April 10, 2023

“The value of a balloon is that it brings joy to people’s lives as it becomes bigger on the inside.” - John Maxwell

Understand that your character choices today are building blocks for your character tomorrow.

Character is a choice.

Often, balloons are part of festive activities. They may be different in color and how they are displayed, but they all have one thing in common: they are filled with air. Before the party, an effort is made to ensure the balloons are full on the inside so they look good on the outside. An empty balloon on the inside is not attractive on the outside. The inside of the balloon determines what the outside looks like.

That is true of character.

What is on the inside of us, our character determines what we become on the outside. The Greek philosopher Socrates said, “The first key to greatness is to be in reality what we appear to be.”

Who we are is our character. Whom we appear to be is our reputation.

People of character are bigger on the inside than on the outside. The result? They become bigger on the outside.

What does it mean to be bigger on the inside and the outside?

• Being bigger on the inside than the outside means that your character is greater than your reputation.

• Being bigger on the inside than the outside means your walk speaks louder than your talk.

• Being bigger on the inside than on the outside means your attitude is better than your circumstances.

• Being bigger on the inside than the outside means you do what you ought to versus what you want to.

Strive today to focus on your inside development more than your outside - your character more than your reputation.

Character choices.

We create our character every time we make choices. Character choices, such as…

• To do what is right or to do what is easy.

• To follow your heart or to follow the crowd.

• To honor your word or not to honor it.

• To value people or devalue them.

• To be honest or to be dishonest.

Making the right character choices makes you bigger on the inside. Making the wrong character choices makes you smaller. It’s your choice.

Power Statement:

Starting today, I will make character choices that will positively impact my life in the lives of those around me.

Intentionally Own It Reflection:

What character choice will I make, starting today, that positively impacts my life and affects others? Is there a place in my life where my reputation conflicts with my character? (Character is what we are on the inside. Reputation is what people think we are on the outside.)

-Adapted from iChoose