Life is an ongoing process of human growth and self-discovery. Our current and future selves are influenced by every decision we make and behavior we adopt. “What you tolerate chips away at the marble of your character to reveal your future self” is a quote that emphasizes how important daily routines are in molding who we become.  When it comes to leadership, habits are vital in molding the character of leaders, influencing team dynamics, and contributing to the overall success and sustainability of an organization. Building positive habits lays the groundwork for effective leadership, fosters trust, and paves the way for long-term excellence. 

This article examines the idea of habits, habit formation, and how they affect our well-being and life course, posing the question of whether we are truly living our lives on purpose or just by accident.   

The significance of habits  

Habits form the cornerstone of our daily existence. They encompass a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from everyday rituals like brushing our teeth to more profound undertakings, such as committing to a regular exercise regimen. What’s crucial to understand about habits is the impact of their repetitive nature – repetition is what gives them the power to mold our character and influence our identities and lives.  Habits bring a sense of predictability and consistency to our behavior in effective leadership, which helps our team members know what to expect and creates a stable and secure work environment. 

Habits as sculptors of our character 

Picture your character as a pristine block of marble. Your character mirrors your values, beliefs, and moral direction in life. In much the same way that a skilled sculptor patiently chips away at a block of marble to craft a masterpiece, our character takes shape through the habits we adopt. The habits we tolerate and maintain act as the chisels that sculpt our character. This metaphor is a poignant one, underlining the gradual, step-by-step process of personal development and living our best life.  

Negative habits and character erosion 

The habits we embrace for effective leadership are a double-edged sword. They can either propel us to greater heights or lead us down a path of decline. It’s a dynamic, two-way relationship. Negative habits, such as procrastination, self-doubt, or turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms can be likened to corrosive chisels, steadily wearing away the very core of our character. These habits chip away at our resolve, nibble at self-esteem, and over time, gradually unveil a future self-marked by flaws and an unsettling lack of self-assurance.   

Positive habits and character enhancement 

On the flip side, positive habits like discipline, kindness, and continuous learning serve as constructive chisels and contribute greatly to effective leadership. These habits also chip away at the raw marble of our character, shaping us into stronger, more resilient, and virtuous individuals. They nurture our growth, reinforce our values, and carve out a future self-characterized by success, fulfillment, and inner strength. 

Revealing your future self   

Think of your character as a blueprint for the person you’re going to become – an architectural plan for your future self. Habits play a pivotal role in shaping this blueprint. So, it’s only natural that your future self is going to resemble the character you’ve been molding.   

If you’re embracing and nurturing positive habits, your future self will easily exude the virtues and strengths you diligently cultivate. On the flip side, if negative habits linger and persist, your future self will inevitably carry the scars of those weaknesses and shortcomings. Habits are the sculptor’s tools that etch the design of your future self into the stone of your character. For effective leadership, its important to make it a habit to keep learning and getting better. This helps you grow as a leader and encourages the team to value ongoing improvement.   

Life by design or life by default?  

At the core of this issue is a vital question: Are you actively shaping your life or merely allowing life to unfold without direction? Living life by design is a conscious choice, an act of taking charge of your destiny. It involves setting specific goals, painting a clear picture of your desired future, and making deliberate choices in your habits to support this vision. The path of effective leadership necessitates self-awareness, discipline, and resolute dedication to personal growth. In essence, it’s about steering your own ship in the vast sea of life, rather than letting the winds of circumstance dictate your course.   

Conversely, living life by default is akin to aimlessly drifting in the current of existence, letting external circumstances and unconscious habits dictate your course. This often results in a future shaped by forces beyond your control, leaving you feeling like a passenger in your own life, rather than the driver.  

The distinction lies in your level of personal agency, in your ability to consciously shape your future or leave it to the mercy of chance.   

Habits are the brushes that stroke the canvas of our lives 

The habits we tolerate have the power to sculpt our character, and in turn, shape our future selves. When it comes to effective leadership, it is our responsibility to choose our habits wisely and with purpose, for they determine whether we are living life by design or by default.   

Take control of your chisels! Be mindful of the habits you allow into your life and consciously select those that lead you toward the future and fulfilling life you desire. Whether chipping away involves small changes and tweaks or clearly defining strokes, by applying them, you ensure that your character and future self are masterpieces of your own creation, reflecting your design and determination, rather than mere defaults of circumstance.   

Go after career advancement – it’s a good habit! 

As a senior talent recruiter with Goodwin Recruiting, I am fortunate to work with talented people every day who continually work on professional and self-improvement to become more successful in their careers. I also work with great employers who hire them!   

Connect with me today if you’re ready to carve out effective leadership in your professional career!