#1453 - character
"Character is destiny," said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus.
Where I am today is largely the result of my choices and actions, small and big ones, conscious and unconscious. And my choices and actions are driven by my character.
Could I have made different choices?
Maybe, but I don't think so.
They were, and still are, a reflection of who I am. Making different choices would mean going against who I am. And so, in an affirmation loop, my behaviours affirm and confirm my character.
What I do is, at the same time, a reflection of my character and a reinforcer of it.
So, what should we do if we are not happy about the trajectory of our life? Is there a way to change our destiny?
If it's true that character is destiny, we must change our character. And it can be done, at least partially, by changing our behaviours and habits. Over time, our new behaviours will shape a new character, leading to a different trajectory.
Does it work?
It is working for me, but I know how lucky I am for my life and the opportunities to work on my character.
However, shaping the character takes a lot of time.
A lifetime.