeria, according to the NUC.

This got me thinking on what the essence of character was in relation to getting wealth, power or large business deals which I have termed, "gold".

Character means an individual's uniqueness and way of response to situations.

Gold, in this context symbolises money, fame, and every other thing money can buy. It can also be seen as a reward for a service rendered or job done. 

Although money is a reward, what gets you a tangible reward most times, can be tied to your character.

In life, character is what distinguishes an individual. It can determine how far a person goes in life or how "favoured" a person is with men because your network can help smuggle you into high places but what keeps you there is your character.

Guess what?

A good or bad character can be learnt! It doesn't jump on you when you are born. What people say is your character is what has been imbibed in you over the years. So, it depends on you to unlearn and relearn if need arises.

A good character is a force that automatically attracts gold. How you can maximise it to your advantage is very important in the fulfilment of purpose and is cloaked in four major areas.

A)Humility; That is, your willingness to stop seeing yourself as "above" every other person. I do not advocate mediocrity or self-debasement just to make people feel comfortable about you but humility is that trait that you have learnt not to blow your horns or make others uncomfortable around you when you have every just cause to do so.

B)Unity; As subtle as this may seem in human relationships, no one likes to work or be with a trouble-maker or a person who never seems to agree with all other persons. A good character is when you are able to sit down and listen to what ideas other people have without being quick to discard or refute them.

C)Honour; Every person deserves to be honoured. Those you feel are above your status, those you feel are beneath your status, those you feel are on the same level as you, your parents and wealthy people you are connected with.

"Respect" is not "honour". Honour is with your substance, either in cash or in kind. Respect is by words of mouth only. When you honour people, you give to them, you serve them and you are able to add value to them.

D)Obedience; It means taking instructions. Honour without obedience can be frustrating. Not being quick to ask a rebellious "Why?" when instructed on things to do but your "Whys" should be laced with utmost honour for whomever you're asking. That is obedience.

Your character either attracts favour or otherwise with people and that, in itself can get you all the things money can buy and everything money cannot buy and vice versa. Go for character and gold will run after you because gold owned without character will end up being lost!