More Living Columnists

• Dolores Sanchez Badillo: The view from the fenceline
• Mary Penner: Learning about your past is an awesome journey
• Steve Brewer: Goofy fads can hold fond memories for families

MOST RECENT TRIB STORIES

• ABQTrib.com to remain available
  08:48 a.m., February 25, 2008
• Congressman is indicted
  08:37 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Series of attacks target Green Zone
  08:36 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Iran is defying U.N., agency says
  08:35 a.m., February 23, 2008
• Waterboarding approval probed
  08:34 a.m., February 23, 2008

TRIB IN THE BLOGOSPHERE*

• Ty Murray Invitational thrills fans in Albuquerque
• Is Rome Burning?
• Ominous Skies
• The Road to Invalidation
• Albuquerque company participates in “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

*Note: The Tribune does not create and is not responsible for the blogosphere's headlines and stories. These links to blogs talking about ABQTrib.com are automatically generated. Use them at your own risk.

STORY TOOLS

• E-mail story
• Comments
• iPod friendly
• Printer friendly

SHARE THIS STORY [?]

I received a fun book titled "The Little Book of Big Questions: Answers To Life's Perplexing Questions." It's written by Dianna Booher. One big question appearing in the book is: Why do some people have more credibility and influence than others? The responses shared on this question are a lesson in character growth:

• Those who are more credible over the long haul.

• Tell the truth.

• Do what they say they will.

• Behave consistently.

• Show concern and compassion.

• Demonstrate knowledge and skill.

• Exercise good judgment.

• Stand strong on their values.

• Motivate others to be and do the best they can.

Kids of Character do grow up to be adults with credibility! Personal credibility is the major by-product of character development. An individual with personal credibility might be likened to someone who possesses a savings account with endless cash reserves. When we possess personal credibility and are viewed by others with those eyes, we have a vast, intangible wealth known as trust and respect. The wealth of the credible adult is based upon being a descent, upright person who means what he says, says what he means, cares for others and vigilantly practices the fine art of being a good person.

Over my lifetime I have benefited from being mentored by credible adults who helped to shape my life with values education. My father was the greatest influence as an educator of character.

Over the course of his lifetime, he consistently put into practice the aforementioned character skills that lead to being a credible person. As a result he had significant influence with others and helped many people to become better human beings, including me. Many of his friends affectionately called him "the Judge."

Parents, grandparents and teachers cannot underestimate the role they can play in modeling the character qualities that help kids to grow up to be adults with credibility. I certainly can look into the storybook of my life and give thanks to many, who, like my father, taught me to respect and practice the character skill set that answers the question, Why do some people have more credibility and influence than others?