What Makes Up A Person's Character?

You survive in this world realizing that not all people will be acceptable by your standards, but you know some of the people you come across are just being themselves. The personality of each of the people you meet is unique. Whether you find it agreeable or not, this is what makes them different - this is what makes up their character.

The character of a person is the collection of traits that are either nurtured by society, or the offshoot of nature since birth. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge that both nature and nurture play an important role in the totality of a person needs to learn that both are just as important for a person to achieve his full potential as a person - regardless of him being likeable or not.

So what makes up a person's character? There are thousands of possible traits, but here are the top 6 that have a huge influence in a person's life.

Genetics. The "nature" part of a person's character. These are the traits that were born WITH a person, an area in one's personality that is difficult to change, since it is embedded in the very makeup of a person. Among the traits you are born with is the way you look, including your pride or insecurity about your appearance. If your parents are tall, there's a huge chance you are tall, too. The personality factor comes in when your parents are proud to be tall, and so they influence you to be proud of your height as well. It is very rare for the tall child of proudly-tall parents to feel insecure about his/her height. The way a person feels about his individuality and uniqueness has a lot to do about how the parents raised him/her.

Other parts of one's personality that are highly attributed to genetics are: talents, hobbies, likes and dislikes, manner of speaking, disposition (sunny or always cloudy), and intelligence. These traits are borne unto a person, and although some of them may not be fully developed or remain undiscovered, they are inherent. The offspring of two people are termed as "genetically inclined" towards certain character traits. Sadly, illnesses and one's attitude towards it can also be genetic.

Beliefs. Although contestable as being a result of nature or nurture, the set of beliefs of a person also has a large influence in the way a person thinks and acts. Some beliefs, such as religion, were initially dictated by parents (nature), but may be changed as a person slowly matures and realizes what best suits him (nurture). Another belief which is more nurtured are political and gender preferences. Of course, there's the age-old debate about gender preference being a result of nature, or if it a choice made based on the people they interact with.

Honesty, integrity, trustworthiness and dependability. These are some of the character traits which are most memorable to people one comes in contact with. These traits make up one's reputation - the easier one can trust a person, the better his reputation. Often said to be the true test of one's character, the honesty of a person is often tested when he is faced with adverse situations or opposition. It's easy to be nice and pleasant when everyone agrees with you, but it takes character to gallantly stand before trials and disagreements - and stand by your beliefs. Honesty and dependability can also be instilled in your upbringing (nature), but the true tests come when you go out into the world (nurture).

How you treat others. Not everyone is blessed with innate charity and compassion for his fellowmen. Some people are just inherently selfish, and some are generous. Another huge debate between nature and nurture - because children of generous parents most often turn up just as generous, but society's realities - like poverty or the lack of financial means often gets in the way of generosity. But of course, one can still be charitable with one's time, knowledge, talents. You can also be mean, tactless and abrasive - traits you can learn from both your upbringing and the friends and relationships you form. On the other hand, you may choose to be kind, gentle and caring - so in the end, it's still a conscious choice neither dictated by nature or nature.

How you live in general. Are you generally lazy and do you love procrastinating? Is your work and personal life in chaos or in a state of utmost disorganization? Do you love gambling, sex, drinking and living in excess? Are you the type who spends each dollar, and lives on a day-to-day existence, with no regard for the future? All these are parts of your character which will determine your level of success or failure. How you choose to live your life is a true testament to your discipline and value as a person.

Morals. Morality is knowing and conforming to standards of what is right and wrong. It is acting according to general rules and laws, and reacting according to what your conscience dictates. One's morality is a huge part of his character - initially moulded by nature, as instilled by parents and role models, but is largely later on formed by society and the ever-changing concepts of what is acceptable or not.

A person's character is a product of a non-stop evolution and change. There is no true standard of how it should be, since all people are created different. The trick is to learn to strike a proper balance, and to know and be conscious of how acceptable yours is. Of course you can always choose to be disliked, but who wants that?


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Michael Griffiths is the CEO and Founder of Secrets of a Super Life, providing individuals with personal development strategies to increase their purpose, passion, happiness and life fulfilment. For your free life success pack please visit http://www.mysuperlifetoday.com


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