Everybody wants a deal. Everyone is looking for the next big thing. A lot of resources are invested in looking for <a href="http://www.bargainjack.com/" target='_blank'>Discount Deals</a>, half price deals, going out of business deals, <a href="http://www.bargainjack.com/" target='_blank'>Online Deals</a>, <a href="http://www.bargainjack.com/Computers-deals-20200" target='_blank'>Computer Deals</a> and holiday discounts. People are so eager to save money they often spend it on things they don't need because it was a good deal. It is the human condition to look for the easy way. People want to get a bargain or something that costs less then it is worth. It is a belief structure that creates a value system where the focus is on easy acquisition. If that becomes the goal, many of the important aspects of living are compromised. Character is formed by environment, values, role models and how we react to events. There are no bargains on creating character. There are no quick paths to growing a quality inner life. Short cuts are only detours. <br /><br />Many people will spend a great deal of time and energy looking for the easy way to get something done. In a macro view of the world this can be seen in something as simple as getting leaves off the sidewalk. Sweeping leaves up off a side walk requires physical effort and a broom. In an effort to make it effortless, someone introduced a leaf blower. Clearing leaves became simple, just blow the leaves where you want them while strolling along. Consider that the leaf blower is a more complicated piece of equipment then a stick with a straw end. It required research, components, manufacturing, and the use of fossil fuels. Those resources, oil and gas, require extraction, transporting, refining, shipping to a distribution location, acquisition by the end user who has to use natural resources to obtain the can of gas. Many people had to assist to blow those leaves into a pile. On top of that, the homeowner doesn't get any real exercise sweeping up leaves so he has to run off to the gym to stay in shape. What a deal.<br /><br />In personal development the same concepts apply. Often in an attempt to avoid pain or hard inner work, people will spend time and energy taking the easy path, not realizing the full cost of their decisions. Everyone knows a person that demands respect but is not willing to offer respect to anyone else. Who hasn't heard the stories about people that will do nearly anything for love unless it means learning to love themselves? How many people turn to drugs or alcohol to numb the pain of their life only to discover it would have been much easier to just face the initial pain head on? There are no good deals on character without honestly dealing with character. <br /><br />Developing a good character can be hard work, but like most things, increased attention leads to increased accomplishment. If the goal is to be in integrity, then being honest has to happen all the time, not just when it is easy. Character, like anything worth while, requires awareness and perseverance.<br /><br />There are many bargain to be had in this life. But if you want to create a reflection in the mirror you can be proud of, then know taking the time and effort up front is the short cut and the best deal.<br /><br />
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