Louise Jackson
You lead from the front, you’re not afraid to make waves, and you let your voice be heard.
Having a strong personality comes with lots of rewards.
You have many attributes that not only benefit you but can benefit others too.
This article will look at how to use your strong personality for good.
1) Lead by example
One of the simplest ways to do good is to embody within us the qualities we want to see reflected around us.
Hold yourself to account more than you do anyone else.
If we want to make the world a kinder and more compassionate place we need to start with ourselves.
It’s easy to overlook the humble everyday actions that shape life.
But doing good isn’t all about grand gestures. It’s about the 1001 small things you do daily.
We all want to make the world a better place.
But actually, it would be significantly better if every single one of us simply focused on making ourselves better people.
People with strong personalities are often more assertive, focused, determined, and proactive.
Put those skills to good use and start by looking in the mirror and asking the person staring back who they want to be in the world.
2) Offer plenty of encouragement
Lifting up those around us may be a humble action, but it’s incredibly powerful.
Be a cheerleader to those who feel less confident.
Let them borrow some of your self-belief, your assertiveness, or your courage. Or whatever they are missing that you have.
Never underestimate the impact of kind words and compliments on others.
In fact, research even found that praise is processed in the brain in the same way as financial rewards.
Wake up each morning and challenge yourself to give three sincere compliments to people during your day.
The great thing about becoming more encouraging is that it also changes you for the better too.
You start to look for the good in others.
You’re teaching yourself to appreciate people more.
And that will only strengthen your relationships as well as your own well-being.
3) Stick up for people
As a strong individual, it’s likely that certain things come easier to you than most.
You may be naturally outspoken and good at expressing yourself.
You might feel confident in social situations that unnerve or intimate others.
If it’s easier for you to find and use your voice, then you can put that to good use.
Rather than just standing your own ground, stick up for others too.
Back people who need your help, even when it’s not your battle.
I’m not talking about interfering or sticking your nose into someone else’s business. I’m talking about defending people who need your support.
Be their voice when they need it the most.
The truth is that it’s not always easy to do the right thing.
But you can use your strong personality to support those who have less fight in them.
4) Be a beacon for fairness, honesty, and integrity
I talked at the start of this article about leading by example.
Well, arguably there are no finer qualities to start with than these three.
If you want to use your strong personality for good, then refuse to turn a blind eye to the wrongdoing you see around you.
Use your strength of character to show the world your integrity.
- Value honesty and tell the truth, even when it isn’t easy.
- Take accountability for yourself —your words and your actions.
- Be respectful to everyone you meet.
- Treat people equally, regardless of who they are (and what they can do for you).
- Be trustworthy and true to your word.
5) Explore your passions
I recently wrote an article about strong women.
In it, I explained how intensity can be one of the common characteristics of a strong woman.
That’s because people with strong personalities tend not to blend into the background.
They are often filled with an intensity that is evident through their power and energy.
This is exactly what puts you more than most in a wonderful position to go chasing dreams.
Because you can put that enthusiasm to good use discovering more purpose and meaning in your life.
On the face of it, exploring your own passions can sound like a self-indulgent pursuit that has very little to do with the common good.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
Because every single person on this planet has gifts and strengths that are a benefit to the world.
When you discover your own, you unleash their powers.
Spend time thinking about what you love and how you can use that to contribute.
This is the key to being of service:
Knowing yourself enough to know what you have to offer and then seeking practical ways to do that.
6) Share your success
Having a strong personality may have brought with it certain perks.
Perhaps your leadership skills have helped you to climb the corporate ladder.
Maybe your determination has meant you finally started to earn the big bucks.
It could be that your thick-skinned resilience has brought much wisdom and many life lessons.
Whatever you have that you can offer, share it.
Generously give your time, money, and your attention to those around you.
Because the funny thing about success is that it’s a little bit of hard work and a little bit of luck.
One of the world’s richest men Warren Buffett once famously put his success down to “winning the ovarian lottery”.
He said that it was only “through dumb luck” he was born a white man in the US, which he believes was vital to his success.
If you feel fortunate to be the person you are today, don’t just thank your lucky stars — share.
7) Get involved in activism
So we established that it’s true what they say:
Sharing is caring.
And there are plenty of ways that you can do that.
What better way to put your strong personality to use than stick up for others, on a larger scale?
As American social activist and novelist Alice Walker once wittily put it:
“Activism is my rent for living on the planet.”
Some of the most influential activists in history used their strength to push for social change.
Whatever issues mean the most to you, learn more and get involved.
Whether it’s human rights, racial equality, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmentalism, religious freedoms, or more.
Masterclass shares these tips on how to get started:
- Build your understanding: Read up and educate yourself on the complexities of the issues.
- Donate: Consider if you can afford to financially support the causes close to your heart.
- Find local and national organizations: Try to connect with grassroots organizations already working in your area.
- Spread the word: Create as much social awareness as possible.
- Take action on political issues: Lobby politicians, use your vote, or even consider running for office yourself.
8) Volunteer for a good cause
Of course, activism might not be for everyone.
But there are plenty of other ways to give back and do good.
You might decide to volunteer your time and skills to someone in need.
You could even put your strong personality and charisma to good use and rally people in your community behind a good cause.
For example by organizing a community clean up, doing a blood drive, or arranging a charity bake sale.
Or of course, your volunteering can be a solo pursuit.
- Become a “buddy” to lonely and isolated people in your community.
- Help the homeless by serving in a soup kitchen, volunteering at a shelter, or with street outreach.
- Help out at an animal shelter.
- Coach a youth sports team.
- Become a mentor to someone.
9) Never stop learning and growing
Maybe you already consider yourself a life-long learner.
That yearning to know more, do more, and see more is at the heart of all success and advancement.
CEO of learning platform ‘Gooroo’ Scott Lee told Forbes:
“All learning essentially boils down to self-improvement. Whether you’re improving an academic skill, picking up a new hobby or trying to expand your business, your efforts lead to meaningful personal growth. Your knowledge is an investment because it helps you become a more well-rounded person. It helps you connect with others. It gives you the confidence you need to succeed in other areas of your life.”
Don’t underestimate the good that your own personal development can do not only for you but for the world.
Learning is how we discover new ways to tackle a problem. It allows us to take a fresh approach and see things in a different way.
But it also helps you to broaden your mind and be a better person.
You can use your natural abilities and strength to learn, grow and strive for better.
Because in the words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus of Ephesus:
“Good character is not formed in a week or month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character”.
