Isn’t Measuring Virtue Bad, Boring, and Impossible?

No. Read why here.

How Do I Acquire Measurable Amounts of Virtue?

There is a simple formula to acquiring virtue.

Create measurable embodiments of virtue, develop a scoring system, then track your performance.

Don’t try to acquire a virtue like “mercy”, it’s too big. Instead, focus on mastering its specific embodiments.

You see “mercy” embodied in people when …

  1. They aren’t critical of a boss doing a poor job.
  2. They don’t get angry when people cut them off in traffic.
  3. They don’t bring up faults of their spouses in a fight.
  4. There are hundreds more examples …

So, for three weeks, pick some specific embodiment. For example:

Don’t speak criticism of people at work (unless its necessary for evaluation purposes).

Each day, count how many times you are critical. Overtime it should go down. By the end of three weeks, you should be able to do no criticism. If it’s too hard, make an easier focus.

Maybe you can change it too something like …

Each day, immediately after criticizing someone, pray for God’s blessing on them.

Keep making it easier until its something you can master. Once you master an embodiment, move on to a more difficult embodiment.

How Do I Pick What to Work On?

To start, you may feel a little lost. Is there a list to pick from? Yes, there are many lists, often called “Virtue Catalogues.” I prefer the classic Christian structure of seven virtues and seven vices. These seven virtues act as categories for many sub-virtues. For an overview see here [ADD!]. If you want to browse a larger list for inspiration, check here [ADD!].

However, introspection often yields the best results. What sin are you struggling with? What virtue would be helpful at this point in time? (For more help with introspection, see here [ADD!])

Once you pick a vice or virtue, then work to find an appropriately difficult embodiment.

Only focus on one embodiment at a time. The quality of the program will be vastly reduced whenever you try multiple focuses simultaneously. Sometimes people want two focuses when they have picked something that is infrequently utilized. (e.g. “I won’t dominate speaking time during a meeting” but you are only in two meetings a week.)

If you are struggling with what to pick, ask for help.

How should I Track Progress?

You need to develop a scoring system so you can tell if you are improving. Read more here.

In general, I track my points one of two ways.

  • Elastic Bands: Wear bands on your left wrist. Move one to your right wrist each time you fail (or succeed).
  • Apps or Software: Use tools to record events (good or bad) as soon as possible. Delayed tracking often leads to forgetting.

I have tried paper, but I haven’t found it effective.

Is This Making Virtue Measurable?

Yes, in the identical way that sports statistic help understand a player’s abilities. Read why here.

How long Should I Focus on a Specific Embodiment?

You need to create a habit, so you should be aiming for 3-4 weeks.

You also want to move on. Keep victories coming.

Should I Keep a Log?

One of the most valuable parts of this process is the learnings that come from doing. Record it. Work hard to be succinct and insightful. You will love this later.

As you practice, you’ll learn:

  • If the task is too hard, too easy, or too infrequent.
  • What internal changes are needed to master the skill.
  • Which additional virtues might support your goal.
  • When exercises stop being helpful.
  • Tips and tricks to improve.