INDUSTRIOUS DEFINITION:working with devotion and determination CATEGORIES:achievement, interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:diligent, hardworking, tireless POSSIBLE CAUSES: Having a “type A” personality Being raised by parents who showed favor when one pushed hard and succeeded The desire for fulfillment; being goal driven Having a strong passion or sense of purpose Having a strong motivation to succeed Craving power, status, or influence ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Rising early and working late Being organized, punctual and efficient Researching and obtaining information Spending off-hours thinking about work Having high standards Talking often about one’s passions Reaching targets ahead of schedule Competitiveness with oneself or with others Working well with others when required to Pursuing ideas that will improve the end result Practicing more if needed Shuffling appointments to accommodate one’s work Streamlining one’s processes to be more efficient Experiencing satisfaction from even small wins Perseverance Directness; not beating around the bush Socializing with people from work to discuss work Adhering to routines Not wasting time or procrastinating Anticipating what’s needed Double-checking; worrying over small mistakes Dependability and consistency Reflecting on an event to evaluate how it went Not complaining about the labor involved in completing a project Skipping meals when one is busy Needing to be constantly active and engaged in tasks Being prepared (even over-prepared) for events or meetings Suffering from muscle strain and sore muscles (if tasks are physical) Feeling mentally and physically wrung out at the end of the day Sleeping less than other people Rewarding oneself (having a beer after work, watching the game, etc.) Protecting one’s personal time Taking work calls at home after hours Being restless between projects Studying the techniques of others who have succeeded at the same thing Blowing off steam to balance out tense, long hours of work Curbing bad habits or behaviors to be better at one’s job (staying out late, etc.) Using self-talk to encourage oneself to work harder ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: If I train hard all summer, I’ll be ready for the dance competition this fall. By adding five laps to every swim session, I’ll drop those extra pounds in no time. It’s 8:00 am and Dawn’s still sleeping? Time to wake up, Sleeping Beauty! Rick is Bob’s favorite because he’s so dedicated. I need to put in more hours, too. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:confidence, desire, determination, excitement, impatience, overwhelmed, satisfaction POSITIVE ASPECTS:Industrious characters are dependable and hardworking, pouring all their energy into a task or goal. When a job needs to be done, they step up and pull their weight. They make good use of their time and are good role models. Industrious characters generally see success and feel strong satisfaction at putting their best effort into all they do. They have the drive to complete what they’ve started and often end up being involved in innovation and change. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Industrious characters may sometimes become so caught up in their work that it damages their health and relationships. Long work hours and stress will disrupt sleep patterns and weaken their immune systems. Family and friends may feel resentment when an industrious character gives all of his time and energy to a job or project, leaving nothing for them. The pursuit of success, power, or prestige can become all-consuming, leading to a very unbalanced and exhausting lifestyle. EXAMPLE FROM FILM:Rudy Ruettiger (Rudy) is a young man who dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame. Although he lacks the grades, the finances, and the physique of a football player, he refuses to give up. He works feverishly to earn income and overcome his dyslexia while attending a neighboring college, raising his grades enough to transfer to Notre Dame. Rudy volunteers to work for free as a groundskeeper to get closer to the team he loves and finally gains a spot on the practice squad. Due to his hard work, drive, and incredible heart, he’s allowed to dress as one of the team for the final home game.Other Examples from Literature and Film:Ruby Thewes (Cold Mountain), Vince Papale (Invincible) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:easygoing, flaky, lazy, needy, playful, rebellious, rowdy CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE INDUSTRIOUS CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Experiencing a family crisis that demands one’s time and attention PLOTLINE: Losing one’s job, and with it, one’s sense of identity PLOTLINE: Being unable to achieve conflicting goals; having to fail at one to succeed at the other PLOTLINE: Being given a task one cannot complete despite a strong work ethic (due to lack of skill, etc.) PLOTLINE: