Character Building

livhuwasha
Apr 12, 2021
5 min read

Updated: Aug 25, 2021

Character, the things that are distinctive about your being. The things that set you apart as an individual, your personality. How can one build on those things, the qualities, I asked myself.

“Character is simply habit long continued.” – Plutarch

So, I began to invest on reading about this and found that some of things I have been focusing on basically are character building. It hit me, no wonder I am not the same person I was. My reading lead me to concepts of determination, discipline, goals, failure, hope, creativity, resilience, ethics, humility, gratitude, responsibility, facing fears, weaknesses, risk taking, strengths, challenges, experiences, and many more. I noted the part of facing fears mainly for I recently overcame one.

One of my greatest fear is of getting lost while driving to or in a place, alone, at night. This is something I dread, like driving to the city of Johannesburg. The stories I hear about hijackings don’t help. And so, when I accepted an invitation to be at a certain event at night, with my self-positioning focus this month and the choice to grow, I immediately said I will honor that invitation. I didn’t even think twice, which I don’t know if was a good or bad thing. Then, as the event was approaching, I started thinking about everything that could go wrong, from my car breaking down, to not having data to navigate, and if familiar face invited wouldn’t make it and I would have to drive alone. But, something inside so strong kept saying you’ve got this. I confirmed that I am going to be available. The fact that I was going to attend this event with people I’ve never meant before and I still felt very strongly about going, absolutely surprised me more. I could feel that the anticipation on this event being a fruitful one, was written in the stars and I was going to be part of shine. It turned out, I had very few data to navigate on that night, two hours before my planned time to prepare, I had a toothache which meant a headache. I had no one to go with, and did not ask to be driven there in time. So, I immediately took a pain killer and set alarms to make sure even if my nap drags, I should definitely wake up to face my fears. My God, the tooth ached no more, and there I drove on that road that evening, so intense but yet so proud. I doubted myself, if I’m on the right track, that I even stopped at a garage to ask if I’m not lost. I even stopped once more, to ask if I’m still headed in the right direction, just when I was less than 2 minutes away. Honestly, I learned so much that night from the journey than I ever did when traveling during daylight, with company.

I did reap from facing my fears. I now have gained confidence in my ability to navigate, to follow direction, to listen, to make choices and follow through, to take risks, to ask for help, to be adventurous, to show up for myself, to honor, to be a part of something new, to meet new people, to explore and learn. It was such a great experience. The things I was uncomfortable about in contemplating, positioned me to one of the most comforting realization, I am becoming confident, and I am someone not confined in their own bubble. I am indeed, a Soulbird, with a spirit so motivated and determined to fly.

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller

I have come to value new environments and experiences. It is simply adding to my personal power. As it turns out, being self-aware is remarkable. I felt it this past weekend, the things I am feeding on and pursuing, keep revealing just that which I need to rethink and repurpose, as far as my self-development is going. I encourage you to build on your character as you require. It is worth the dedication.

I have gained new perspectives that will last a lifetime from that event. I felt blessed to be amongst that crowd. I am thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful initiative, as it was. Now I know, I am capable of expressing and contributing even beyond virtual settings. I now know, even at my discomfort I am capable of doing great things. This is why I am saying, sometimes to build on your character you need to step out of your comfort zone.

Take careful steps in this direction by assessing on good things you want to do and be a part of. Don't focus on the excuses and fears that you will look lost, foolish or be embarrassed should it not work out. Go out there and knock on that door and ask if they don’t have any job openings. Go to that meeting and voice your opinion, even if you are not a distinguished guest/participant. Apply for that bursary even if you are aware many more have done so. Even if the odds are against you, believe that you will and can make it. Go and try that recipe, tag along to that expo even if it is for the well established. You might learn that is where you will gain courage that your small ideas can grow into big ones, where you will meet investors. Sell those simbas and save up till you can add biscuits, fruits, vegetables and sweets to your stock. Start on a table by your gateway and save up till you can build a spaza. Build your business, as small as it is. Look a fool and desperate to some if you have to. Humble yourself always and sweat like nobody’s business, if it is what will get you to another level. Do not underestimate yourself, mock your ideas and let the “slow pace”, the pandemic, be the reason why you give in and give up. It is one brick at a time, on top of another, assembling into a building. Lay yours!

Take care of your investments, work that soil, sow good seeds, they will grow and your harvest will be good. Think upon the book of Luke Chapter 8, it will require a lot of character building quests to get to an outstanding harvest. It Matters that you yearn for growth, that you keep up, in order to earn. Be present in your journey and know that you get more from it than the actual landing.

As I continue to cultivate Self-Power through careful Self-Positioning....