How to Improve the Characteristics of Your Character and Increase the Level in Real Life
In Dungeons & Dragons, each character has specific strengths and weaknesses based on their ability scores: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Your real self also consists of these abilities, and you can level them up in the same way as in the game.
Strength (STR)
Strength speaks for itself: it describes your level of muscle and physical strength. While you may not be fighting the orcs with your Sword of a Thousand Truths in your day-to-day life, power can still come in handy – let alone improve your appearance. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or build muscle on a lean figure , lifting weights is a great way to gain strength. Check out our getting started guide , which includes finding a good beginner program like Initial Strength or Minimum Vitality that works for you.
Agility (DEX)
Agility is about other types of athleticism. In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, this means the ability to dodge incoming hits and hand-eye coordination to shoot bows and arrows. And while you could certainly practice martial arts or archery to develop those skills, there are many fun sports you can start as an adult , from rock climbing to soccer and roller derby. You can also develop athleticism and hand-eye coordination using just a tennis ball … but it’s not that fun. Unless you pretend it’s an incoming fireball from a half-elf wizard.
Constitution (CON)
Physique is a slightly more abstract concept, but it represents your character’s health and stamina. It determines how many “hit points” your character has before dying, determines his resistance to poison and gives him the energy to continue moving when a flail is cut into their shoulder. In the real world, you are more likely to face constitution when you are trying to endure physical pain or strengthen your immune system . Heck, even better nutrition can improve your constitution … because, you know, it reduces the likelihood of dying from a heart attack.
Intelligence (INT)
In the land of Greyhawk, intelligence is important to wizards who learn various spells. But in the real world, intelligence is valuable to all of us. It is widely believed that your IQ cannot change over time, but this is not always the case . So hone your critical thinking skills by learning to ask the right questions, develop your logical skills by casting aside these ugly misconceptions , and when in doubt, fake it until you get it . You won’t be using Magic Missiles anytime soon, but at least you can stand up to the argument and make better decisions.
Wisdom (WIS)
Not to be confused with intelligence, the somewhat confusing wisdom skill defines things like willpower, common sense, and perception. It performs similar functions both in the D&D world and in the real world, such as detecting when someone is lying or exercising self-control . In fact, willpower is an extremely useful skill when trying to develop new healthy habits. While increasing your existing willpower is not easy, you can make sure that you are using your existing willpower effectively. To use another RPG metaphor: think of it like magic glasses . “Spend” them where they matter most, because when you finish, you screwed up.
Charisma (CHA)
Charisma is exactly what it sounds like and is just as useful in the real world as it is in the fantasy world. Contrary to popular belief, charisma is not something you were born with: it is a skill that you can develop by expressing your body and voice. Good charisma also means connecting with others and listening rather than speaking. Confidence is of great importance here too . The benefits of charisma go beyond being liked. As in the land of Dungeons & Dragons, having charisma means being a more persuasive and better leader , which is invaluable at work and at home.