The drive to develop virtues is one of the most powerful weapons that can be used to endow life with virtue. By determining what it is that you want in life, you can then utilize the power of your will and imagination to manifest this into reality. Virtues are being expressed or manifested from within you. By practicing the three-act structure of Life, Desire, Action, and Consequence, this principle becomes quite easy to understand.
Desire is the driving force of life. By using your own desires to your advantage, you are able to grow in life at a pace that is compatible with your ability to remain focused. It is the difference between trying to gain experience by doing everything at once versus enjoying one's time while doing the little things. So many people try to do all things at once, and if they never gain control over their desires, they tend to lose their ability to continue to grow in life. Desire must be developed so that it is employed for good in life.
A strong desire is needed to exercise and express virtues. The second step in using desires to develop virtues is to discover what it is that you want in life. With this, it is easier to decide how to go about creating actions that will have the greatest impact on the development of your life. You may be looking for long term wealth or social success. Whatever it is that you are looking for, it is important to examine it to see if it is really attainable in life.
Developing virtues in life is the process of creating and sustaining a vocation. A vocation is a core purpose for life that holds meaning for you. There are all types of vocations, ranging from a religious calling to a passion such as playing the guitar. Each of these has its own purpose and their own means of expression.
The advantages of taking the time to develop one's virtues in human life are vast. For starters, virtue development is a great way to relieve stress, relax, and lead a life of well-being. The longer we do something, the more our true potential is exposed. By doing this daily, we become a better person who becomes more compatible with others.
When developing one's vices in life, we begin to learn what is important to us. Whether you are attempting to achieve wealth or fame, they are all facets of vices. Virtue is about recognizing what is truly important to you and to your life. If you find yourself in a position where you can no longer express your desires, it is time to consider revising your priorities. Often times, the road to success can only be traveled with a change in priorities.
The choice to follow your desires is vital in developing virtues. If you choose to walk the path of doing everything you are called to do, you will eventually give up the chance to do anything more. It is important to make the choice to stand back and let life do the work for you. In doing this, you increase your chance of becoming a successful individual. Virtue is not about following blindly, but it is about purposefully choosing the path that brings about the most improvement.
Virtues and vices are inseparable. Without them, life would be very different. However, they are not purely to be confused with the mindset you would have while doing something in life. The two go hand in hand. When you practice virtue in life, it will begin to permeate all areas of your life.