Success Is A Choice Ch 11

Developing Strong Character

• Strong character is crucial for sustained success, even with significant talent.
• Talent alone is insufficient; character prevents shortcuts, arrogance, and poor decision-making.
• Character builds inner strength, safeguards talent, and helps navigate challenges.
• Character is like an iceberg; only a small portion of a person is visible (talent), while the rest (character) is hidden.
• Character is essential for handling both failure and success; the greater the talent, the more critical strong character.

Components of Character

• Character encompasses self-discipline, core values, sense of identity, and integrity.

1. Self-Discipline

• Self-discipline is the ability to act correctly even when it's difficult.
• Historical leaders understood the importance of self-discipline, recognizing it as crucial for maximizing potential.
• Personal victories, like mastering a temper, are essential.
• Examples of figures who embody self-discipline include Bobby Jones, who overcame temper issues to become a successful golfer.
• Self-discipline is crucial for long-term success in all endeavors.
• It's about mastering oneself, not just external accomplishments.

2. Core Values

• Core values are guiding principles that shape daily actions, beliefs, and conduct.
• Writing down core values creates a clear benchmark.
• An example of core values is exemplified by John Wooden, who used a seven-point creed as a daily guide.
• Core values provide internal structure and direction, enabling people to overcome challenges.
• A strong inner life, guided by core values, allows one to navigate life's obstacles effectively.

3. Sense of Identity

• Understanding and accepting one's identity is essential for character development.
• Knowing one's self-worth, motivations, and values impacts behavior.
• A negative or distorted self-image creates conflict and weakens character.
• A clear and positive sense of self directs actions for sustained success and avoids confusion.

4. Integrity

• Integrity is the alignment of values, thoughts, feelings, and actions.
• Consistent integrity creates a strong and compelling presence.
• Mahatma Gandhi's example of aligning thoughts, feelings, words, and actions highlights the power of integrity.
• Inconsistency creates internal conflict and hampers long-term success.

Character and Success

• Developing character is paramount for maximizing talent and achieving long-term success.
• Character influences communication, choices, influence, and longevity.
• Character communicates consistency, highlighting the importance of aligning actions with words and intentions.
• Character dictates choices. Choices influence character, demonstrating a cyclical relationship.
• Strong character earns respect, influence, and longevity by inspiring trust and confidence.

Character Building

• Character development requires resilience and responding to adversity.
• Adversity is pivotal for character development.
• Facing difficulties, while remaining true to one's core values and integrity, strengthens character.
• Doing the right thing, despite challenges and expediency, builds character. Example of Martin Luther King Jr.
• Taking control of personal actions and choices over circumstances is fundamental to character development.
• Excuses weaken character, and self-responsibility is crucial.