Character is the Key
The world is filled with people who make lots of money in
questionable ways -- drug dealers, con artists, dishonest
business men, politicians on the take, and so on. If you measure
success simply by how much money you make, then you must realize
that people who accumulate riches in a dishonest manner lack
something that is the true mark of success -- character and
integrity.
No amount of wealth can compensate for a lack of character.
Character equals integrity and integrity means you always do
what is right -- even when no one is watching you. It means that
fear and guilt are all but eliminated from your life because you
have nothing to hide and nothing to hold you back from achieving
success in the true definition of the word.
In a practical sense, this means you practice the "golden rule"
by doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. In your
daily life, there are numerous opportunities for you to make
this rule a part of your routine. Think about it. Have you ever
been tempted to shortcut your way to the top of the corporate
ladder? Reaching this goal is a wonderful achievement, but take
a look around you. Are the hallways in your office building
stacked high with the bodies of people you stepped on in order
to get there? If so, be prepared to get stepped on in return.
Do you routinely treat people with honesty and respect? Or do
you have a short temper when it comes to dealing with people who
refuse to bow down to your every wish and command? The person
with character and integrity will never have to worry about this
because they know that no one achieves success single-handedly.
Whether it's success in the business world or sports or family
life, someone was probably there to offer a helping hand
somewhere along the way. The person with character and integrity
will know and appreciate this and offer the same helping hand
when the opportunity arises.
Celebrated portrait photographer, Yousuf Karsh, was famous for
photographing celebrities and world leaders. He said, "I have
found that great people do have in common an immense belief in
themselves and their mission. They also have great determination
as well as an ability to work hard. At the crucial moment of
decision, they draw upon their accumulated wisdom. Above all,
they have integrity."
It is important that you take a good look at your attitude
regarding what success means to you. Albert Einstein said,
"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character."
Character is what you are. Success is what you achieve. What you
achieve can be large or small, but success without character and
integrity is merely a shadow. Your character is the key to
success and it is the attribute you will pass on to your
children. So let your strength of character shine through in all
you do and say and you will truly be able to achieve meaningful
success in life.