In the realm of personal development and success literature, there has been a significant shift in focus over the past century and a half. This transformation, as explained by Stephen Covey in his timeless work, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," has had a profound impact on how individuals pursue success, happiness, and influence in their lives.
Historically, success literature in the United States emphasized what Covey referred to as "The Character Ethic." This approach revolved around the foundational principles that underpin human success, leadership, and effectiveness. These principles included integrity, humility, simplicity, fairness, modesty, fidelity, love, courage, justice, patience, trust, and the Golden Rule.
In this era, individuals were encouraged to develop fundamental behaviors, such as active listening, rooted in these character traits. The focus was on building a solid, virtuous foundation from which to navigate life's challenges and opportunities.
However, shortly after World War I, a significant shift occurred in the world of personal development literature. This shift, often referred to as "The Personality Ethic," redirected the focus from character development to personality techniques. Instead of nurturing character traits, the emphasis shifted towards secondary behavior skills, including the ability to read situations and people, positive thinking, managing public appearances, navigating human interactions, appearing empathetic, and maintaining a positive emotional and mental attitude.
In essence, success literature transitioned from advocating character building to promoting the idea that external appearances, social skills, and personality could lead to success. The mantra became "fake it until you make it."
Born in the late 1960s, I grew up during a time when the Personality Ethic dominated the self-help landscape. Countless books and programs taught that success could be achieved by simply looking the part, saying the right things, and projecting an appealing personality. Unfortunately, this approach inadvertently led many, including myself, to focus on control, manipulation, and superficiality without considering our true selves or genuine desires.
I had unknowingly subscribed to the idea that changing my personality was the key to success, as dictated by the prevalent literature of the time. Little did I know that countless others were following the same path.
It struck me as ironic that while these books and programs preached the path to "getting what you want in life," the hidden message they conveyed was "fake it until you make it." The realization that I had been faking my way through life, devoid of a clear sense of self or purpose, was both startling and transformative.
In all the literature I had encountered during that era, there was a conspicuous absence of discussions about character—what it is, its significance, or the necessity of possessing it. This revelation spurred a personal journey to reevaluate the importance of character in achieving genuine success and fulfillment.
Today, as I guide clients through online courses like Power Habits® Academy and coaching programs, I emphasize the paramount importance of returning to The Character Ethic. But how can we achieve this transformation?
As Stephen Covey, my unofficial mentor, often asserted, "The fastest way to build character is to make a promise and keep it." This simple yet profound principle lies at the heart of The Character Ethic. It calls for individuals to cultivate integrity, honesty, and reliability in their actions and commitments.
Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" also introduces the concept of the P/PC Balance, representing the balance between Production (achieving results) and Production Capacity (developing character and capabilities). This concept is exemplified through the fable of The Goose and The Golden Egg. In other words, true success is not solely about achieving immediate results but also about nurturing one's character and capacities for sustained success.
Covey's work further delves into the idea of a paradigm shift—the shift in perspective that shapes how individuals perceive the world. Recognizing and embracing such shifts are crucial for personal development and effectiveness.
Even before delving into the seven habits themselves, Covey discusses why each habit is important. This includes differentiating between principles and values, understanding the process of moving from dependence to independence to interdependence, and recognizing how one's individual nature influences ethical choices.
In the end, the true measure of a person's character lies in their ability to follow through on their commitments. It's easy to make promises, but when faced with obstacles and challenges, actions often fall short of words. As the saying goes, "After all is said and done, more is said than done."
Excuses are a common barrier to taking action. When life presents roadblocks and unexpected hurdles, it's tempting to rely on excuses. Yet, as Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely stated, "Inside of us, we know that on the other side of fear lies freedom." Overcoming excuses and embracing action is the key to achieving success in various aspects of life, whether it be financial prosperity, improved health, happiness, or peace of mind.
In conclusion, living by The Personality Ethic without acknowledging the significance of The Character Ethic is akin to building a house on a foundation of sand. True greatness, personal development, and influence come from seeking constant improvement and balance between these two paradigms. To embark on a path of genuine success, remember that character matters just as much as personality.
The Character Ethic represents a set of fundamental principles and virtues that form the foundation of human success, leadership, and effectiveness. It includes qualities such as integrity, humility, fairness, courage, and trust.
The shift from the Character Ethic to the Personality Ethic occurred shortly after World War I. It redirected the focus from building character traits to emphasizing personality techniques and superficial qualities.
Character is vital in personal development because it forms the bedrock of one's integrity, reliability, and ethical conduct. It shapes how individuals navigate challenges and make ethical choices.
Transitioning from the Personality Ethic to the Character Ethic involves recognizing the importance of character development and committing to keeping promises and acting with integrity. It's a journey towards genuine self-improvement.
The P/PC Balance, as introduced by Stephen Covey, represents the equilibrium between Production (achieving results) and Production Capacity (developing character and capabilities). It underscores the idea that true success involves both achieving immediate results and nurturing one's character and capacities for long-term success.
Dr. Noah St. John, The Father of AFFORMATIONS®
Creator of The 12-Week Breakthrough
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