Writing this post with absolutely no reference or inference to anybody. Just giving my 2 cents worth of what I think:
Character Many a times, individuals would argue that they have the best characters and that the misunderstanding of them is due to people not knowing them well (a very common excuse). According to 'Pyschatrist Weekly', this phenomenam (or illness rather) is termed as a self-consoling act by individuals who want to re-assure themselves.
Reading this report, I cannot help but draw parallels with many individuals that I know who are suffering from this illness. Their symptoms include self-pitiness, blaming everyone except for themselves and demonstrating behaviour that cleary exhibits the exact opposites of what they say.
I dare not say that I have the best character in the world - but at least I know that I have a forgiving heart - which many could attest to (and I have shown it many times). Many individuals would claim that they are forgiving, but it is all tagged in mouth, with no realistic actions shown. Due to sensitivity issues, I would not wish to explain nor expand more on this point.
Character building is not something that is done within 3 days. However, character is something that would never change even after a while as it is an innate thing. Someone who is lazy would remain lazy irregardless of what they try to convince themselves to do. This is similar to someone who is hardworking.
Case in point: Why would an auntie continue working even though she is able to retire and let her children support her?
Reason 1: She is hardworking and therefore, she cannot stand staying at home doing nothing. Reason 2: Her children never support her and instead rely on her to support them. Worst still if her children bring in even more 'family members' for the parents to support.
With regards to reason 2, I personally saw so many examples that I promise myself: I will support my parents when I am out working - which I did. I will also support my parents-in-law if I have the ability to and the reason is simple: They spend a good part of their youth supporting their children, shouldn't we repay them back when we are able to?
Many people always know how to potray what good character is, but do they really show it with their actions? Having a good character, in my most humble opinion and base on 'Building Your Character' by Max Hedwell is actually not commenting on others but correcting on oneself first. I particularly love the example that he gave in the book in which a woman always grumble about the bad habits of her spouse but in the end, she - too - possess the same bad habits.
In conclusion, I finally am convinced with this phrase "The Jiang Mountain can be moved, but the character is hard to change".
Job I can still vividly recall the tension that I suffer when I am left with no job - no thanks to the 3 months notice that I have to serve in my previous company. The joy that I get from getting my current job is inexclipable.
During the time that I was free, I split people into 4 different categories:
Cat 1: People who cannot stop working This category of people would do anything to stay employable. They do not mind pay cuts, extra jobload - as long as they can work.
Cat 2: People who want to work This category of people wants to work. But the conditions of work must be conducive for them to start working. Work is not so much as a must - the most important thing is the renumeration that comes along with it. --> I belong to this category.
Cat 3: People who do not want to work This category of people plainly do not want to work for any and every reason that they can find. However, they are not the worst...
Cat 4: People who thinks that they want to work, but are not working This is the worst. They will keep saying that they want to work. There are opportunities for them to talk the talk and walk the walk but in the end, they will reject the chance with some reasons.
I have a friend who belongs in category 4. He was lucky that he have a very good wife who works to support him - and his gambling habits. One day, his wife found him a job - 3 days work week, 9am - 3pm and in an office environment. He simply thanked his wife by saying that the job did not meet his requirement.
Talk is cheap, actions speak louder than words. Prove it with your action. Saying wanting to do something and actually doing it is 2 different matters!
P.S. This post is based on a course that I had conducted on 27 March 2008 titled "Jobs and Character - Mould them right!"
