much as doing them. I also know that these "self-imposed" and "manufactured" "voluntary misery" IS exactly something that builds hard work and character. Teaching someone to do hard things can only be done one way -- actually doing hard things. Whether those things are "manufactured," or happen naturally, doing (not watching) hard things DOES, in fact, build character and teaches you how to do hard things later on in life.
Again, if you'd like me to send you some links of LDS talks or secular books that discuss this exact principle, please let me know. I'd spend the time finding them for you as I feel it is an important principle that many people like to sweep under the rug for various reasons.