30 Characteristics of a good guy

By Kris Wolfe

Back in the 1800’s, fraternal organizations were started with the aim of making men better men. The fact is, good guys are contagious. Get a group of good men together, and they will change their school, their campus, and the world. Every man is a work in progress, but here are 30 characteristics of a good guy any man can grow and become:

1. He has integrity and character
Simply put, a good guy is less talk and more action. The Latin origin of “integrity” means whole, and when it comes to being a good guy, wholesome is sexy. Everywhere he goes, he leaves a mark.

2. He’s balanced
Family and friends always comes first. He prioritizes his time and is well-rounded in many areas. He’s a modern Renaissance man.

3. He’s confident
This doesn’t mean cocky at all. He has a good self-image about himself and believes he deserves the best.

4. He’s courageous
He goes after what he wants even in the presence of self-doubt. He’s not afraid to approach women and spark conversation.

5. He listens
The good guy doesn’t care about the sound of his voice. He doesn’t interrupt and he follows the rule that 75% of the time should be listening vs. talking.

6. He takes initiative
The good guy is a leader, and takes the first step in a group setting and in a relationship.

7. He’s detail-oriented
As tough as it is for a man, the good guy tries to stay on top of it and is organized. When it comes to pursuing the girl of his dreams, he knows the little things count the most.

8. He has self-respect and gives respect to all
He focuses on the kind of man he wants to be, and creates a positive internal self-dialogue. A good guy is empathetic and forgiving.

9. He challenges himself to be a better man
Most men are raised to believe they need to fight and conquer. A good guy understands to overcome one’s own self is better than competing and beating anyone else.

10. He’s committed and faithful
​He says what he means, and means what he says. He follows through with his word even with people who don’t follow through with theirs. He’s loyal in relationship.

11. He fights against injustice
When a good guy sees another guy act out of line with a female, he thinks it could be his own sister, mother or daughter, and steps in to fight the injustice, even if it’s his own friend that’s causing the problem.

12. He’s honest
​The truth can hurt, but it’s also the beginning of the healing process. A good guy understands honesty might be tough up front, but the impact is far less than the outcome of long running white lies.

13. He’s good with his money
He makes decisions to plan for the future, and makes a budget for himself.

14. He has good humor
He doesn’t take himself too seriously, and is happy to be the pun of everyone’s joke.

15. He’s humble
He lets others sing his praises instead of himself.

16. He’s a team player
He understands the team’s success is his success, and cares more about the team winning than his own ego.

17. He’s adaptable
Things don’t always go his way, but he picks himself up and tries again. Throw him in any scene, and he’s comfortable.

18. He has good manners
His actions are made with care and consideration.

19. He’s always learning
The good guy loves life, and seeks to make the most out of it. He reads at least one book a month.

20. He’s shaped by men he respects
He finds mentors, men he wants to be like, and regularly meets with them.

21. He has true and close friendships
He keeps a tight brotherhood around him and understands “iron sharpens iron as man sharpens man.”

22. He has a desire to advance culture
When he leaves the world, it will be a better place.

23. He has temperance (moderate in action, thought, feeling and yup alcohol)
He’s not the wild and out of control guy at the party. The good guy is the one who carries him home on his shoulders. He thinks before he acts, and doesn’t let him emotions get the best of him.

24. He supports and promotes moral excellence
He knows what’s right and wrong. The good guy is the one who helps an elderly lady carry her groceries to her car.

25. He seeks peace when possible
He confronts in private, but he’s never a doormat. The confidence in himself is unwavering in tough times.

26. He improves his physical health
He knows his body is a temple, and works to improve his health and his image.

27. He has a vision to lead
With long-term thinking, the good guy leads with the realization his actions today will affect his life and others in the future.
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28. He has gratitude
He works hard, and is thankful for everything he receives.

29. He knows the importance of family
Not only is he concerned with the legacy he will leave, but he honors the legacy he has received and the traditions of his ancestors.

30. He believes in his Creator
He starts his day in prayer, and stops and listens for his next steps.

What would our character and reputations look like if we applied these principles? Take one or two of these today and begin applying them to your life. This list is based on some of the creeds of the most known fraternities. What would fraternity reputations looks like if men followed the ideals? No man is perfect, but we can all work on becoming better men.