Merit Tags
Merit dog tags are awarded for taking action, particularly something good or worthy that shows you are understanding the 36 qualities of success. The merit dog tag recognizes behaviors or actions that show you are growing towards being “the best you that you can be”. It is good to be focused on you and your development, but it’s important to be concerned about helping others. “It’s not just about me, it’s about we” is a motto we hope you live by.
One of the ways to cultivate gratitude is to keep a journal. Habits are formed in two to three weeks, hence if you write them for three weeks we hope it becomes a habit. To earn a Gratitude Merit Dog Tag, write in a daily journal two gratitudes for 21 straight days. We recommend you do this just before, or at bedtime.
Volunteering is a cool thing and you can do it almost anywhere in your school or community. It is a commitment which can bring meaning to and purpose to your life. Google volunteering in your local community. You will find many opportunities within minutes of your home. Volunteer your time or your talents.
Community service is exactly how it sounds, that you do things that benefit your community. It sounds like it covers a big spectrum, and it does. There are many ways to help our neighbors and friends in your community. Some of these ideas may be perfect for you.
Once a week for 2 months (8 total) write a thank-you note to a friend, family member, co-worker, teacher, coach, custodian, business leader, etc. The note should be handwritten and truly be a thank-you stated in your own heartfelt words.
Random acts of kindness can increase your confidence, boost your sense of being in control, and increase your confidence. It may encourage others to repeat these acts of kindness, which contributes to a more positive community.
To earn the Attitude Merit Dog Tag watch to the video “Attitude Speech”, answer the quiz and press the submit button.
Learn the names of ten people you don’t know that you see frequently, students, coworkers,neighbors, custodial staff, and other business associates, etc. Get to know them to the point that when you see them, you can greet them by their first name with a smile.
Save a life, become a blood donor. There’s no substitute for blood. When a patient receives blood, it is given in advance by a generous, loving donor. Everyday blood donors help patients of all ages: accident and burn victims, heart surgery, organ transplants, those battling cancer and more.
Feed your mind daily with positive quotes from the 36 qualities of success. If you are looking to boost your spirits or of a friend, take the time to share words of encouragement and inspiration. It can change your outlook and attitude and turn things around to make it a great day.
This can be a very challenging yet rewarding experience, especially if you have never played the role of a teacher/facilitator. We are asking you to choose one of the 36 qualities and teach or facilitate the lessons for the week. You can get creative and use your own stories, or use the stories as provided in the curriculum.
Create a playlist of music which features two or more of our 36 qualities.
Music and the lyrics have been researched by many psychologists. It has been proven to reduce anxiety, blood pressure, as well as pain, improve sleep quality and mental alertness.
Make this activity as part of a no technology day. Build your listening skills by doing this activity. Remember, you can make someone feel good by listening to them.
Activity: Visit or call a person that is close to you: father, mother, sibling, co-worker, friend, former classmate, etc.
Help us manage and maintain the quality of our program by contributing a story related to one of the 36 qualities of success. We are always looking to improve the curriculum. We are looking for interesting and thought provoking short stories that can be from current events, fiction or nonfiction, …
Find a video that exemplifies one of the 36 qualities and submit it by filling out the form below. The video must be publicly available as a web URL.
Listening to others is an important consideration throughout your life. Listening and paying attention to others when they speak is a sign of respect. It is a skill that will build into deeper and better relationships. People yearn to be heard.
A knowledgeable person is highly educated and well versed on a particular subject. We encourage everyone to find out what you want to be knowledgeable about and develop that to the nth degree.
We build relationships with family, friends, co-workers everyday. Building these relationships will have a positive effect on building a stronger community and world.
How to improve on being more dependable.
Here is your chance to participate in the ongoing Changing Lives curriculum. We appreciate input from users of this program. It will help this program continue to be one of the best curriculums for character development.
Another opportunity to further develop this curriculum, “to be the best it can be”, is to have our users participate in the ongoing development of the Changing Lives curriculum. We will be creating a Resource Library that emphasizes our 36 qualities. You can help us by providing a book title to add to our Resource Library.
Being successful is a desire most people have no matter what their age. We often compete against others to achieve success, through sports, work or school. But what does success really mean? The definition we like to use for this curriculum is the accomplishment or achievement of an objective or goal.
I am retired now, but I was reflecting on my days as a 4th grade teacher. One of the most rewarding things I did with my new students on the first day was to have them write down something they could teach me. I told them I know that I can learn from you, just like you can learn from me. It was an amazing activity. It was a way to build an instant relationship with my students and show them I cared about them as a person.
Is it true that “laughter is the best medicine”? Psychologists and physicians would tell you the answer is, yes. Laughter triggers healthy physical and emotional changes to our body. It strengthens our immune system, inspires hope, lightens your burdens, brings you closer to others, …
The ability to wait for something without getting frustrated is a useful skill and a good quality to develop for many reasons. Have you ever had to wait in a check-out line, have you ever been stuck in traffic, when your cooking was a disaster and had to start over, …
It is the ability to keep going despite setbacks and challenges. It is an inner drive that says keep going, when you think you may want to quit. It is a staying power that helps you achieve your most wanted goals in life.
Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not. Integrity is a highly valued quality. It means you are living your life based on your morals and values. Leaders consider this the most important trait to have in any organization.
“Honesty is the best policy.” We have all heard this statement for as long as we can remember. For some of us this has been a long time ago. Honesty is the foundation for trust in any relationship to function and thrive. If you are always honest with people, it will assure they will trust you in all things you say.