Being a good person is not hard, but it doesn’t just happen. As much as anything else, you have to want to be a good person and make choices that correspond with your beliefs. No matter where you are in your life, you can make the choice to change. Have you ever wondered why people make the choices they do? What makes a person a good person? Should we strive to be good, and if so, why? If you asked twenty people what it means to be a good person, chances are you would get twenty different answers. What individuals perceive to be good character traits vary depending on several factors.
Generally speaking, most people share a desire to be good. However, without knowing what makes a person “good,” it’s impossible to achieve that goal.
What Is Goodness?
The word “good” is defined by Merriam-Webster as “virtuous, right and commendable; kind and benevolent.” A good person often has habits, or characteristics, that make him or her stand out to others. A few examples include:
1. Empathy
An empathetic person expresses an understanding of how others feel. It is expressed as an emotion, not just a verbal statement of understanding. An individual who is hurting often longs to have someone who understands what he or she is going through.
2. Honesty
An individual who wants to be good person will strive to be honest with themselves and others. Dishonesty is one way to ruin a relationship and can make people view you negatively.
3. Humility
Being humble doesn’t mean a person subjects themselves to humiliation. Rather, a person who practices humility is willing to be kind to others without expecting to be rewarded. A humble person is willing to give of themselves and does not expect to receive anything in return.
4. Fairness
Being free from personal biases means that an individual can give an opinion without prejudice. It reflects a commitment to the basic principles of what is right, rather than being committed to the opinions of others.
5. Responsibility
Taking responsibility for one’s actions is a sign of maturity and is a characteristic of a good person.
Why Being A Good Person Matters
Your actions and behaviors help build your reputation. Some people may be known as selfish, money-hungry, or a menace. Others may be seen as kind, generous and faithful friends. Your reputation, among other factors, will help to create the opportunities you encounter in life. Life choices, as mentioned above, have a way of following us for years, sometimes throughout our whole life. Below, we’ll discuss how our choices and reputations affect our lives, and why being a good person matters.
Here are simple traits of a truly good person.
1. They are Honest in Relationships.
Relationships can put an amazing amount of stress and strain on a person, especially when things are going wrong. A nice person may try to stay in a relationship for too long, attempting to force something that isn’t there. But a truly good person will be honest in their relationship and move it forward when things are going well and end it when the time comes. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to live up to your lofty potential when your relationship is dragging you down. Be honest about how you feel and stay loyal when you’ve committed.
2. They Compliment Others When Deserved.
Good people understand that others need praise. Complimenting is not only a good thing to do but a sign that you can be excited about other people’s triumphs. A truly good person will compliment when deserved and offer constructive criticism when warranted.
3. They are Polite.
Good people are polite. They show respect and mind their manners. It’s not to be a showoff or to seem better; they just truly respect individuals and want to treat them how they want to be treated. You don’t have to be formal or walk on eggshells to be polite. It’s more a function of ensuring you act in a way that is fitting for your present location.
4. They are Kind to Everyone.
A good person doesn’t have to like everyone, but they are at least kind. They look at people for the person they can be and can look past the present to see the person’s positives.
5. They are Generous With their Belongings.
While you don’t physically have to give the shirt off your back, a truly good person is willing to be generous. A good person understands that the things we collect and the money we accumulate are not worth anything without people to share them with. You don’t have to be a bleeding heart, giving away your life fortune; rather, be open and generous to those less fortunate in a time of need.
6. They Remember Their Manners.
Whether it’s waiting until everyone has their food to eat or opening the door when others walkthrough, proper manners are definitely not out of style. Truly good people understand the importance of their actions and always remember their manners.
7. They Think of Others.
It’s easy to be selfish and do what’s best for yourself. Yet, truly good people consider others in their decisions. They understand that what’s good for them may not always be the best for others. They don’t have to cater exclusively to others; rather, they understand and take into consideration how their actions will affect others and are comfortable with the decision to move forward.
8. They Go the Extra Mile.
A truly good person makes sure the task gets done and always goes the extra mile. Whether it’s staying to help clean up after an event or spending their own time ensuring things get done properly, a good person understands the importance of finishing what they start.
9. They are Kind to Loved Ones.
Sometimes you can be great to others but treat the ones who love you the most the worst. A truly good person doesn’t take out their problems on their loved ones and is as pleasant at home as in the public eye.
10. They Smile.
A smile can light up a room, and truly good people smile often—not just when things are going well.
11. They Make the Best Out of Every Situation.
In every situation, there are positives and negatives. A truly good person will find and focus on the positives. That’s not to say they don’t take the negatives; rather, they find ways to improve and become better because of the bad things.
12. They Make Friends Easily.
A truly good person is one who people want to be around. People are drawn to them. By being positive and finding the best in others, they can make and keep friends easily.
13. They Don’t Take Things for Granted.
Being a truly good person is an ongoing pursuit. They understand that what they’ve done in the past doesn’t ensure results in the future.
14. They are Consistent.
A first impression is a lasting impression. By being consistent in what they do, a truly good person will ensure they always put their best foot forward and treat every person and situation the same.
Final Words
When asked, most people will say that they desire to be a good person. The benefits of being good, such as having strong relationships or having a positive influence on others are undeniable. While most behavior is learned in childhood, that doesn’t mean that bad behavior cannot be changed and positive behavior learned. Honesty with oneself is the first step to becoming a good person. With the right tools, you can be a good person and enjoy the benefits discussed in this article.
Being a good person isn’t hard, but it does take a consistent approach. By using the traits above, you too can be a truly good person.
Article Credit: https://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/15-simple-traits-truly-good-person.html https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/how-to/how-to-be-a-good-person-and-why-it-matters/
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