Building Character: A Reflection for the Upcoming New Year

Watch your thoughts for they become words.

Watch your words for they become actions.

Watch your actions for they become habits.

Watch your habits for they become your character.

And watch your character for it becomes your destiny.

—Lao-Tze

This December many of us are beginning to reflect on our experiences and habits and set goals for the year ahead. This period of reflection gives us a chance to focus on an often-overlooked area of growth: our character.

As educators, we are not only responsible for our students learning but also for modelling the behaviours, attitudes, and habits that define who we are. Our thoughts, words, and actions influence our own growth, as well as the environment we create in our classrooms and beyond.

Why Character Is Important?

Research shows that people who focus on building daily positive habits like courage, honesty and optimism generally tend to thrive in five key areas: Long-term life satisfaction, Resilience, Healthy relationships, An overall sense of wellbeing and making a positive contribution to society. The habits we form each day shape who we are and, in turn, impact the students we teach. However, character is not something we have, but rather, something we actively build. As teachers, we can set specific goals to develop the character traits that will help us become the educators and individuals we want to be.

A Character Reset

Now is the time to do a character reset. Just as we reset our homes and lives every Sunday, we should actively reset our habits to align with who we want to be. The easiest way to start is to consider the Four Core Areas of Character: Respect and Responsibility, Sound Judgement, Self-Mastery, and Courage and Strength, based on Aristotle’s Four Cardinal Virtues.

Consider these reflection questions:

• How do your values and actions align with the four core areas of character?
• What habits do you currently practise to build respect, responsibility and empathy for those around you?
• What habits are helping you grow in making sound judgements?
• Are you the master of yourself? Or do give in to bad habits, unhelpful emotions or passions?
• Are there any areas of your life you need to grow in courage or strength?

As we reflect on these areas of our lives and set our intentions for the future, let’s remember that the character we develop has a lasting impact. By setting goals to cultivate positive habits and traits, we not only shape our own destiny but also influence those around us. As teachers, we have the opportunity to be role models for our students, guiding them not only in their academic growth but in their personal development. This December, let’s take the time to reset our character, set meaningful goals, and become the educators—and the people—we truly want to be.

What’s one character trait you’ve recently focused on developing in your teaching practice, and how has it impacted your interactions with students? Share your thoughts in the comments or with your fellow educators below!