“Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation.” -Dale Carnegie

… “Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”

I want you to ponder this for a moment. Then I want you to write down the name of someone who satisfies this in spades.

For me, it would be my mom. She has never been concerned with accolades or adulation. She has always remained committed to the deed, not the outcome. Her character and grounding cannot be questioned. She holds steadfast to one unwavering principle which continues to guide her into her seventh decade of life: Do your best and do not expect anything in return. Her reputation rests on this foundation. She does not concern herself with the outcome; she is only concerned with the process and her intention. May we all aspire to be good, no matter societal review. Character – moral, sound, unwavering character – does not come with an appraisal that is worthy of the one who is clear in her construct.

Make it a beautiful day.