"Ana Yahanu Faqat": A Phenomenological Study on the Performance Character and Life Success

Abstract

Everyone can achieve life success if they can fulfil the prerequisites. There is no dominant factor that determines success, but the strength of character can be an essential asset that is not in doubt. This study aims to explore the Yahanu character strengths in the phenomenon of achieving life success of three santri, graduates of the same pesantren (Islamic boarding school) in Indonesia. We design this research with a phenomenological approach. We collected the data through in-depth interviews, then transcribed it verbatim into a solid description, and analyzed it through descriptive-psychological phenomenological analysis procedures. The findings show that: (1) Yahanu is more of a performance character than a moral character; (2) Five traits that become Yahanu's elements: courage, confidence, efficacy, learning readiness, and grit drive the spirit of leadership, pioneering, activism, and risk-taking; and (3) The intersection of the four strengthens the skills to think/act strategically, adapt, be creative, and communicate. These findings further prove a strong correlation between character strength and life success, which is helpful for parents, education practitioners, and policymakers to design character education, especially at primary and secondary levels.