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.   


Contentment vs. Covetousness

Enjoying life as it comes, and realizing that true happiness does not depend on material things and conditions.


Courage vs. Cowardliness

Overcoming fear by saying and doing what is right.   


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.


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 action how they have benefitted 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 personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right and true.


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

Accepting 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

Realizing that everyone is at varying levels of character development.


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.

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