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Developing “Character”

By Mind Tools Content Team

In this article, we examine what character is and look at what you can do to develop it. We’ll also examine how you can defend your character by standing your ground.

Read on www.mindtools.com

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Excessive use of external motivation can slow and even stop your journey to mastery.

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George Leonard
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Learning any new skill involves relatively brief spurts of progress, each of which is followed by a slight decline to a plateau somewhat higher in most cases than that which preceded it . . . the upward spurts vary; the plateaus have their own dips and rises along the way. . . .

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George Leonard
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What we call ‘mastery’ can be defined as that mysterious process through which what is at first difficult or even impossible becomes easy and pleasurable through diligent, patient, long-term practice.

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George Leonard
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Indecision leads to inaction, which leads to low energy, depression, despair.

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George Leonard
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Ultimately, nothing in this life is ‘commonplace,’ nothing is ‘in between.’ The threads that join your every act, your every thought, are infinite. All paths of mastery eventually merge. [Each person has a] vantage point that offers a truth of its own.

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George Leonard
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Resolve to do the things you find to be difficult. That’s what confident people do. They tackle those things that are scary and they get addicted to doing it.

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Chalene Johnson
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Positive energy is your priceless life force. Protect it. Don’t allow people to draw from your reserves; select friends who recharge your energies. . . I’m not asking you to cut people out of your life, but I am asking you to invest your time with people who will push you to be your best.

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Chalene Johnson
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39:43

The Superhuman World of Wim Hof: The Iceman

Wim Hof first caught the attention of scientists when he proved he was able to use meditation to stay submerged in ice for 1 hour and 53 minutes without his core body temperature changing.

Video
Wim Hof
2015
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The Road to Character

With the wisdom, humor, curiosity, and sharp insights that have brought millions of readers to his New York Times column and his previous bestsellers, David Brooks has consistently illuminated our daily lives in surprising and original ways.

Book
David Brooks
2016
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The Lakota Way: Stories and Lessons for Living—Native American Wisdom on Ethics and Character

Rich with storytelling, history, and folklore, The Lakota Way expresses the heart of Native American philosophy and reveals the path to a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Book
Joseph M. Marshall III
2002
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EXPLORE TOPIC

Building Character