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Natural Awakenings Lehigh Valley

My Thoughts For the Month

Feb 28, 2023 11:34AM ● By Dr. Rodger

Hold yourself responsible for a higher standard than anyone else expects of you. Never excuse yourself. Never pity yourself. Be a hard master to yourself and be lenient to everyone else.


The development of character is the great business of life. Your ability to develop a reputation as a person of character and of honor is the highest achievement of social life.  

The person you are today, your innermost character, is the sum total of all your choices and decisions in life to date. Each time you consistently make good choices and decisions, your character is strengthened and self-worth increases. Conversely, each time you compromise your value system by consciously choosing poor choices, your character is weakened. A person of character possesses a series of virtues or values. These are courage, compassion, generosity, temperance, persistence, and friendliness, among others. But the most important value in determining the depth and strength of your character is integrity.

It is integrity, living in complete truth with yourself and others, that most demonstrate the quality of your character. 

In a way, integrity is actually the value that guarantees all other values. The higher your level of integrity, the more honest you are with yourself, and the more likely it is you will live consistently with all other values you admire and respect. 

It takes tremendous self-discipline to become a person of character. It takes considerable willpower to always “do the right thing” in every situation. It takes self-discipline and willpower to resist the temptation to cut corners, to take the easy way, or to act for short-term advantage. 

All of life is a test, ultimately proving our character. Wisdom can be developed privately, through study and reflection. But character can only be developed in the give and take of daily life when forced to choose and decide among alternatives.  It is only when you are under pressure when forced to choose one way or another, that your true character is demonstrated. 

In addition to feeling positive about yourself when you behave with character, you earn the respect and esteem of people around you. They look up to you and admire you, doors are opened, and new opportunities are presented. You will be paid more and promoted faster and given even greater responsibilities. As you become a person of honor, all things become possible for you. 


Have a great month,

Dr.  D. Rodger ND, MBA