The Mirror Test

Good character comes from living a life of integrity and making a habit out of always doing the right thing. We become comfortable in our skin when we are virtuous, hard working and live our lives in service of our fellow man. People of character last because they are always able to pass the toughest test, The Mirror Test. Looking yourself in the eye when you peer into the mirror reveals whether or not you are fighting the good and noble fight.  Character is about passing this test which is perfectly written about in one of my favorite poems.  

The Man in the Glass

When your get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself

And see what the man has to say.

For it isn’t your father or mother or wife

Whose judgment upon you must pass,

The fellow whose verdict counts the most in your life

Is the one staring back from the glass.

You may be like jack horner and chisel a plum

And think your a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says your only a bum

If you can’t look him straight in the eye.

He’s the fellow to please – never mind all the rest,

For he’s with you clear up to the end,

And you’ve passed your most dangerous, difficult test,

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years

And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be heartache and tears

If you’ve cheated the man in the glass.

-Peter Dale Winbrow Sr.

So stare in the mirror,

This part is key,

Tell yourself truly,

What do you see?

Are you passing the mirror test today?

Work to pass the mirror test.  Work everyday to better yourself as a person and teammate.  Our character is determined by our actions.  Do right to be a person of character and true and lasting success will be yours.