The Character of Diligence

Character Leadership - The Character of Diligence

“Every noble work is at first impossible.” –Thomas Carlvie

Definition:  Persevering determination to perform a task

Carelessness, Neglect, and Laziness are the opposites of diligence. Inevitably, we become a stumbling block to others when we burn out, or go into a depression and lose our primary focus when we stay in a bad situation with continual weariness and fatigue. Basically, physical and emotional fatigue have bad attitude at their root, which can turn and spiral into more serious illnesses like depression. Our personal relationships, relationships with family, and our relationship with others will suffer as a result.

Diligence allows us to operate with our best with excitement and passion in order to complete our work and task. Amongst other good character traits, good attitude springs from diligence. Diligence is the essential ingredient to being a person to success from business, to sports, to building a business empire. Character Leaders understands the character trait of diligence is more than applying it in work related matters. Diligence is also important in the way we treat and behave towards our relationship with our family, friends and colleagues. Diligence is the number one key essential source of greatness. No great person in history lacked this character.

Reflection:

Ask yourself; “What are the issue is my life that would improve with more Diligence?” The word sloth (meaning lazy) comes from an animal of the same name. We must make sure we do not have the characteristics of the sloth. It is so lazy that it will starve for lack of food rather than spend energy to look for more. It is much easier to start something than to finish it. Sacrifices must be made if we are to finish a project. To finish something we started is to prove that we are diligent.

As Character leaders, we must extend ourselves to other people with diligence and what flows out of diligence are clear direction and positive opportunities for improvement of relationship. If a job is worth doing, it is worth doing it right. Doing something right not only saves time as we do not have to do it again but keeps us focused on being accurate and thorough in whatever we do. Diligence is a mark of true leadership.