David Brooks on Character

In his classic book The Road to Character, David Brooks reminds us that the essence of our lives isn’t found solely in our professional achievements but in the inner qualities we build over time. It's a call to overcome our obsession with success, status, and wealth to focus on what really makes us human and ultimately more successful. A call to shift from the pursuit of status to the pursuit of character.

Let's explore the 10 lessons from Brooks to learn how to look beyond surface-level wins and cultivate a life defined by meaning, integrity, and purpose.

1. Focus on Eulogy Virtues

Brooks draws a clear line between the skills we list on our resumes and the deep, moral qualities that people remember about us. Instead of merely chasing career milestones, we should invest in traits like kindness, courage, honesty, and empathy. These qualities form the true legacy of our lives. Todd Musselman calls this moving from a focus on the goal line to the soul line.

2. Embrace Humility

Humility allows us to focus on a cause greater than our ego by accepting our limitations, learning from others, and evolving by questioning our assumptions. Recognizing that we don’t have all the answers and admitting our imperfections are powerful steps toward forging growth and strength. Explore more about how 'Humility = Better Leadership.'

3. Suffering as a Pathway to Growth

Suffering shakes the foundations of our assumptions and strips away the inessential. In that raw space, we gain clarity about what matters and who we can become. It’s not the suffering itself that transforms us, but how we respond. Turn it into an opportunity for inner work that grows emotional intelligence, deepens character, and builds a stronger sense of purpose.

4. Cultivate Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is the cornerstone of character development. It’s about restraining immediate desires and making thoughtful choices that align with our deepest values and long-term goals. Whether it’s setting healthy routines or staying true to our goals, self-discipline keeps us on a path of professional and personal integrity.

5. Develop Deep Relationships

Meaningful connections with others are essential. No one achieves mastery in isolation. By investing in relationships built on trust and mutual respect, we not only enrich our own lives but also gain a support network that helps us mutually navigate life’s challenges. For more, read 'Build Your Friendship Net Worth.'

6. Learn from Moral Exemplars

Drawing lessons from the lives of those who have demonstrated unwavering moral character can be incredibly inspiring. Whether it’s figures from the book, like Dwight Eisenhower or Dorothy Day, or thoughtful writers like Brooks himself, studying the values and lives of others can encourage us to live with more character and purpose.

7. Embrace the Struggle

The road to a solid character is paved with hardship. Embracing our internal battles, moving forward with uncertainty, and striving against weaknesses can be uncomfortable. But it’s also fertile ground for genuine growth to take root. The Reversal of Desire Tool is a way to encourage moving toward discomfort as a conscious act of growth.

8. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude transforms our outlook on the world. Acknowledging the goodness in our lives, even during times of challenges, nurtures a sense of joy and contentment that fuels further personal development. Simple practices such as gratitude journaling and expressing thankfulness can have a profound impact.

9. Serve Others

Serving others lifts those around us, deepens our sense of purpose, and produces a 'helper's high.' And by dedicating our time and efforts to causes greater than ourselves, we build bridges of connection and leave a lasting impact on our communities.

10. Commit to Lifelong Learning

Character is a lifelong journey. By continuously seeking knowledge, challenging our beliefs, and reflecting on our experiences, we keep growing and evolving. Lifelong learning ensures that the virtues we strive to embody remain vibrant and relevant throughout our lives.

Embrace the Journey

Lessons from The Road to Character are a reminder that life is more than the sum of our achievements. It’s about an inner journey of self-improvement. Incorporating these lessons in our everyday actions builds character, creates lives of meaning, maximizes happiness, and leaves legacies that go beyond superficial measures of success.

What steps will you take today to walk your own road to character? Please share your thoughts and experience about building character in the comments.

Thanks for your patience as I was traveling with family and friends last week. I am grateful for being connected to you!

Jon Strickler, Vistage Chair & Executive Coach

DM me and find me at: 720 323 0793, jon.strickler@VistageChair.com, Twitter: @HorizonLineGp, Website: HorizonLineGroup.com