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Diligence (vs. slothfulness)
Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.

September 2010

PACC compass

131 North Court Street
Prattville, AL 36067
pacharacter@prattvillechamber.com
www.pacharacter.org
Dear Subscriber,

Our monthly newsletter focuses on the Character Trait for that month, giving examples of practical application to the definition of the trait. Please feel free to share with your friends, family, and co-workers. Our goal is to have a community that is grounded on the principles of good character, with our citizens exhibiting a spirit of excellence in how we conduct our lives.
 
Share your vision!
Boo Rogers
Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition, Inc.
 
What is Diligence?

The lazy days of summer have passed. School has started and the need for families to practice diligence has become most important. Each person in the household must do their part to make a steady, earnest, and persistent effort to complete their tasks.
 
Students must be diligent to be on time for the bus or school bell. It takes diligence to listen in class. Diligence pays off in extra free time for recreation and hobbies when chores are cheerfully and consistently completed. Parents must set the example of diligence by managing their time to help children with homework, scheduling appointments, and after-school activities.
 
Parents must be very diligent in making family-time. Studies have shown that quality family time strengthens the bond between parents and children. Having a meal together is the perfect time to discuss each individual's day, plan for the remainder of the week, or just relax and enjoy each other's company. Turn off the TV, radio, cell phone and computer and let the conversation flow!
 
All family members must show diligence by not putting things off until "later". Setting priorities, pulling your own weight, communicating and cooperation eliminates a large amount of stress and discord.
 
Take time to be diligent with others in the community, school or workplace. Establish a cordial relationship with teachers, friends, and co-workers. Be willing to pitch in when necessary to help with deadlines, large projects or carpooling. Be diligent in having a good attitude and avoiding petty remarks and gossip. Good habits can be developed which help lessen stressful situations in life.

The Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition's mission is to strengthen our communities by promoting excellence in character for each citizen.
Keys of Security

UNDERSTAND THE JOB
. Envision the completed task. Look for better methods to accomplish your goal. Devise ways to accomplish it to include any additional steps which may come up in the process.

GET STARTED. Don't dawdle or procrastinate. Just do it. By moving forward, you gain experience to reach your goals.

FOCUS. Make a plan and give yourself a deadline. Establish priorities and set aside blocks of time for completing each task. Recognize when you need a tradeoff. Don't allow one part of your schedule to overshadow more important priorities.

DO IT WELL. If its worth doing, its worth doing it right. Pay attention to details, but if you must make improvements, develop two or three ideas to work on. Don't take shortcuts, even if no one would know the difference. Take pride in work. Aim for excellence.

EVALUATE. Being "busy" shouldn't be confused with productivity. Evaluate what you have done. Could it be improved? Find ways to prevent distraction, discouragement and slothfulness.

" What we hope to do with ease, we must learn first to do with diligence."

~ Samuel Johnson, English Poet, 1709-1784 
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Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition, Inc. | 334-365-7392 | 131 North Court Street | Prattville | AL | 36067