Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel on Developing Positive Character Traits

Not everyone was raised in a family where good character and values were imparted in them from a young age, states Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel, president of Hear the Lord Ministries and the overseer of God’s Remnant Assembly. In fact, not many are that blessed. Some learn values from a trusted confidant, spiritual leader, mentor or teacher who taught us good values and helped us model them in our daily lives. Still others work tirelessly, day in and day out, to develop, grow and cultivate positive character traits and values.

Remember: you are in charge of your own life.

If you are looking to develop good character traits, there are many ways to begin, says Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel. However, the first and most important realization a person can have is that every individual must be self-confidence. Believe that you are truly responsible for your actions, your own choices — and ultimately your own destiny. Your mistakes are your own. Your achievements are your own too, and every experience in your life is something you can learn and grow from.

Seek to improve.

You must also continue to seek out personal improvement and education. It is critical that you avoid becoming too comfortable in your own ways. Instead always approach the world with an innate curiosity and wonder. Most importantly, application of the word of God to your life will cause an improvement in your character. This pursuit of self-improvement does not have to be formal, but it must be an intentional decision to be better and to learn more. Never stop working on yourself — you are your most important project.

Be kind. Always.

Kindness is one of the most important traits you will ever possess. You are nothing if you are not kind. Being kind is often the best place to begin when you are seeking to develop your character. Once kindness becomes second nature, you will find that other positive character traits will follow with little effort on your part, explains Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel of God’s Remnant Assembly.

Pursue excellence.

Always pursue excellence. Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel warns us to never strive for mediocrity. It will leave you feeling empty and dissatisfied in life. Instead, make your life about the constant pursuit of excellence. Each day you should strive to do better than the day before, in even the smallest, most insignificant way. Once you make up your mind to pursue greatness in all that you do, you will notice a sense of positivity, encouragement and wonder grow.

Be persistent and determined.

Don’t give up. Be tireless and even ruthless in the pursuit of what brings you joy and peace. A person with a good character is often found to be so because they are endlessly persistent, says Dr. Akintayo Emmanuel of God’s Remnant Assembly. A sense of determination is closely related to persistence. Set goals for yourself and pursue them relentlessly and with determination.

Add value.

Last of all, you should always add value — to your conversations, your interactions with others, to your workplace, and to your relationships. Make it a point to always leave a situation or a person better off than before. This is something you do not in your own self-interest, but in the pursuit of a better society.