Caring about our character is the first step to building quality character. If we only care about the outcomes of our actions we’re seeking immediate compensation, instead of considering the long-term consequences. We end up focusing on what we can get and what we have instead of who we’re becoming and our inner nature.
So what really is the reward for a “good” life that’s done “right”? Is it an easy life where everything is given to us so that there’s never a need to be better -to grow or learn? Or is it a life where we must develop delayed gratification so that through struggles and inequality we can experience inner growth? While this question may be leading, the intention behind it remains. Why can’t we accept a life that feels unfair?
Many of us believe that we deserve more, better. When really that’s just life showing us that we have more to do, learn, and become. It’s difficult to face our inner character, but we can continually try to become better versions of ourselves each day by seeing small steps as success -as our reward. Not for being good or doing the right thing, but for genuinely trying to keep improving inside and out.