There is a wonderful book “Developing The Leader Within You” written by John C. Maxwell, that stresses exactly this point. The most important trait for one to exhibit to ensure their own success in private and public is integrity. Part of this process is that a person on integrity demonstrates the same qualities of behavior in the personal life and their professional self, creating a well-rounded person.

Based upon the theme that principles never change, character-driven people do right, then feel good. They are commitment driven, make principle-based decisions, let action control attitude, believe it, then see it…Create momentum and continue solving problems once they arrive. Leaders are steady and always ask “what are my responsibilities”. This is in sharp contrast to the radical analysis of the emotion driven person.

Another characteristic of moral strength is not getting involved in the petty stuff. It is understood that personal relationships come and go, and we must keep our eyes on the prize. Thus, we must focus on results, not the particular activity. Personal organization means to spend time doing the right things in a prioritized manner. As a leader and person of influence, others will be watching how we spend our time and resources. It is important to be appropriate with our mannerisms, speech, and work loads.

Maxwell expounds on vision statements, with four vision levels of people. 1) Some people never see it. (They are wanderers.) 2) Some people see it but never pursue it on their own. (They are followers) 3) Some people see it and pursue it. (They are achievers) 4) Some people see it and pursue it and help others see it. (They are leaders)

Depending on our ability to challenge ourselves and be less fragmented in terms of our time spent or not spent, and consistency in our relationships or how we neglect the needs of others, will determine our personal success levels.

Our inner areas of our life show on the outside a bit like wearing the proper undergarments for a smooth exterior fashion look and comfort on the inside. What we truly are underneath it all will always end up showing to everyone. By taking responsibility we can identify problem feelings, identify problem behavior, identify problem thinking, identify right thinking, then make a public commitment to right thinking. Going public with our best selves intact helps support our personal efforts and failures on our way.

Having enough power and self-will is required to change those things in our lives that we do not like, and that begins with the foresight and discipline to learn how to change ourselves. Character creates destiny.