The Constant Struggle

Internal characteristics are what count in the long run.  

Why, then, do we not focus on these things more?  Why have we, as a society, gotten so stuck on the "quick-fix" solutions to our problems, and thereby choosing to ignore what really matters?

Take this example:  You have two options sitting in front of you, two birthday cakes actually.  Both seem good, but one is bigger and seems to have a bit more frosting.  This one draws you in and so you decide to try that one.  You grab a knife to slice a perfect, luscious piece and to your utter horror, as you put the knife in the frosting you hit cardboard.  This "cake," turns out, is only a cardboard box with frosting on it.  Why would someone do that? What a waste of perfectly good frosting!

This example is like a person with the right external behaviors--the right charm, the right smile, the right answers--but who lacks true character.  We may like, and even appreciate this type of person at first, but soon we realize that they are empty inside.  Nothing but a nice frosted shell.  These people have skills--techniques--that help in human interactions like communication skills, positive reactions, and even stylish dress.  Yet, they lack the most important ingredients--internalized principles.

This really is all about the battle between just doing and truly being.  Our character is who we are.  Skills are tools we possess.  

When we have become, then the right actions flow without our constant need to control them.  

This happens as we are empowered by our new character, and as our desire for things that won't lead us to true success diminishes.

How often do we fight a bad habit with some sort of distraction? We decide, if I just don't think about it, or if I make myself too busy, I'll avoid this bad habit.  This often leads us to feel overwhelmed and frustrated.  However, if we become someone who wouldn't want to do that bad habit, then the habit slowly withers without our constant need to avoid it.  In other words, if we focus on becoming better, by applying truth, then those annoying habits will leave as our desire for them disappears.

Focusing on our character, by searching out and applying true principles that have worked throughout history will do more for our success as a person, a professional, a parent, a sibling, and a friend, than any other solution we can find.

And that is what matters.