20 Good Character Traits

20 good character traits that impact your life 

I invite you to look over this character traits list and pick at least one of these good qualities to begin working on: 

1. Integrity

Integrity is a character trait that has strong moral principles and core values and then conducting your life with those as your guide. When you have integrity, you maintain your adherence to it whether or not other people are watching. 

2. Honesty

Honesty is a character trait that is more than telling the truth. It's living the truth. It is being straightforward and trustworthy in all of your interactions, relationships, and thoughts. Being honest requires self-honesty and authenticity. 

3. Loyalty

Loyalty is a character trait of faithfulness and devotion to your loved ones, your friends, and anyone with whom you have a trusted relationship. Loyalty is a good quality that can also extend to your employer, the organizations you belong to, your community, and your country. 

4. Respectfulness

With this character trait you treat yourself and others with courtesy, kindness, deference, dignity, and civility. You offer basic respect as a sign of your value for the worth of all people and your ability to accept the inherent flaws we all possess. 

5. Responsibility

This exceptional quality accepts personal, relational, career, community, and societal obligations even when they are difficult or uncomfortable. This character trait follows through on commitments and proactively create or accept accountability for your behavior and choices.

6. Humility

You have a confident yet modest opinion of your own self-importance. You don't see yourself as “too good” for other people or situations. 

With this character trait you have a learning and growth mindset and the desire to express and experience gratitude for what you have, rather than expecting you deserve more. 

7. Compassion

This character traits example feels deep sympathy and pity for the suffering and misfortune of others, and you have a desire to do something to alleviate their suffering.

8. Fairness

Using discernment, compassion, and integrity, this a character trait strives to make decisions and take actions based on what you consider the ultimate best course or outcome for all involved. 

9. Forgiveness 

You make conscious, intentional decisions to let go of resentment and anger toward someone for an offense - whether or not forgiveness is sought by the offender. Forgiveness may or may not include pardoning, restoration, or reconciliation. It extends both to others and to one's self.

10. Authenticity

With this a character trait you are able to be your real and true self, without pretension, posturing, or insincerity. You are capable of showing appropriate vulnerability and self-awareness.

11. Courageousness

In spite of fear of danger, discomfort, or pain, this good human quality has the mental fortitude to carry on with a commitment, plan, or decision, knowing it is the right or best course of action.

12. Generosity

This good quality is willing to offer time, energy, efforts, emotions, words, or assets without the expectation of something in return. This character trait offers these freely and often joyously.

13. Perseverance

Perseverance is a character trait steadfast persistence and determination to continue on with a course of action, belief, or purpose, even if it's difficult or uncomfortable in order to reach a higher goal or outcome.

14. Politeness

This character trait is knowledgeable of basic good manners, common courtesies, and etiquette, and are willing to apply those to all people you encounter. You desire to learn the personal skills of politeness in order to enhance your relationships and self-esteem. 

15. Kindness

Kindness is a positive character trait of being considerate, helpful, and benevolent to others. This character trait is motivated by a positive disposition and the desire for warm and pleasant interactions.

16. Lovingness

This character trait has the ability to be loving toward those you love means showing them through your words, actions, and expressions how deeply you care about them. It includes the willingness to be open and vulnerable.

17. Optimism

Optimism is character trait example of having a sense of hopefulness and confidence about the future. It involves a positive mental attitude in which you interpret life events, people, and situations in a promising light.

18. Reliability

This character trait can be consistently depended upon to follow through on your commitments, actions, and decisions. You do what you say you will do.

19. Conscientiousness

This character trait has the desire to do things well or to the best of your ability. You are thorough, careful, efficient, organized, and vigilant in your efforts, based on your own principles or sense of what is right.

20. Self-discipline

With this good character trait, you are able, through good habits or willpower, to overcome your desires or feelings in order to follow the best course of action or to rise to your commitments or principles. You have a strong sense of self-control in order to reach a desired goal.

Developing these traits of good character can be difficult to foster and maintain, but they afford so many positive benefits to improve the quality of your life.

How to build good character traits

If you believe developing these positive characteristics, here are some action steps to show you how.

Define your core values

Know what is most important to you by determining your values for your professional and personal life. These are the principles that are the foundation for your priorities, choices, actions, and behaviors. You can start by looking at this list of values.

Practice the habits

Pick one or two from this list of character traits above to practice for several weeks. Write down the actions you want to take or the behaviors you define that reflect this trait, and implement them in your daily life and interactions. Wear a rubber band on your wrist or create other reminders to help you practice these good qualities.