As we go through life, our personality traits very much define who we are and how we are perceived by others. What makes us unique is that we each have a range of different traits. While it’s important to be different, there are a few traits that everyone could do with encapsulating. If we all embraced the four traits below, the world would be a much better place, built on not just fairness but both passion and compassion.

Patience

We live in a mile-a-minute world, where we think fast, talk fast and move even faster. Learning to be patient is the only way to step back and allow yourself to breathe. Don’t rush through life. Relax. Yes, it’s certainly frustrating when you’re stuck in traffic and have somewhere you need to be – but stressing about it doesn’t get you anywhere. Similarly, if things don’t go your way there is no need to panic. Trust that, in time, everything will work out the way it is supposed to. We make mistakes so that we can grow stronger and wiser. Ever heard the saying ‘good things come to those who wait’? You can’t wait without patience – so get practicing!

Kindness

The incredible designer Oscar de la Renta once said: “the qualities I most admire in women are confidence and kindness.” Of all these traits, kindness, to me, is the most important one to master. Kindness is what fuels any good human act. It is our thoughtfulness, our selflessness and our compassion that in fact renders us human. A world without kindness would be no place to live. You will encounter people throughout your life that aren’t always friendly or polite, but if you rise above and respond with kindness then you spread warmth and positivity. Focus on being a better person, and live by the rule: be kind.

Enthusiasm

Our goals cannot be achieved without passion and drive. Be fierce about what you stand for. Enthusiasm is contagious – be upbeat, be excited and those around you will feel it, too. It’s not only our goals that need passion to survive, however. If you want to enjoy your life, to really live  your life – then you have to be enthusiastic. Don’t just drift through life without any overwhelming sensation of joy. Get excited! Try new things, because life is short. Laugh, play, sing and dance. If you love something, show it. Don’t hold back!

Responsibility

With any life there must be some responsibility. A person cannot grow if they don’t take responsibility for their actions, and a person that doesn’t grow is not living a successful life. Acknowledge your impact on the world around you, be it good or bad. If you have done something great, don’t brush it aside – you don’t have to brag to realise an accomplishment and feel proud. Likewise, if you have done something unsavoury, accept that you are responsible for it. Doing so will allow you to learn from your mistake and improve for the future.