How to Build Character Through Habits, Purpose, and Play With Dr. Arthur Schwartz

2025-04-16

In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org and a leading voice in moral development, we explore what it really takes to build character and live with purpose. We discuss:- What Really Drives Action: Why character is about behavior, not just beliefs, and how to act on what matters most.- The Power of Purpose: How even simple goals (like a push-up contest) can provide meaning and motivation.- Rewiring Your Inner Voice: How to reshape negative self-talk through daily value-based...

In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Arthur Schwartz, President of Character.org and a leading voice in moral development, we explore what it really takes to build character and live with purpose.

We discuss:
- What Really Drives Action: Why character is about behavior, not just beliefs, and how to act on what matters most.
- The Power of Purpose: How even simple goals (like a push-up contest) can provide meaning and motivation.
- Rewiring Your Inner Voice: How to reshape negative self-talk through daily value-based habits.
- The Role of Environment and Culture: How your surroundings shape your character…and how to build the culture you need to grow.

Challenge:
Find an image that represents the kind of character you want to build, and keep it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.

Resources:

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

Soar with Your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton

The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt

The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt

Chatter by Ethan Kross

Grit by Angela Duckworth

The Path to Purpose by William Damon

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