Your character is your most valuable asset. Oft times, before a person has ever laid eyes on you they have conducted a character assessment and formed a pre-conception. Character representation and pre-conception together  form the silhouette of reputation.

Yes, your name precedes you.  Therefore,  “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1

Thus, having a good name is everything.

A good name is built through strong character. Character is a sum total of all attributes, a person possess, which determine actions. An individual may possess negative or positive character traits. It is the accumulation of positive character traits,which bring about positive action, which results in  true and lasting success.  It is these grouping of traits that is often sought after and thus greatly increases one propensity for success. The best investment one can ever make is to build these character traits.

These traits include:

• Humility– The art of being humble..Such an individuals shuns vanity and is not boastful. This is an individual who never forgets his or her source of being, beginnings, and remains grounded, reasonable, and rational in all his or her dealings.
• Honesty- The art of telling the truth. Honesty is always the bests policy. Being honest with yourself and others keeps one humble, and earnest, while building trust which creates long-standing relational bonds.
• Generosity- The art of giving. It is always better to give than to receive. Giving invokes the  law of reciprocity, With the measure that you give so shall it be returned.  You want abundance be generous in your giving.
• Dependability-  Means that one can count on you.  One can be assured that you will do what you said, when you said you will do it. This inspires trust. Through trust one builds a solid foundation for progression.
• Trustworthiness-  Means one can securely entrust you with their person and things. This garners greater leadership opportunities.  The individual who has proven him or herself good steward over a little will be deemed to be a good steward over much- (Matthew 25:23)
• Integrity– The art  of aligning character with actions. There is no falsity or counter-fitting to be found in your person. It denotes an upstanding character. One can trust that you are who you say you are and your actions will fall in line with your character.
• Earnest- Means one is sincere in their dealings. There is no pretense and what is uttered from the mouth can be guaranteed .
• Conscientious- The art of awareness. Such a person is”governed by conscience; controlled by or done according to one’s inner sense of what is right; principled. This person can be counted on knowing what the right thing is and doing the right thing when the time comes. 
• Accountability– Such a person isn’t afraid to take responsibility for his or her actions both successes and the counter.

The ultimate responsibility lies with you

You alone are responsible for building and molding the cement foundation upon which your success will rest. No one can build character in you, you must build it for yourself.  It is worth everything you have to build it.