Character Revisited - Updated with New Test
Character – Revisited & Updated (new test)
Read Time 2.2 minutes
My focus for the February 18, 2025, newsletter was on character. I referred to the shopping cart character test in that newsletter. Today, I am going to introduce a new test that I will call the Convenience Store - Gas Pump Character test. Seeing it play-out this week is what prompted me to write this.
The shopping cart character test reveals your character by your actions with the empty shopping cart after loading your groceries into your car.
Let’s examine what I’ll refer to as the Convenience Store Gas Pump Character test. Are you aware of anyone who does either of these?
1. Place their car at the gas pump but fails to pump any gas. Do they make use of the pump as a safe and convenient location to go to the restroom and shop at the convenience store? I’ve seen people hang the pump nozzle in their car gas tank to make it appear as though they’re getting gas, but they’re not! They may clean their windows, empty their trash, but they don’t purchase gas.
2. The individual who dispenses the gas and pays for the gas at the pump. Then instead of moving the car to free up the pump for someone else who needs gas, they leave the car blocking it. This prevents anyone else from using the pump while they go to the restroom, buy snacks, and whatever else they need to do!
How can you determine if you possess a high degree of character? A person of high character is always honest and prioritizes the well-being of others over their own.
To sum up, you are a person with high character if:
· Your trustworthiness is evident. You’re honest, don’t deceive, and are dependable. You follow through with your promises and possess the self-discipline to do the right thing.
· Demonstrate respect by treating others with respect, following the Golden Rule, and being tolerant of differences.
· Take responsibility and hold yourself accountable for your choices.
· Be compassionate and show your care. Listen. Display gratitude and be forgiving.
It seems to me that these are the same people who failed the shopping cart test, would fail the Convenience Store Gas Pump Character test too!
It is evident that these people are not thinking about others when going through these extremes at the gas pump. Their thoughts are exclusively focused on themselves! There’s no concern about other customers who might require gas. They don’t think about the elderly or disabled who might be grateful for a convenient location closer to the convenience store. They don’t give a second thought to the station/store owner, who probably makes much of his income from gasoline sales.
What do you do when you are at a Gas Station / Convenience Store? Your character is showing!
Remember this... If you are a person of high character, you are honest and almost always place the well-being of others ahead of yourself, while being accountable for your actions.
Until Next time…