Diligence Can Make Life More Rewarding

There is no room for idleness; laziness is a breeding ground for troubles

“Diligence is doing the work right even when there’s no one watching you.”

— Jeromy Shingongo

Have you ever used the last of the toilet paper and not changed the roll at home, a friend’s house, or at work? Sorry for such an intimate question. Anyhow, are you living a life of excellence?

Living a life of excellence means doing things the right way no matter who is watching. What is diligence exactly? Is it following a high standard of living? I believe so. It’s committing to living in a way with high regard for your beliefs and values.

Characteristics of being diligent

A person who lives while staying focused on their goals is achieving a quality of being diligent. They aren’t easily distracted when life throws them for a loop.

A diligent person perseveres in good times and bad. Good things come to those who wait. Nowhere does it say, curl up in a ball and throw in the towel because things are hard.

Being diligent is a positive quality. Of course, living an extraordinary life is a goal we all take seriously, and being diligent must become a priority, if not already.

Nobody wakes up thinking I’m going to make this the worst day possible but do our actions speak louder than words? Negative thoughts can creep in easily and hold us from our good intentions. Living with good intentions must become a goal as well.

Here are 5 traits of being diligent that can help you align with your values:

1.) Diligence is more powerful than education. Someone can be book smart, and if a person lacks diligence, they won’t necessarily become successful. Whereas a diligent person can lack knowledge, but with perseverance, they can succeed. Are you a diligent person?

2.) Diligence is having the understanding that beliefs vary. Everyone is different and is on different paths. A diligent person is focused on their values and is determined to persevere even against other people’s opinions. They might disagree, but they don’t overly concern themselves with other people's goals or values.

3.) Diligence is being tolerant about troubles along the way. A person with high diligence can overcome adversity because they have strong faith. They show strength in their determination. Their character radiates confidence, dedication and has cheerful energy that helps them complete their goals.

4.) Diligence portrays a solid belief about goals. Having a strong faith in a purpose is essential. Having the belief that things will work out causes them to work harder. Taking action and not just dreaming about something.

5.) Diligence is being fully committed. Being all in and not wishy-washy. Diligent people do whatever it takes to complete what is essential.

“Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. Keep going. Tough situations build strong people in the end.”

– Roy T. Bennett

Being a person who is living their best life is a high priority of mine. I know that life will have its ups and downs. I’m working on my faithfulness and my character of being diligent.

My husband has a new job that isn’t aligning with our family-oriented goals. It takes him away from the house more than what our values believe in.

We’re thankful for his job, even though it’s entirely different than his past career. However, I find my mind can drift into the place of doubt and worry quickly. Maybe even anger too. We’re hoping he gets a different job soon.

Here are 5 goals that I have recently been working on to promote a character of diligence within myself. Do you have a challenge in your life throwing you for a loop? Perhaps these goals can be of help:

1.) Creating discipline: Being committed to your goals isn’t an easy task. Being authentic must be in the equation if you plan on being successful. Following your beliefs and not what others think you should be doing is the only way.

2.) Being appreciative: Showing gratitude for the things going well in life is an easy goal. What comes around goes around. If you aren’t feeling appreciated, is it because you haven’t been dishing out that heartfelt appreciation? It’s never too late to express to someone a deep appreciation.

3.) Being optimistic: Fear, anger, and anxiety are the biggest thieves when it comes to positivity. Always thinking the worst is going to happen isn’t a good way of looking at things. Staying positive isn’t putting on those rose-colored glasses and it doesn’t go looking behind doors of disaster either.

4.) Embracing positive influencing: We would all like to think we are inspiring others in positive ways. However, if you fill yourself up with negativity, then all that will spew out is more of the same. Filling yourself up with positive information and not letting the words of doubt influence you is a goal of bringing about a change for the better.

5.) Being entirely committed: Listening to your inner thoughts requires diligence and perseverance. Choosing to be committed to diligence is a personal choice. It is part of our character. Some people can be diligent more easily than others based on their commitments. Strengthening your commitment will take some soul searching. Don’t be misled by others. It would be best if you remained true to yourself.

Being idle will bring troubles; here’s why:

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

— Proverbs 21:5

Rewards of being diligent

Being diligent will make your work or purpose in life more rewarding. When you focus on your values and align yourself accordingly – positive behaviors will start to emerge.

Your commitments will lead you to accomplish the goals that matter most. They will keep you motivated due to your strong desire to see a change.

It’s never too late to improve your character to achieve more in life. Being diligent is staying authentic, strong, and faithful. Is there a goal to enhance your personality when it comes to being diligent that you might improve? Perhaps it does begin with a commitment – you’re worth it!

I’m writing this as a thank you note for the life I’ve been given, troubles and all. A trouble-free life doesn’t exist. Plus, hardships teach us life lessons, creating perseverance and diligence.

I also want to thank Trista Signe Ainsworth for her inspiring publication, Thank You Notes.