Be a person of good character.

When something is hard, but you do it anyway, you get stronger for having done it.  That's what builds character.  A person with good character is someone who is trustworthy, ethical, has self-discipline, is fair, kind, responsible, and treats people with respect.  A good example of someone who has good character would be a person who stands up for or befriends someone who is considered different.  It may be someone you go to school with that is of a different race, someone who has a handicap, or someone who is constantly being bullied.  Be someone with strong character.  Don't be afraid to stand up for what is right.

Failure is a stepping stone to success.

Don't let failure have a negative hold on your thoughts and emotions.  Instead of mentally punishing yourself for not succeeding, applaud yourself for trying.  It is easy to sit back and do nothing, to avoid failure, but it takes courage to pursue a dream.  To try and fail is better than not trying at all, because within each failure there is a greater opportunity for success.  Remember, success is the destination and failure is how you get there.

Smile

A smile is something you can share with others - won't cost you a thing - and has plenty of rewards.  A smile is contagious.  It can make you more attractive, help relieve stress, and improve your overall health.  A smile can leave behind a trail of happiness wherever it goes.  A smile can light up a room and change the mood of anyone who comes in contact with it.  Smile, and watch how people are drawn to you.

Your word is your bond.

You may think it is okay to let someone down, to say something you don't mean, or to fail to follow through on something you said you would do, but it's not.  Not keeping a promise is the same as disrespecting yourself.  If you don't follow through, it communicates to that person that you don't value them.  Imagine how you would feel if someone said they were going to do something for you but didn't.  Never promise what you can't deliver.  Before you make a commitment ask yourself if it is something you will actually do, and if it is...do it.