What is Character? And does it really require "hard work" to build it?

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In this episode, we get into what CHARACTER means. Why is it the name of this show? What is it even? And do you just naturally have it or do you have to build it? Does it really take "hard work" to get?

How do you infuse YOUR content with YOUR character!?

This is episode 1 of 2 where I take a look at the role character plays in your business, content, and otherwise. Next week, we're diving into making your client or customer the main character, and this week is all about YOU.

In the Episode: 

• What is character? What does it mean? 
• Is hard work the only way to build it? 
• What are the different "character types" and which one are YOU showing up as in your life and business? 
• How do you discover more about your personality and character? 
• And more! 

Resources, Quotes, and Other Mentionables:
👉🏻  EXTENDED SHOW NOTES BELOW:  

What Type of Character ARE YOU in your life and business? Common character types in film, books, plays, etc.: 

1. Supporting Characters: They aren’t the main focus, but they play a significant role in advancing the main plot. 
2. Antagonists: Opposition to the main character. They’re the obstacle creators, troublemakers, and opponents of the main character. 
3. Dynamic characters: These are characters who go through a major change or development throughout the story. They start one way and end up somewhere else entirely different.
4. Round vs. Flat Character: This has to do with depth and complexity. And here’s where that “hard work” come in as we see many round characters shaped through obstacles and challenges. Flat characters are like these one-dimensional, very simple characters. They sort of have one job in the story, and one job only. Round characters get a little more backstory, personality, and motivation. 
5. Stock characters /stereotypical/archetypes: These are characters that can be found across various stories and genres. Examples: The wise sage, the hero, the evil villain, the damsel in distress, etc. 
6. Main Character: In stories, this is the protagonist – the one we’re rooting for. In life, this is YOU. You get to have Main Character energy! Main characters often exude confidence, a belief that they can overcome, they’re self-assured, charismatic, and they take into account their needs and feelings, as well as supporting others. 

Two Journaling Prompts

• Sit down and write down ALL your professional experience, starting with your first job to now. Take a look at significant experiences in each of your past jobs and how it’s helped build your character. What skills and parts of your personality have you built along the way?
•  Journaling on your personal experiences: Sit down and reflect on your life in increments – Ages 0-5, 6-10, 11-15, etc. etc. What past experiences have shaped who you are today? 
• Ask your friends/family how THEY see you! What characteristics do they see and love in what makes you YOU? 

Stat on podcasting:  90% of podcasters don’t make it past 3 episodes, and only 90% of those remaining make it past 20 episodes.

"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." -John Wooden 

"Good character is not formed in a week or a month. It is created little by little, day by day. Protracted and patient effort is needed to develop good character." 
-Heraclitus

"Our ability to handle life's challenges is a measure of our strength of character." 
-Les Brown

"You can tell a lot about a fellow's character by his way of eating jellybeans." 
- Ronald Reagan

“Character building isn’t something you can do alone. Morality is a social practice.” - David Brooks 

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Lisa Zawrotny's Podcast: Positively Living 

👉🏻 EMILY's BRAND MESSAGING GUIDES

About Me:
I'm Emily Aborn, Small Business Copywriter, Speaker, and Podcast Host. Since 2014, I've had experience running brick-and-mortar as well as online businesses. I've worked with 122+ industries as a copywriter, and help my clients write original copy and content they can feel confident in. For fun, I love nerdy word games, reading, listening to podcasts, and hiking.

Email: emily@emilyaborn.com
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