It’s not what happens to you in life that defines your character.  It’s how you deal with what happens to you.  Look, I didn’t dream this one up on my own.  However, I’m frequently confronted with how many people have never made this a part of their playbook.  The wrinkle I’d like to illuminate is that the how and the what are inextricably tied together.  If you don’t face down more experiences, you will never know how you will deal with them.  Life is not about being a bystander.  Insert yourself into experiences. How you deal with them, especially the tough ones, will later define you.

What about the why?  Well, mostly it doesn’t matter.  You are where you are.  Now, you have to go with it.  Lot’s of people get stuck behind the why.  Yeah sure, context can be helpful.  Learn from your experiences and move forward.

As I said, this one isn’t original material.  I think I got this from my old buddy Rob Horton, whom I believe got it from his mom.  Which now that I think of it reminds me of another Barnesology gem. – Everything You Do and Don’t Do Leaves an Impression.