Flawless! Book

If you're like most of us, you are constantly dealing with people who would rather be right than happy. They are that great class of unfortunate souls who are incapable of admitting they are wrong. Or maybe you have a boss or coworker with a flash-point temper who gets enraged over the silliest things. Some of you might have a spouse or partner who blames you for his or her problems. Do you know anyone who prefers criticism over solutions, or who relishes nurturing resentment? These people have character flaws. The truth is that everybody has them. Some of us have more than others. You may notice you have them too. I know I have my share.

Don't worry if you happen to see your flaws surfacing as I describe them. That is a sign of your own open-mindedness and willingness to get a handle on your problems. We are a society that is enamored with defective character. We watch thousands of hours of TV and films where the leading role is portrayed by an imperfect character. We watch celebrities, politicians, and stars on and off the screen with an almost morbid fascination for their defects: J. R. on Dallas, Jeffrey Geiger on Chicago Hope, Diane on Cheers, or Abby on Knots Landing -- the most flawed people seem to be among the most captivating. Perhaps in their struggles we see ourselves.

Great individuals with high character also have glaring faults. It is precisely because they have such high character that their flaws stand out. The common perception that good people have fewer flaws is wrong. It is not a matter of more or fewer flaws. It is the willingness to change them that counts. If you read the lives of saints and sages you will find that they too had to discipline themselves to improve their character. It is in the process of working on your flaws that you develop great strength of character. Strength of character is what this book is about.