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Calvin Go Do Something You HateCalvin Go Do Something You Hateby Larry Hochman"Calvin, go do something you hate. Being miserable builds character." The words of Calvin the comic strip character, from Calvin and Hobbes, in one of the all time funniest examples of the medium, by Bill Watterson. In the strip Calvins dad is looking for his glasses when Calvin walks in wearing them, doing his best Dad impersonation. The last panel has Calvins dad a little embarrassed trying to justify to himself why Calvin sees him as a curmudgeon... ...and Calvins mom laughing hysterically on the floor. Even as I type these words Ive got a big cheesy grin on my face at the thought. But think about it for a second! "Being miserable builds character." Huh? Most of us take that statement pretty much as a truism. We may not put it in those exact words, but the thought pattern is generally "if you want to get ahead, you need to be willing to suffer and pay the price." There is a little kernel of truth in that statement. Most of get ahead in life by moving out of our comfort zone...of doing things that dont come easy to us. But miserable? That sounds like a long time of suffering and despair. Yuck! Thats not what most of us sign on for. Heres my take on it...humans have an essential nature of seeking, love, excitement, challenge, and ultimately peace. Our ambition is what separates us from our four-legged brothers and sisters. Our true character is developed when we live lives of purpose, service and striving. Being miserable is what people do when theyre so unhappy that they dont see a way out... ...or when theyve lost their sense of purpose and become resigned to wallow in their own self-pity. Working hard and developing your skills and patience builds character. So does being joyful, loving and grateful for the blessings youve received. Being miserable doesnt build character. Being miserable builds misery. Larry Hochman, The Guidance Guy may be contacted at http://TheGuidanceGuy.com . Larry Hochman is "The Guidance Guy" and the author of NINE SECRETS TO COLLEGE AND CAREER SUCCESS. He is an amateur juggler who uses this skill to teach people confidence and healthy risk taking. Learn more about the Home Business that Larry has chosen to secure his familys future at http://EarnAdditionalIncome.com |