Guardian

MANY make it into limelight but they rarely stay there long without character. Absence of strong character eventually topples their success. This is because you cannot climb beyond the limitations of your character, Sometimes, people are tempted to take shortcuts, and integrity of character prevents that. People of talent may feel superior, expecting special privileges. Integrity helps them to know better. When your talent makes you a gift to the world, character protects that gift.

People are like icebergs, there is much more to them than meets the eye. Only 15 percent of icebergs are visible character is like that. The rest of them like character are below the surface. It is what they do when no one is watching them. When you are too top-heavy with talent, then you are likely to get into trouble for lack of character. You can never succeed without strong character. Character keeps you steady no matter how rough the storm is, character is the pedestal determining how much weight you can sustain.

So, what exactly comprises character? I believe character contains the elements: One, self discipline, which is the ability to do what is right whatever the circumstances. The Greek Philosopher, Plato calls it,’ the first and best victory over oneself.’ That keeps the future for the disciplined person. Without discipline, all your gifts no matter how great, will never blossom. A flash of greatness depends on what you already are. What you are going to become will be the result of previous self discipline.

Two, your success is determined by your values. Your core values are the principles you live by. Ideally, you should write out your core values so that they are beacons used as your guide, One man most admirable as a coach was John Wooden. He was a former basketball coach of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), the most populous of university in the world. When he was 12, his father gave him a seven point creed to live by. Here are they. One – be true to yourself, two- help others, three-make each day your best, four-drink deeply from books, particularly the bible, five-make friendship a fine art, six-build a shelter against a rainy day by saving.

Finally pray for guidance and give thanks to the almighty for your blessings. Indeed, the man without values is a slave to his circumstances.

The third pillar of character is a sense of self identity. The question of who am I? serves to provide you with the motivation for self-discipline. No matter how hard you try, you cannot behave in a way that is inconsistent with how you see yourself. Thus, an accurate sense of self identity is essential to your success.

The last pillar of character is integrity, you will fail in your ambition if you did not envision the kind of person you want to be before setting out on your ambition. People with consistency which comes with integrity are always compelling. Talent without character is a dead end. A study by Korn Ferry international at the UCLA Graduate School of Management asked 1,300 business executives to identify the top trait needed to enhance business effectiveness. Coming first was integrity. In second place was concern for results with responsibility coming third. Thus, if you want your talent to take you far, you need to protect that talent with integrity.

A character standard is more important than a gold standard. The success of all economics systems is dependent on both righteous leaders and righteous people. Indeed our future depends upon our national character, that is, whether we are spiritually or materially minded. Your character impacts on others, enabling you to build a life with others. Your consistency of character attracts others to you. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “What you do thunders so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” Impressions are like shadows, they disappear when light is beamed on them. Character is the genuine article. The more you shine light on it the more of its details you can see. Character shows that who you are and who you appear to be are the same.

While character is the sum total of your choices, it also communicates. No matter how brilliant you are, you will never engender confidence in your subordinates if you lack simple honesty and moral courage. Character cannot be inherited, it cannot be bought. No matter how talented, he cannot become great whose character is hopelessly flawed. Character determines what happens to you. Character gives the longevity of tenure in any career any relationship and any worthwhile goal. The only thing that refuses to be buried in the tomb is the character of a man. Never forget that talent is a gift but character is a choice.

Here is how to become a champion in the area of character. One, never give up or give in to adversity. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved. The foundation of character is doing what you don’t like to do to get what you want. Two, always do the right thing. French author, Moliere said, “Men are alike in their promises it is only in their deeds that they differ.” The difference is that people of character do what is right regardless of the situation, and it isn’t easy to do the right thing when it will cost you more. Three take charge of your life. Mediocrs often tend to blame circumstances for their plight. Truly we must accept many things are outside our control in life. However, developing your character is your personal responsibility, while your circumstances are beyond your control, your character is not. So commit yourself to the development of your character to protect your talent. Your journey to greatness begins from your decision to make good character your goal.

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