All Character Traits
Character Traits
51 Focus Traits
OUR MISSION
is to strengthen our communities by promoting excellence in character for all of our citizens. Each month, we provide information to individuals, organizations, businesses, churches, schools, and agencies which focus on one of 51 Character Traits. These traits are identified by Character First! Institute, of which the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition is a member, as a good starting point. In this way, all interested parties are focused on the same character trait in Prattville and Autauga County.
The list is not a definitive list of good character qualities, yet they have a far-reaching and practical impact on our lives when balanced with one another. Each trait has a short definition, which allows us brief insight into that particular quality.
Alertness
vs. Carelessness
Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses.
Attentiveness
vs. Distraction
Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided attention.
Availability
vs. Self-Centeredness
Making my own priorities and schedules secondary to the needs of those I serve.
Benevolence
vs. Selfishness
Pursuing the good of others without needing a personal reward for acts of kindness.
Boldness
vs. Fearfulness
Courage to say or do what is true, right and just.
Cautiousness
vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.
Compassion
vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.
Courage
vs. Cowardliness
Overcoming fear by saying and doing what is right.
Contentment
vs. Covetousness
Enjoying life as it comes, and realizing that true happiness does not depend on material things and conditions.
Creativity
vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a perspective.
Decisiveness
vs. Procrastination
Having the ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.
Deference
vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me.
Dependability
vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.
Determination
vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of opposition.
Diligence
vs. Slothfulness
Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.
Discernment
vs. Shortsightedness
Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen.
Discipline
vs. Self-indulgence
Choosing behaviors to help me reach my goals
Discretion
vs. Simplemindedness
Recognizing and avoiding words, actions and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences.
Endurance
vs. Discouragement
The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.
Enthusiasm
vs. Apathy
Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.
Faith
vs. Presumption
To have a knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof.
Flexibility
vs. Resistance
Willingness to change plans or ideas without getting upset.
Forgiveness
vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge.
Generosity
vs. Stinginess
Managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.
Gentleness
vs. Harshness
Showing consideration and personal concern for others through genteel behavior or softness of manners.
Gratefulness
vs. Unthankfulness
Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.
Honor
vs. Disrespect
Respecting others because of the higher authorities they represent.
Hospitality
vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter and friendship with others.
Humility
vs. Pride
Acknowledging that achievement results from others' investment in my life.
Initiative
vs. Idleness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.
Joyfulness
vs. Self-Pity
Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant situations.
Justice
vs. Corruption
Taking the time necessary to work through a difficult situation.
Loyalty
vs. Unfaithfulness
Using my time to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve.
Meekness
vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve.
Obedience
vs. Willfulness
Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of those who are responsible for me.
Orderliness
vs. Confusion
Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency.
Patience
vs. Restlessness
Taking a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it.
Persuasiveness
vs. Contentiousness
Understanding others so that I can better communicate with them.
Punctuality
vs. Tardiness
Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time.
Resilience
vs. Weakened
Recovering from adversity.
Resourcefulness
vs. Wastefulness
Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard.
Responsibility
vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me.
Security
vs. Anxiety
Structuring my life around that which cannot be destroyed or taken away.
Self-Control
vs. Self-Indulgence
Rejecting wrong desires and doing what is right.
Sensitivity
vs. Callousness
Using my senses to perceive the true attitudes and emotions of others.
Sincerity
vs. Hypocrisy
Eagerly do what is right with transparent motives.
Thoroughness
vs. Incompleteness
Knowing what will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected.
Thriftiness
vs. Extravagance
Having a balance of wisdom and discernment to be prudent with our resources
Tolerance
vs. Prejudice
Demonstrating respect for others who do not share my perspective.
Truthfulness
vs. Deception
Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
Virtue
vs. Impurity
The moral excellence evident in my life as I consistently do what is right.
Wisdom
vs. Foolishness
Seeing and responding to life situations from a perspective that transcends current circumstances.