by Monique Swyer

Created on: November 16, 2008

Life is a series of choices. For most people, choosing to have looks, money or character is not a choice that they will have to make. You may be born with looks or family money, or you may choose a career path that leads to lots of money, but character is not a choice. Everyone has character. Character is defined as the combination of qualities or features that distinguishes one person, group, or thing from another. You do have to decide to build good character or bad character. In day-to-day life, one does not typically have to choose among these attributes, however choices in life will be made based upon your character.

These three attributes are actually rather interconnected. If you have money, you can surgically improve your looks. However, depending on your character, you might choose not to surgically alter your looks. Studies have shown that people with better looks earn more money. It also takes character to make money, but you cannot buy character. If you don't have looks, you may build more character than someone who breezes through on their looks. Character is partly inherent and partly developed. Character is built day-to-day and can be improved. Building character actually is a choice.

Having a good, strong, positive character will see you through the rough times and help lead your life down the path to happiness. Both looks and money can be lost. Neither money nor looks can bring about true happiness. Your character will help you live easier if you have neither looks nor money. Character is the one attribute that will be with you, no matter what, at the end of the day. Whether you have chosen to build good character or bad character is up to you.

When making choices life about what is important, it is often recommended that you consider what effect it will have on your life in 20 years. Looks won't change your life much when looking 20 years down the road, as the importance of good looks diminishes with age. Money can change how you live your life, but if you have poor health or lose your money, you will not be better off. If you have good character, on the other hand, you will have made a series of good choices that you can feel good about and be proud of at the end of the road. You will be surrounded by good friends who you like you for who you are. You will have lived life to the fullest and you will like yourself. What can be more important than that?

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