Developing character is not something that just happens by accident.
In years past, a man’s word was what defined his character. If he gave his word that he would do something and did so, he was said to have a good moral character.
A man called Dr. Orison Swett Marden wrote a book called “Character” over a hundred years ago. His principles were based on the teachings that man is no greater than the character he possesses.
The amazing part is that the theories and beliefs of someone who lived so long ago still apply today. This goes to show that developing character is one way we can achieve the goals that we set for ourselves in life.
Dr. Marden was the inspiration for the audiobook series, “A Leadership Series for Successful Living”. This audio series will teach you the importance of developing character and how it can benefit all aspects of your life according to proven historical beliefs.
He was truly a man who lived what he believed. Orphaned at the age of seven, young Orison Marden worked his way through Boston University and Harvard, after being inspired by an old tattered self-help book he found in an attic.
The author of the book, Samuel Smiles, was responsible for Orison developing his thoughts on the power of positive thinking and willpower.
One of the beliefs he held was that nothing is more important than developing one’s character - because it governs how a man will live his life.
When you have the career of your choice, a good family life, and a nice home, this is a direct result of your character. It is not what has been achieved by any other method than by you planning what you want to achieve, not what you started out with or acquired by chance.
Someone can give you something that you value, however it is by the character you possess that you are able to keep it.
For example, if you are fortunate enough to inherit a magnificent home - if you do not have good character, you will most likely lose this home through bad debts, gambling, or foolish management.
If you are someone of good character, you will automatically know what you have to do to keep this home, and honor the gift you received.
You will not gamble your home away or use it for collateral for debts that you know you cannot pay. As a matter of fact, someone of good moral character will not let debts build up in the first place.
A person who values their good name will make sure they do not live above their means. In addition, they will have a plan that outlines everything they hope to accomplish.
By following a specific, well thought out life plan and adjusting for any setbacks, the road to success has begun. You will be amazed at what the power of a positive plan can do for you.
Many people believe that Dr. Marden was a man ahead of his time. I would have to agree completely. His amazing life of victory despite personal hardship is proof that we all have the thing within us that we need in order to achieve our dreams.
Exhibiting a high moral character despite any odds should be a personal goal for anyone regardless of where they start out in life.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Richard Gorham
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