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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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On Character summary
Stanley McChrystal
Choices That Define a Life
17 mins
Brief summary
On Character examines the vital role character plays in leadership. Stanley McChrystal shares personal stories and historical examples, highlighting how moral character, integrity, and accountability can inspire trust and drive effective leadership.
Table of Contents
On Character
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Key idea 1 of 6
Character is built, not given.
What makes a true leader – is it the stars on their uniform, the corner office, or something deeper? When you picture a four-star army general, you might imagine someone with unshakeable character: a natural-born leader with steel-hard convictions and unwavering moral strength. But that’s just a stereotype. A title – no matter how prestigious – isn’t a mark of character.
Character doesn’t show itself in accolades. It’s also not something you’re born with, like eye color or height. Instead, character is something you actively build throughout your entire life. Yet it follows a deceptively simple formula: character equals convictions multiplied by discipline.
In other words, you need both deep, meaningful beliefs and the inner strength to live by them, especially when life throws you curveballs. It’s not the dramatic, headline-grabbing moments that forge who you are. Rather, it’s the accumulation of countless small choices, day after day, that shapes your true character.
The author’s own journey proves this point. When his distinguished military career ended abruptly with his resignation during the Obama administration, he faced a crisis of identity. Who was he without his uniform? What did he really stand for when stripped of his title and position? At first, he feared he would lose himself entirely.
But this upheaval became his greatest teacher. Instead of disappearing into irrelevance, McChrystal embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He wrote memoirs, launched a business, taught at Yale, and deepened relationships with family and friends. He gained a richer, more complete understanding of himself – not just as a military man, but as a whole person.
This transformation revealed a crucial truth: when we don’t know what we truly believe in, life’s inevitable changes and challenges can feel overwhelming. But when we take time to consciously reflect on our values and actively work to embody them, we develop the resilience to navigate any storm.
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What is On Character about?
On Character (2025) reveals the simple but powerful formula behind authentic character. Drawing from decades of military leadership and personal struggles, four-star general Stanley McChrystal argues that true character isn't something you're born with or earn through titles – it's built through countless daily choices over a lifetime. This practical guide offers both philosophical insights and actionable strategies for anyone seeking to close the gap between who they are and who they're capable of becoming.
Who should read On Character?
- Leaders and executives seeking to align their decision-making with their values
- Students and young professionals at formative career stages
- Anyone interested in moral philosophy and self-improvement
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