"What problem is addressed by an activity you intrinsically enjoy?" - from "The Road to Character" by David Brooks.

"The Road to Character"is a modern take on meritocracy. Since the 1960s, "The Big Me" has crept into the way we live. Rather than take account of who we are, we are more focused on earning rewards.

According to Brooks, there are two versions of every individual: Adam I and II. Adam I is ambitious and wants to build every day. This version of us is earnest and seeks to gain the most opportunities.

Adam II is humble and would like to get in touch with his roots. He seeks hushed time in order to gather personal thoughts. Enabling both Adam I and II are two activities pervade my daily life.

There are two activities that provide my body and mind intrinsic pleasure. They can be done alone or in groups and are especially difficult for the first time. Running and coding are my two Adams. They keep my body and mind sharp.

Running is a mental struggle. It takes mindful effort to run longer distances. Marathon runners train to make their minds tolerate suffering. Some repeat a personal mantra to themselves, like "pain is inevitable, and yet suffering is optional." With stronger lungs, my first marathon raises awareness for AIDs victims. (Learn More)

Running addresses a problem faced by all of us: the disconnect between body and mind. When the mind thinks, the body's reaction is delayed. Running forces the body to breathe. It releases the stressors of everyday work. A runner remains focused on moving ahead.

Coding is a creative and technical challenge.

Software has become a language of its own. Those who are fluent hold a unique set of skills. They organize the complexity of code. Some trade their secrets as slang. These "coders" see the world as a machine, it's reality an interface, and individuals as information. It solves the issue of disarray, especially in this technological context. The world we live in is governed by coders, who mediate modern businesses.

"The Road to Character"emphasizes how an earnest and sober mindset fulfills realistic goals. Running long distances is a freeform exercise. Choosing your pace and mileage is an intrinsic challenge. Coding fuses logic and design to develop lucrative solutions.

If these activities amount to anything, it will be the habits formed over time. There is a saying, "You form habits in your 20s. They form you in your 30s."

Now is the time to consider how you address both Adam I and II. Perhaps by reviewing the past week, you may find your time spent with Adam I, yet without Adam II. Reviewing the week is an investment. It is one habit that will make your life richer.