Character Skills

Learning Myths and the Power of Character

There are far too many myths and misunderstandings about learning that influence how we approach new experiences. More than just misconceptions, these beliefs deeply shape our behavior and decisions. It is particularly evident when we leave formal education behind, and most people focus on working and directing their energy toward productivity and economic stability. In doing so, learning is often relegated to the background, seen as secondary or, worse, as a waste of time. Among these most common myths is the belief that learning a language as an adult is significantly more difficult, if not impossible, than in youth. But what is even more damaging is the social barrier of fear: the fear of what others will say when they see us try something new and fail. These ideas, deeply rooted in our culture, are nothing more than that: limiting ideas that hold us back. In the end, they become excuses for not continuing to challenge ourselves and evolve.

Innate talent: Myth or reality?

Adam Grant, in his book, mentions a fascinating study that reveals that many of the brightest minds and leaders in their fields—whether in art, music, science, or innovative thinking—were, in their youth, fairly average students. Their achievements were not due to exceptional innate talent, but to unusual motivation and an overflowing passion for what they did. It was not so much their genetics that separated them from the rest, but their ability to enjoy the learning process and see every challenge as an opportunity to grow.

The reality is that most of us need to repeat a skill about seven or eight times to begin to master it. But what really makes the difference is the context in which we learn. Having an environment that supports our efforts, the opportunity to practice with proper guidance, and above all, a personal and powerful reason for wanting to learn, are factors that multiply our progress.

The value of effort and perseverance

We focus too much on immediate results and quick assessments, measuring what a person is capable of doing after just a couple of tries. We evaluate others and ourselves according to short-term achievements, when in reality, what matters most is sustained effort and the ability to improve over time. Potential lies not so much in raw talent, but in the willingness to work consistently at a skill, even when results take time to arrive.

Even in fields where talent seems to be the determining factor, such as music or mathematics, effort and perseverance trump mere innate aptitude. True geniuses, while certainly existing, are rare. Most successful people achieve their goals not through innate ease, but through a mindset focused on continuous learning and resilience in the face of failure.

Soft skills and their lasting impact

In a study conducted in the United Kingdom, which followed more than 10,000 children from infancy into adulthood, something surprising was discovered: those who initially showed superior cognitive performance in areas such as mathematics or literature did not always achieve the greatest success in their adult lives. What really mattered was not so much the technical knowledge acquired, but the impact their teachers had on the development of soft skills.

Soft skills, such as empathy, teamwork, resilience, work ethic and emotional intelligence, are often the real drivers of success in the professional world. Character skills, as defined by Adam Grant, are not only about effort and persistence, but also about the ability to cope with adversity, adapt and find creative solutions when everything seems to be against you. Among the skills that Grant mentions, he mainly talks about four:

• Proactivity: initiative to ask, respond, inquire, and participate both inside and outside the classroom.
• Prosocial: the ability to collaborate and work well with others.
• Discipline: effectiveness in paying attention, resisting impulses, self-control, and avoiding distractions.
• Determination: consistency in taking on new challenges, going the extra mile, doing more than is asked of us, and persisting in the face of obstacles.

These are skills that Grant highlights as fundamental to personal and professional development, not just as means to achieve short-term goals, but as tools to build a life based on continuous growth and resilience.

The difference between personality and character

If personality is how we behave on a day-to-day basis, character is how we behave on a difficult day. It's easy to be kind, patient and optimistic when things are going well, but true character shows itself when we are tired, frustrated or when everything seems to be going against us. It is in those difficult moments that we see who we really are, beyond the favorable circumstances.

Personality may dictate how we initially react, but it is character that defines whether we are able to rise up, overcome our baser impulses, and continue fighting for what we believe in. Character is demonstrated in those moments where motivation disappears, and only our will to be better than we were yesterday remains.

Resilience as a driving force in business

In Africa, a study was conducted with local entrepreneurs that demonstrated a powerful truth: those who received training in character skills and personal development achieved more successful and sustainable results than those who received traditional business and entrepreneurship education. Entrepreneurs who internalized these skills showed a remarkable ability to adapt, innovate, and withstand market shocks. It wasn’t about who knew more, but who could stand firm when times got tough.

This is a fundamental lesson for anyone who wants to start a business or advance in any field: character and attitude can be even more important than technical knowledge. These soft skills are what allow people to face challenges with a growth mindset, transform defeats into learning experiences, and move forward with a clear vision of their long-term goals.

The concept of "scaffolding" in skill development

Adam Grant mentions the idea of ​​building “scaffolding” for learning, a metaphor that suggests we all need support structures as we develop new skills. These scaffolds can be mentors, friends, colleagues, or even daily routines that remind us of our goals and help us stay focused. No one becomes an expert in a vacuum; you need a support network, an environment that fosters growth, and above all, a mindset that is open to change.

Personal reflection: example as a driving force for change

As I reflect on these ideas, I realize that much of what I lacked in my childhood was not due to a lack of love or dedication from those around me, but rather the lack of a structure that fostered the development of these character skills. I watched my parents work tirelessly to get ahead, giving me a powerful example of the value of effort and discipline, but I did not always have the environment that encouraged self-confidence and personal exploration.

This recognition is not a complaint, but rather an awareness that now, as an adult, it is my responsibility to create that environment for myself and those around me. I know that I have the ability to change and to help others in that process. My purpose is not only to continue learning, but also to be a catalyst for others to discover their true potential.

A call to action to transform your learning

It's easy to get stuck in a version of ourselves that doesn't satisfy us, simply because we fear failure or because we think it's too late to change. But it's never too late to develop new skills, especially when it comes to those that define who we are as people. If studying these ideas has taught me anything, it's that true learning begins when we decide to challenge our own limiting beliefs and dare to grow.

I invite you to explore more about developing character skills, to surround yourself with people who push you to be better, and to always look for those scaffolds that help you sustain your growth. If you learn to learn, you will be equipped not only to face difficulties, but to turn every obstacle into an opportunity for improvement.