weekly challenge

Being certain evokes a calm assuredness, a steadfast confidence. If you are certain, you are sure. There is a popular proverb, “there is nothing certain, but the uncertain.”

Being self-assured is simply being confident in one’s abilities, character, and one’s own worth. It is having a strong sense of self that serves as a guide for one’s actions (instead of looking to others to figure out what to do).

Being decisive means able to make a decision, and it comes from the Latin root for “determined.” Making a decision is important because it is the catalyst for action. Often what gets in the way of our making a decision is the feeling we need more information or even just plain procrastination.

Starting next week, we continue our journey through the Tilt 365 Model as we move to the Courage quadrant...

Being reliable is an essential part of building trust (in fact, “trustworthiness” is a synonym for reliable). It means being dependable and predictable — both for holding fast to commitments and for showing up in the same way in different conditions.

Being authentic is being your true self regardless of whom you’re with. If you change how you behave because you’re trying to please others or seeking approval from others, then you’re not being authentic.

Faithful. Dedicated. Devoted. Trustworthy. These are all synonyms for Loyal. Being loyal to someone is a critical part of building trust — not only in your relationships but also in yourself, because every time you choose to be loyal, you are increasing your self-respect.

Years ago, a friend of mine gave my now ten-year-old son a book called “One Smart Cookie” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It is a delightful children’s book that defines vocabulary about manners and character by exploring the words by relating them to making cookies.

What is forgiveness? Often, we talk about forgiveness as the absolution of a wrong someone else has done. And yet, forgiveness is really more about us — it is letting go of anger or resentment you feel towards someone whom you perceive has wronged you in some way.

“Show respect for your elders” is something that I heard a lot growing up. It evokes a sense of deference, of “yes, sirs” and “no, ma’ams,” but what it really means is to admire or to hold in high esteem. It is treating someone kindly because you honor them as a person.

“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow –this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.”  — Elizabeth Gilbert There is no greater gift in a relationship than to accept someone for exactly who they are.

“Patient” comes from the Latin root meaning “to suffer” or “to endure.” Quite appropriate, no? Isn’t it a small bit of suffering when we have to wait? Wait in line, wait on hold, wait for someone to finish their part of work, wait to see results from something we’ve put time and effort into?

According to Merriam Webster, the first definition of Friendly is “showing kindly interest and goodwill.” What is implied is toward others. Being friendly requires interaction with others — and it often (but not always) involves initiating that interaction.

Regardless of the time of year, one of my favorite stories is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The protagonist Ebenezer Scrooge was a wealthy man if you counted his dollars, but his stingy approach to money infiltrated his whole life — leaving him filled with loneliness and despair.

Being appreciative is one of the most powerful habits you can build if it is not something that comes naturally to you. Not only does it help you build relationships with others, but also it helps you build a positive outlook and reduce stress.

Being approachable is all about being friendly and easy to talk to. Why is this important? Because it helps build connections and relationships — which helps build trust and mutual understanding.

Today, we continue our journey through the Tilt 365 Model, as we move to the Humanity quadrant. We just finished Weekly Challenges related to the character traits that are a part of the three Wisdom quadrant character strengths: Perspective, Focus, and Diligence.

Being conscientious is more than being punctual and following up on tasks. It is a desire to do a job well, to do what is “right”… literally, it is acting according to your conscience. Being conscientious means living up to commitments you make and choosing the right way versus the easy way.

Last week, the Tilt character trait topic was disciplined, which is closely related to being consistent. You can’t be disciplined without being consistent in your choices.

Being disciplined is having the self-control to do whatever will get you closer to your goals, even though there is the temptation to do something that feels better now.

“Discerning” is one of those words that has several nuances. A discerning eye or ear implies a certain level of sophistication. Discerning one’s calling implies listening and detecting a path based on a spiritual or inner compass.

Many years ago, I remember being in a particularly rough patch with my first job. We were working crazy hours and my supervisor was operating from a protective mindset. I was offered another job with a spin off company, but something didn’t quite “feel” right.

Being mindful is one of those concepts that seems so simple on the surface, but is quite deep and profound. The simplest definition of being mindful is being present; being aware of your surroundings, your thoughts, your feelings at any given moment.

“Cat: Where are you going? Alice: Which way should I go? Cat: That depends on where you are going. Alice: I don’t know. Cat: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” ― Lewis Carroll This quote from Alice and Wonderland is a great example of what it looks like to be aimless...

Being productive is all about action — it’s moving forward and making progress, marking off “to do” items and feeling a sense of accomplishment and achievement. In one sense, being productive is just how much you can churn out.