LA Times - Laker moments

The LA Times recently printed this blast-from-the-past picture of NBA Iron Man A.C. Green, sharing a few snippets about his iron will to compete, as well as his equally strong commitment to abstinence. Check out the story here.

Tiger Woods, meet A.C. Green

Interesting article from the LA Times today:

Tiger Woods, meet A.C. Green
By Chris Erskine
December 10, 2009

More amazing than reports of the golfer's transgressions is how the Lakers' forward kept to his personal code during the 'Showtime' years.

Read the full article here: http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-erskine10-2009dec10,0,3005308.column

What's so important about character?

Choosing abstinence is about making good decisions.

Making good decisions is all about character.

It's been said that character is who you are when you're alone. In other words, who you are alone reveals a bit of your true self.

Something else that's important to know about character: you can always grow and change for the better! We all make mistakes - choosing to learn from those mistakes can help you build strong character.

Learn about discipline, self-control and perseverance. Also, be sure to check out our full list of character traits on the left!

Character Traits A-C

Alertness vs. Carelessness
Being aware of what is taking place around me so I can have the right responses.

Attentiveness vs. Distraction
Showing the worth of a person or task by giving my undivided concentration.

Availability vs. Self-centeredness
Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve.

Benevolence vs. Selfishness
Giving to others' basic needs without having as my motive personal reward.

Boldness vs. Fearfulness
Confidence that what I have to say or due is true, right, and just.

Cautiousness vs. Rashness
Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions.

Compassion vs. Indifference
Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others.

Contentment vs. Covetousness
Realizing that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.

Creativity vs. Underachievement
Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective.


(contributed by Character First)

Character Traits D-F

Decisiveness vs. Procrastination
The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions.

Deference vs. Rudeness
Limiting my freedom so I do not offend the tastes of those around me.

Dependability vs. Inconsistency
Fulfilling what I consented to do, even if it means unexpected sacrifice.

Determination vs. Faintheartedness
Purposing to accomplish right goals at the right time, regardless of the opposition.

Diligence vs. Slothfulness
Investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.

Discernment vs. Shortsightedness
Understanding the deeper reasons why things happen.

Discretion vs. Simplemindedness
Recognizing and avoiding words, actions, and attitudes that could bring undesirable consequences.

Endurance vs. Discouragement
The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best.

Enthusiasm vs. Apathy
Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.

Faith vs. Presumption
Confidence that actions rooted in good character will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how.

Flexibility vs. Resistance
Willingness to change plans or ideas according to the direction of my authorities.

Forgiveness vs. Rejection
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge.


(contributed by Character First)

Character Traits G-K

Generosity vs. Stinginess
Carefully managing my resources so I can freely give to those in need.

Gentleness vs. Harshness
Showing consideration and personal concern for others.

Gratefulness vs. Unthankfulness
Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life.

Honor vs. Disrespect
Respecting those in leadership because of the higher authorities they represent.

Hospitality vs. Loneliness
Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others.

Humility vs. Pride
Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment of others in my life.

Initiative vs. Idleness
Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.

Joyfulness vs. Self-pity
Maintaining a good attitude, even when faced with unpleasant conditions.

Justice vs. Corruption
Taking personal responsibility to uphold what is pure, right, and true.


(contributed by Character First)

Character Traits L-R

Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve.

Meekness vs. Anger
Yielding my personal rights and expectations with a desire to serve.

Obedience vs. Willfulness
Quickly and cheerfully carrying out the direction of those who are responsible for me.

Orderliness vs. Confusion
Arranging myself and my surroundings to achieve greater efficiency.

Patience vs. Restlessness
Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it.

Persuasiveness vs. Contentiousness
Guiding vital truths around another's mental roadblocks.

Punctuality vs. Tardiness
Showing esteem for others by doing the right thing at the right time.

Resourcefulness vs. Wastefulness
Finding practical uses for that which others would overlook or discard.

Responsibility vs. Unreliability
Knowing and doing what is expected of me.


(contributed by Character First)

Six Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness

• Be honest
• Don't deceive, cheat or steal.
• Be reliable - do what you say you'll do.
• Have the courage to do the right thing.
• Build a good reputation.
• Be loyal - stand by your family, friends and country.

Respect

• Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule.
• Be tolerant of differences.
• Use good manners, not bad language.
• Be considerate of the feelings of others.
• Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone.
• Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements.

Responsibility

• Do what you are supposed to do.
• Persevere: keep on trying!
• Always do your best.
• Use self-control: be self-disciplined.
• Think before you act - consider the consequences.
• Be accountable for your choices.

Fairness

• Play by the rules.
• Take turns and share.
• Be open-minded; listen to others.
• Don't take advantage of others.
• Don't blame others carelessly.

Caring

• Be kind.
• Be compassionate and show you care.
• Express gratitude.
• Forgive others.
• Help people in need.

Citizenship

• Do your share to make your school and community better.
• Cooperate.
• Stay informed; vote.
• Be a good neighbor
• Obey laws and rules.
• Respect authority.
• Protect the environment.

(adapted from the Six Pillars of Character / CHARACTER COUNTS!)

New Beginnings

by A.C. Green

"It’s up to you. That’s the great thing – no one else can make your character"

The New Year is always a time of new beginnings for many. Parties are attended, resolutions are made…it must be the busiest time of the year at the gym – all those new memberships!

As we start a new year, I’m not going to tell you to make special resolutions about losing so many pounds, or increasing your bench press, or anything like that. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with those goals – and we know that physical exercise does benefit us (a little). But I want to talk about something more important than the external.

I want to challenge you to begin this year with goals for your character. What kind of person do you want to become? How are you going to get there? Goals will help you set a path for yourself. As I’ve told you before, there is a reason that a race has a starting point and a finish line. It lets you know where to begin and end the race. Setting a goal accomplishes the same purpose.

We all know that what’s inside counts, but often we focus on ‘fixing’ our external, because that’s what people see first. Sometimes we never even get around to working on what’s inside. Don’t make that mistake! Girls, have you ever met a guy who you KNEW you wanted to date…until he opened his mouth? Guys, how about you? Those biceps may make a first impression, but your character is going to make a lasting impression. Make sure it’s a good one.

A magazine did a NBA player’s poll once, asking more than 58 NBA players all sorts of questions. One question was, “Which of your fellow NBA players do you respect most off the court.” A player that named me said, “I admire A.C. Green, the way he’s conducted his life. Most people wish they could be like him. He’s true to his beliefs.”

I don’t say that to toot my own horn. I could name off several close friends who fit that description, and I’ve learned from every single one of them. The reason I mention that quote is because it means more to me than any dunk I ever had. And it certainly means more to me than running a faster mile, or getting the perfect haircut! You need to understand, external stuff is just that – external. Other people can affect it, it really has very little to do with who you are as a person. But the internal character has everything to do with who you really are.

It’s up to you. That’s the great thing – no one else can make your character. Who do you want to be? What type of person are you going to become? It starts today. It starts on the inside.

Give a helping hand!

by Abstinence Guy

The other day I was going to meet a friend for dinner....

As I was about to pull onto the main street, a woman walking by stopped me and asked how to get to a particular hotel, located about 2 miles away. After I gave her directions, she she asked if I was going that way (probably hinting for a ride). I politely told her i was going the other way.

As I drove away, my conscience began to tug at me...she didn't look like a mugger and she was about to walk two miles! Appropriately chastised, I swung the car around and asked her if she wanted a ride. She gratefully accepted and told me someone must have raised me right.

As I drove her to her hotel. I learned she and her husband were in town for the holidays and she had simply gotten turned around and lost while wandering around. We had a great talk as we drove, and she definitely was not a mugger!

When we arrived at the hotel she thanked me and as she got out of the car she gave me some money. I tried to refuse but she insisted, said goodbye and closed the door.

As I drove away I discovered she had given me $25 - not bad for five minutes out of my day! I called my friend and told her we had just received a free dinner upgrade. As we sat down and began to study our menus, two old friends walked in the restaurant. I had lost contact with them, hadn't seen them in a couple years and often wished I would get the chance to hang out with them. Now I'm gonna get that opportunity.

So as you can see, reaching out a helping hand really is worth it!