Weekly Snapshot: Build Character

Merriam-Webster defines character as "the complex of mental and ethical traits marking and often individualizing a person...” 

It encompasses values, principles, and behaviors that shape our identity and guide our actions. As kids, we learn attributes that help us build our character - integrity, honesty, responsibility, consistency, empathy, self-discipline, and courage. The elders evaluated us on the strengths of our character. 

The notion of character disappears from the evaluation criteria as we grow up. Think about it - when was the last time you evaluated a person based on character? Heck. I haven't even assessed myself on character. 

The strength of one's character was always an afterthought - untamed ambition, charisma, promises, and offers triumphed in importance. As I have evolved my thinking about life, business, and relationships, I have learned that character reveals the actual person and is a good predictor of long-term outcomes. 

People with high character protect trust and demonstrate responsible behavior towards their commitments - since they care about their reputation and integrity, they protect it at all costs. Character is even more critical in business dealings because a high character person puts human-needs first, which is a solid predictor of good decision-making, especially in complex or ethically challenging situations. 

I have also observed that people with strong character make decisions or at least gravitate towards decisions that benefit the long-term health of a business/transaction rather than sacrificing long-term gains for a short-term dopamine hit. 

Moreover, character compounds over time, with small actions and decisions building upon each other to create significant impacts.

Lastly, it is a solid form of risk management. Think about it: if you work with high-character people, you reduce the likelihood of fraud, deceit, or unethical behavior - something I view in high regard because fraud and deceit can be devasting. 

Character is the foundation of success. As you grow, focus on strengthening your character above all else. When evaluating others, look beyond surface-level charm or immediate benefits. Even if someone offers you a chest of gold for free, pause and consider their character first. If they have a weak character, that free gold might leave a bitter aftertaste.

💪 Wins of the week

1. Received my shipment of LFP cells and BMS systems - I’m excited to play my part in enabling the transition to clean energy! 
2. Opened investment positions in AFRM and NIKE, up by over 15%.  
3. Concluded final stage discussions with several potential Virtuans AI customers. 

🧐 Challenges & Learnings

1. Regaining momentum is challenging. Inertia is truly a powerful force - if you let it stick around for long, it prohibits your mobility. My lesson here is to keep momentum intact for as long as possible.

🎯 Goals for Next Week

1. Acquire 2 new customers for the Virtauns Platform
2. Meet 5 new businessmen in the renewable energy sector in Pakistan.

📖 My Readings

I finished reading “Lessons of History” by Will and Ariel Durant. It’s a 110 page book filled with wisdom on each page. Anyone looking to understand human nature and countless examples of how history repeats itself should definitely dive in today!

🎬 My YouTube Video

Did you ever imagine not using ChatGPT? Well - I am NOT using ChatGPT anymore - yes, you heard it right. I’ve found something even better - in quality, speed and user experience. It’s called Claude, and it’s by Anthropic.

Watch as I introduce you to the ChatGPT killer!

✍️ Quote of the Week

“There is an old two-part rule that often works wonders in business, science and elsewhere:

1. Take a simple, basic idea and
2. Take it very seriously”

- Charlie Munger