Ever wonder what truly makes a person someone you admire and trust? It’s often not about their achievements but something deeper, something about who they are at their core.
We're talking about character and integrity. These aren't just fancy words; they're the bedrock of a meaningful and fulfilling life. Building them isn't always easy. I know that from personal experience, and so does Stephen Montagne, the founder of GoodExistence.com. His journey of overcoming unhealthy habits like binge eating and laziness, losing over 110 pounds, and finding a balanced life was, at its heart, a journey of forging stronger character and living with greater integrity. It’s about those daily choices, the small wins, and staying true to yourself even when it's tough.
So, let's explore some powerful words from wise people throughout history. These quotes can be like little signposts, guiding us and inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves.
Building Your Inner Compass: Wisdom on Character
Character is who you are when no one is watching. It's about your moral qualities, your ethics, and the principles you live by. It's built over time, through challenges and choices. Stephen found that replacing old habits like excessive gaming with productive routines like short bursts of deep work wasn't just about changing actions; it was about reshaping his character, one decision at a time.
Here are some thoughts on character to ponder:
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"Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." – Abraham Lincoln
Focus on being good, not just looking good. Your true self will always shine through. -
"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." – Helen Keller
Embrace challenges. They are opportunities to grow stronger and more resilient. -
"The true test of character is not how much we know how to do, but how we behave when we don't know what to do." – John Holt
How do you act under pressure or in uncertainty? That’s a real reflection of your character. -
"Character is doing the right thing when nobody's looking." – J.C. Watts
This is a classic for a reason. It's about internal motivation, not external approval. -
"Our character is basically a composite of our habits." – Stephen Covey
This hits home. Stephen’s journey from unhealthy habits to a life of purpose and productivity shows this perfectly. Small daily habits build the foundation of who you become. -
"Talent is a gift, but character is a choice." – John C. Maxwell
You might be naturally good at some things, but building good character takes conscious effort every day. -
"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." – Lao Tzu
A powerful reminder of how small things cascade into the big picture of your life. -
"You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him." – James D. Miles
Kindness and respect should be universal, not transactional. -
"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character." – Albert Einstein
A positive and strong mindset can fortify your character against life's difficulties. -
"Character is higher than intellect." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Being smart is great, but being a good person is even more important. -
"Knowledge will give you power, but character respect." – Bruce Lee
Power can be fleeting, but the respect earned through strong character endures. -
"Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day." – Heraclitus
Be patient with yourself. Every small, right choice contributes to a stronger character. Celebrate those small wins. -
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." – Abraham Lincoln
How one uses influence and authority reveals a lot about their inner self. -
"The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out." – Thomas Babington Macaulay
This echoes the "when nobody's looking" idea. It’s about your internal moral compass. -
"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." – Heywood Broun
Pressure situations, whether in sports or life, tend to show what we're truly made of.
Living True: Insights on Integrity
Integrity is the practice of being honest and showing a consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong moral and ethical principles and values. It's about your actions aligning with your words and beliefs. For Stephen, finding purpose through a closer relationship with God and strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith provided a strong foundation for living with integrity. It became a guide for his actions and decisions.
Let these quotes inspire you to live with unwavering integrity:
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"Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." – C.S. Lewis
A powerful echo of what defines true character. It’s about internal guidance. -
"The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity." – Dwight D. Eisenhower
Whether you lead a company or your family, integrity builds trust and inspires others. -
"With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide." – Zig Ziglar
Living truthfully brings peace of mind. It’s liberating. -
"Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody's going to know whether you did it or not." – Oprah Winfrey
This reinforces that integrity is an internal commitment, not for external validation. -
"Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people." – Spencer Johnson
It starts with being honest with yourself. This self-awareness is crucial. -
"Have the courage to say no. Have the courage to face the truth. Do the right thing because it is right. These are the magic keys to living your life with integrity." – W. Clement Stone
Integrity often requires courage. The courage to stand for what’s right, even when it’s hard. -
"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively." – Bob Marley
True wealth lies in your values and your impact on others. -
"Integrity is the essence of everything successful." – R. Buckminster Fuller
Lasting success in any area of life is built on a foundation of integrity. -
"One of the truest tests of integrity is its blunt refusal to be compromised." – Chinua Achebe
Standing firm in your values, even when tempted or pressured, shows true integrity. -
"Integrity is choosing courage over comfort; choosing what is right over what is fun, fast, or easy; and choosing to practice our values rather than simply professing them." – Brené Brown
This is so powerful. Integrity is an active practice, not just a belief. -
"Living with integrity means: Not settling for less than what you know you deserve in your relationships. Asking for what you want and need from others. Speaking your truth, even though it might create conflict or tension." – Barbara De Angelis
Integrity impacts how you show up in all your interactions and relationships. -
"To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." – Douglas Adams
Authenticity and honesty are invaluable in any service or interaction. -
"Integrity is the seed for achievement. It is the principle that never fails." – Earl Nightingale
When you act with integrity, you plant seeds for genuine, sustainable success. -
"A life lived with integrity—even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune—is a shining star in whose light others may follow." – Denis Waitley
Your integrity can inspire and guide those around you. -
"The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home." – Confucius
Strong values start within us and ripple outwards to our families and communities.
Building character and living with integrity is a lifelong journey. It’s not about perfection, but about consistent effort and a commitment to being your best self. Stephen’s practice of daily gratitude, for example, isn't just about feeling good; it's about recognizing the good and reinforcing a positive, principled way of living.
Think about these quotes. Let them sink in. Which one speaks to you the most right now? Perhaps there’s one small action you can take today, inspired by these words, to strengthen your character or live with a little more integrity. Remember, every step counts.
