I don’t know if you have ever heard this expression, but it is very common that when someone is characterized by having no character, having a lack of initiative and having difficulties reacting or making decisions, they are told that they have “horchata in their veins.” Normally, when this phrase is said to someone, the person tends to react negatively, because no one likes to be told that they have no character, but do we know what character really is?
In this Psychology-Online article, we adequately explain its definition and how to have a strong character with some simple tips and tricks.
What is character?
First of all, I want to start using the definitions used by Martínez (2002) to differentiate between three concepts that are usually used as synonyms. However, despite their great similarity, they differ considerably in certain points:
- He It is a broad concept, which is still being defined; however, it has been seen that it is related to the different dimensions of the person’s individual behavior. This can be modified as a result of the person’s interactions with the environment that surrounds them.
- The personality, according to Professor Ibañez (2014), refers to a series of dispositions or behavioral tendencies in certain situations, which are relatively stable and consistent over time. In addition, it also includes those individual differences, that is, the variations in response that people present when faced with a similar situation, in basic psychological processes.
- He ethical character, for its part, is related to what a person “wants to be.” In this, it is taken into account how the person acts according to his motives and dispositions, giving stability to his social behavior.
What does it mean to have character in psychology?
Within psychology, the previously given definition is slightly modified, since it does not refer to what man “should” or “desires to be”, but rather refers to what man “is”.
This difference comes because cases have been seen in which subjects are characterized by having a lack of character in what the ethical sense of society is concerned, but who are possessors of a very strong character from a psychological point of view.
It is known the psychological character as those powers that an individual has to make decisions, make evaluations, achieve objectives, etc., taking into account everything that his individual existence includes.
What is a person of strong character?
Although it is often misleading, having a strong character does not mean having a bad temper or getting angry easily. Rather, it refers to that person who does not waver from his decisions and convictions.
People with strong characters tend to be able to control their impulses and respond appropriately to the challenges that life poses to them, developing and using all the resources they have available to stay ahead.
It is very typical to believe that people with a strong character are not afraid, that they face any situation without fear and with courage, however, this is not true, because they do feel fear, but unlike those people with weak character To those who are paralyzed by fear, fear activates them, making them face it with audacity.
10 keys to having a strong character
After reading different articles, I have been able to verify that there is no clear methodology to strengthen character, but it is true that there is always agreement on one point: the difficulty of changing it.
However, at Psychology-Online, we give you a list of some steps to follow that will help you and make this change easier and more bearable:
- Learn what it means to have strength of character. It’s very important know what we want to change to be able to make an adequate assessment of whether said change is necessary.
- Develop empathy. Being able to identify and put yourself in the place of those people with weak character will allow you to offer them your help. In the following article you can find out about.
- Have leadership strength. Every person with a strong character is capable of making decisions and staying firm on them despite the difficulties that may arise.
- Prevent and control possible irrational impulses. We all know that acting before thinking can lead us to uncomfortable or problematic situations, so you should always try to be as rational as possible.
- Never let go of your self-esteem. If you don’t love yourself, you will never be able to feel one hundred percent sure of the decisions you make, so this will be a constant impediment when it comes to strengthening your character. Check out the following article about .
- Don’t be afraid to make decisions. Be brave when making decisions, don’t regret later for something you could have done.
- Control your feelings. Always use reason, meditate and reflect before acting, evaluate both the positive and the negative before acting.
- Take your time and in stressful situations never lose your cool. Although some situations can make us nervous and create anxiety, never lose calm, focus on facing them with courage.
- Be positive. Always look for the positive side, even in the strongest problems.
- Live life with joy. Use a sense of humor to face those problems that worry you. There is no better way to trust yourself than to laugh with yourself too.
Apart from the previous guidelines given to have a strong character, it is also recommended to ask for help from professionals, since they are the ones who will be able to determine in the most appropriate way which traits need to be modified and enhanced.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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References
- Ibañez, Nacho. “Personality Psychology”. Jaume I University. Castellón. 2014.
- Martínez, AI (2002). Temperament, character; personality. An approach to its concept and interaction. Complutense Journal of Education, 13(2), 617.