THE SCORECARD FOR ETHICAL CHARACTER


(Page is in process, but entirely usable.)

Base your life on enduring character strengths..."the moral family of strengths must take precedence over the performance family of strengths." Loehr
If you don't take care of your "lower needs" (the true ones) first, you will not be able to live up in the higher character strengths.  Can't neglect physical care and do as well! 

The key indicator of having ethical character:

Success in life from choosing to do (and think out) what works.  Deep, enduring happiness is the ultimate sign of success in life.

The value of ethical character:

Regard for oneself is one of the four necessary components of happiness.

Responsibility

   Thinking things through to find "what works" - Doing otherwise is irresponsible

Integrity

   Keeping your word - especially to yourself, not just others!!!!!!

A well-working life, based on thinking out and doing "what works", including not allow "what isn't working" to continue (See Living Life As A Life Champion.)


The practices of people of high ethical character:

Thinking proactively and completey (to find what works and to prevent bad decisions)

Kindness, compassion and acceptance
Authenticity
Accountability
Self-sufficiency
Excellent self-care
Higher productivity
Higher perspective on life 
Gratefulness
Persistence
Self-alignment (direct energy and behavior to high personal values)
Virtuous
Generous, altruistic

And get more of these:

Self-regard (and happiness)
Less stress
Higher earnings
Better friendships, trust
Tend to receive more contracts, opportunities, "deals" - because people want to deal with trustworthy people.

They recognize and take care of:

Spiritual needs
Mental needs
Emotional needs
Physical needs

Spiritual needs (moral character strengths) - love and care ofr otheres, kindness, truthfulness, integrity, humility, gratefulness, justice, fairness, genersoity, compassion, respect for other, prtience with  lthers, honor 

Mental needs - Wisdom, critical thinking, concentration (direct attention), seeking challenges, creativit, self-control, decisiveness, punctuality, adaptability

Emotional needs (to "feel good", be happy) - Confidence, firm foundation ("certainty", definiteness), self-caring/soothing
  Helpful to get those needs filled:  optimism, hope, determination, courage, positivity, love of learning,:,   ambition, competitiveness, dilligence, resiliency, humor,
       Self treatment:  self-compassion, patience with self

Physical needs - Food, sleep, hydration, exercise, movement, etc.





VALUES, VIRTUES, CHARACTER WORLD
(Ethical/moral: they know the difference and avoid the trap of "moral righteousness")

measurable and acquirable  , valued in its own right, often do produce good consequences)  gratifications are done for their own sake 


produces positive emotions:  pride, satisfaction, joy, fulfillment, harmony. 

Wisdom and knowledge
Courage
Love and humanity
Justice
Temperance
Spirituality and transcendence 

wit
thrift



fairness
kindness
   feel good after virtuous action 
integrity
valor, originality
kindness
Chastity
silence
magnificence
ANOTHER WORLD (CONDITIONAL)

good looks
assertiveness
autonomy,
uniqueness,
wealth,
competitiveness
Self-esteem
celebrity
Externally seen talents

Not that these are not useful, for they are.  But overfocus to the exclusion of getting higher payoffs in other things has a huge cost and is a huge life error.


Wisdom and knowledge
Courage
Love and humanity
Justice (good citizenship, fairnesss, loyalty, teamwork, humane leadership
Temperance
Spirituality and transcendence