1 | Welcome to Character Month!

Welcome back. This month we're diving into the third and final principle in our leadership of self series. We've covered leading yourself well. We've talked about building your tribe. And now we're going to tackle something that will transform everything else: growing your character.

These three principles - lead yourself, build your tribe, forge your character - create that unshakeable foundation that will protect and elevate your entire leadership journey.

Now, when it comes to this month of focusing on growing your character, here’s where I want to start.

Imagine some of the best books, movies, storylines you’ve ever read, watched or heard of.

Each one of those probably involved characters that had amazing character development.

For example, think of your favorite tv show. You probably have favorite characters that you could talk to me about like you know them.

Or, if you’re a reader, think of one of your favorite books. There’s probably a person behind the storyline that you could talk to me about like you know them.

Think of someone in this world you look up to. Maybe you don’t even know them, but something about who they are and what they’ve done has developed a huge amount of respect you have for them.

Okay - hopefully you’ve recognized a pattern here.

A pattern of character development. Character clarity.

Good stories and great lives are made by a character being developed.

This month - you’re going to be the main hero.

This month is about YOUR character.

This month is about your character development.

Maybe you’ve lost yourself a bit. Maybe you’ve allowed the drift of life to take the focus off of your character, your growth, your story.

Not anymore.

This month, your character is going to take lead role.

Here’s how:

We’re going to tackle the barriers and obstacles that get in the way of our own character growth.

It’s going to range from the discomfort that comes from character growth to the mental barriers we face when it comes to believing in who we are and what we’re capable of.

My hope is that you get a taste of what it feels like to be the character you fall in love with and get to know with just as much love and enjoyment as the characters you love in your books and tv shows and movies.

In the past months, we’ve hit on a few elements of getting to know yourself and who you are.

I know in the Honor month there was a big emphasis on getting clear on who you are and living that out in action on a daily basis.

And then in the Lead Yourself month we focused on discipline and taking care of yourself.

Because your character is so important, we’re going to spend another month.

My hope is that by the end of this month,

you not only love and enjoy your character,

but you know how to engage in ongoing character development.

There’s more for you to learn about yourself.

Some aspects of your character have yet to be discovered.

And we may not find all of them this month,

but you’ll be set up to live in such a way that you’ll know what it looks like and feels like to constantly discover new layers of your character.

For the rest of your life, every year you’re going to see your character be developed and grow.

One year from now, you’re going to be able to do things you couldn’t do today.

Two years from now, you’re going to be able to think bigger, do things you couldn’t do today.

Three years from now, you’re going to be accomplishing things you never thought possible.

This is character growth.

Your story isn’t done yet.

Your character is still in process, and we’re going to make sure you discover all of it.

But here’s what I need from you this month:

I need you to commit to this inner work.

There will be some days where you can go about this inner work with a negative attitude. That’s fine. As long as you still commit to this inner work.

But the majority of this month, I’d love it if you embraced this inner work with joy and enthusiasm.

You were created for a purpose. You were designed with purpose. And if you can be open to being a learner of yourself. If you can remain curious about what you’re capable of.

Then I promise you will be a leader that others talk about with joy and enthusiasm as well.

Because they know you. They’re curious about you. Because you’re on a path that has forward momentum built from the inside of your own character growth.

You’re always moving forward in your life.

And it’s because of your commitment to character development.

The way you relate with growing your character will directly impact those around you.

In your home. In your community. In your work. And in every room you walk into.

You will inspire and empower every person you come in contact with.

On that note, welcome to Growing Your Character month!