Eight years ago, I received a thank you card from a person that I looked up to and had a tremendous amount of respect for. It wasn’t an ordinary “Thank You” card as nowhere on the card did the words Thank You appear. It had one of those cool motivational pictures on it and above it the words The Essence of Character . Underneath the title were these words:
“Your true character is revealed by the clarity of your convictions, the choices you make, and the promises you keep. Hold strongly to your principles and refuse to follow the currents of convenience. What you say and do defines who are, and who you are…. You are forever.”
I wasn’t given this card because I was being told I lacked character, I was given this card because I showed my true character during a very difficult situation. As the statement above reads, character defines who you ARE as a person. It’s not your income that’s going to determine if you’re successful in life, it’s your CHARACTER. Your income may signify that you’re successful in your career, but there is so much more to life than your paycheck. If you’re extremely wealthy, but can’t keep your family together, is that successful? If you can run a fortune 500 company, but can’t stick to an exercise program for 30 days, is that successful? And if you can drive a $100,000.00 car, but can’t afford to buy high quality foods, is that considered successful? Too many people get so caught up in becoming financially successful, that they compromise their character at any cost.
Your true character is
who you are as person, and influences every single aspect of your life. Who are you when no one is watching? How do your actions change when no one is around? Accomplishments and failures don’t determine your character, but rather how you respond to both. I’ve definitely had my share of fu*k ups in the past, and have regrets that I battle with daily, but never once do I view any of those as failures. I’ve taken something positive from every mistake I’ve made, and I’ve never compromised my character to get back on my feet or ahead of someone else. Character and success go hand in hand. If you have a genuine and loyal character, you’ll be successful in all areas of life (physical, financial, relationships, family, etc.). You MUST use the resources around you, not
take advantage of them. Develop your character and apply it to every goal you set in life. Stupid Gym Shit is being a genius businessman, but lacking the determination to eat healthy for 5 consecutive days. Stupid Gym Shit is being so caught up in your own personal success that you lack a genuine interest for the people around you. You’ll only be as great as the people you surround yourself with and the choices you make will define who you become!
Last week I was interviewed by celebrity trainer, Billy Beck III. It was a humbling experience because it gave me a forum to showcase my knowledge and passion and interact with Billy, an expert in the field and someone whose character and business sense I admire. It also gave me a chance to become aware of the way my colleagues view me and value my opinion. It was an exciting opportunity to share my experience and expertise. If you’d like to check out the short interview, click here.
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. “
-John Wooden
