How much importance do you place on looking healthy, young, and vibrant? You’re not alone. Just think of the time and money that people spend on their hair, nails, makeup, and wardrobe, not to mention their diet, fitness, and the zillion dollar plastic surgery industry. After all, appearances matter. It’s also interesting to see the hoops that people jump through to prove that they’re successful. Again, it’s all about superficial appearances. That got me thinking. Maybe we have this backward. Why are we judging books by their covers — external appearances — instead of assessing inner beauty? What makes someone beautiful in your eyes?

If inner beauty became the standard by which attractiveness was measured, then the number of toys someone owns, the size of their office, and whether they mingle with the rich and famous would become secondary. Conversely, moral character, personal values, and personal responsibility would become priority one.

There’s an old cliche that appearance is everything. We should take another look at that.

10 Qualities That Make You Beautiful on the Inside

Today’s notion of beauty is seriously flawed. We gauge someone’s attractiveness by physical characters such as physique, complexion, and eye color — attributes people are born with. Instead, shouldn’t we measure beauty by factors within their control — such as the choices that they make, the way they conduct themselves, and the effect that they have on others? Let’s face it. Beauty is more than skin-deep.

Here are 10 guidelines for being as beautiful on the inside as you are on the outside:

Be the best that you can be. Make a solemn pledge not only to do better, but to be better.

• Find at least one small way to better yourself every day. The cumulative impact will be huge.

Live with honor and integrity. Knowing what’s right isn’t as important as doing what’s right.

• While it may be tempting to take the easy route, to follow the crowd, or to be seduced by riches, you are responsible for your conduct — and the consequences of your actions — regardless of how others behave.

Set high standards for yourself and those around you. Mediocrity is a choice. I hope you choose to say, no!

• Virtue isn’t demanding more of others; it’s expecting more of yourself.

Bring out the best in people. See the good in everyone and make them feel special.

• Make a positive difference in other people’s lives rather than making everything about you.

Live the Golden Rule. You can’t walk a mile in someone’s shoes, but you can always try.

• Do unto others “as THEY want to be treated” rather than “how YOU want to be treated.” Otherwise, you’re imposing your preferences and values unto others.

Be an exceptional role model. People who look up to you watch every move that you make — so don’t let them down.

• Lead by example. Words express what’s on your mind, but your actions say what’s in your heart.

Live a purpose-driven life. Live for a cause greater than yourself.

• You can’t change the world, but you can change the world around you.

Make a difference. One person can make all the difference. And that one person is YOU!

• As you climb the ladder of success, reach down, and pull others up with you.

Give back to your community. Give for the right reason — and that is, give for no reason at all.

• Raise your own hand rather than volunteering others.

Measure success by your journey, not your destination. The true reward of success comes from how it is achieved. It’s the feeling of accomplishment that comes from triumphing over a difficult challenge, becoming a better person, and making a difference in someone’s life.

• At the end of the day, if you’re not proud of who you are and the way you choose to live your life, little else matters.

Make a Lasting Impression

Do you spend more energy looking for acceptance or making yourself proud? In the end, you must answer to a higher authority — your conscience. Given that, don’t let others determine your self-worth. Live a life of honor and integrity rather than lowering your standards to win acceptance from the in-crowd. Be grateful for what you have rather than keeping up with the Joneses. And spend as much effort refining your inner beauty as your outer appearance. While appearances are important, your inner self should be a thing of beauty too. After all, the only person you spend your whole life with is yourself. When you’re beautiful on the inside, your soul will light up the world. That’s the beauty of it.

What Makes Someone Beautiful in Your Eyes?

Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.

Additional Reading:
Living Life With a Purpose
Moral Character Matters
Who’s Your Hero?
The Power of One
Live with Honor and Integrity
Can Money Buy Respect?
Change Someone’s Life and You May End Up Changing Yours

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