Aspirations. We aspire to improve, to gain, to essentially become more than what we are. We want better jobs, more influence, more power, more love, money - always, more.

Regardless of minimalist standards, this is not a bad thing.

However, to be found capable of these growths, we must be found containing an intrinsic strength of character, of solid ethics, and an unshakable integrity.

We all know people, and have perhaps even stated ourselves, that if only we were given the opportunity to be more - if only we were given the lead role, if only we were made the leaders of this group, if only we were given this much higher position in life - we'd suddenly buck up, our flaws would disappear, and we'd reveal to everybody that all along, we were more than capable than we had first appeared.

The difficult truth to come to, however, is that realistically, if one is known to procrastinate, to cut corners, to give far less than what would be considered their all - these deeply-habitual traits will not change when given such opportunities. In fact, the way so many of us are judged and deemed worthy of the upward steps leading to such opportunity is by how we respond to the tasks we have now. Character-building is essential, to not just aspire, but to achieve and even exceed our aspirations.

What must be realized and seized upon, even moreso, is that in terms of building the mainframe of our character - everything counts.

In fact, it is in doing well on the little things that eventually lead to naturally doing well on bigger things, and these actions and events are in fact the easiest to capitalize on. Oceans are composed of lakes composed of ponds composed of droplets composed of atoms - character, and from that, our deemed capability, is built and functions the same way.

The shape of your character will determine the shape of your future, and in shaping our characters - everything counts.

Love and regards,

Sprout