Everyone seems to fight the battle of repeating unhealthy patterns of behavior.

However, a struggle for one person may not be a struggle for another. Why is it, as children and adults, we continue to act in a way that we know will produce unnecessary consequences?

For instance, if watching too much television keeps us from studying, why can’t we find the will power and self-discipline to simply turn off the tube?

If good grades increase our potential for scholarships and acceptance into elite colleges, why do we coast through a course, rather than capitalizing on the main criteria and/or content expected to better educate us as students and decision-makers? Is it due to outside influences, internal weaknesses, or both?

You may not like the idea of repeating unethical, immoral or lazy behavior; yet, somehow there has to be an immediate reward, a payoff. Somehow the results are satisfying for you.

For instance, some people smoke to gain an immediate satisfaction, even though the long-term consequences of that behavior are negative and unhealthy.

Eventually, you have to rationalize with yourself and decide whether the self-defeating behavior is worth the payoff.

When teaching young people to practice self-discipline and the importance of setting goals to obtain success, one must realize that hard work is the key.

If you have the mindset that success is an event, then you are constantly looking for that milestone occasion such as a key decision, a significant meeting, or the attainment of a specific title. Some people believe these types of events represent a turning point in one’s quest for success. However, there are those who believe “life is not fair.” These people feel blatant envy toward those who receive accolades, special attention or important responsibilities in the home, school or workforce.

They tend to believe success is out of their reach.

In today’s society, there are also individuals who believe in the theory of “somewhere over the rainbow” they will find success in the future.

It is important to think optimistically, but simply being patient without being proactive may not produce successful rewards. Basically, those who are waiting for success to fall in their laps are searching for a BIG BREAK. They tend to believe that success equals opportunity. Whereas, in some cases, it is evident that success hinges on relationships and meeting the right person to set you in the right direction. The truth lies in the fact that one must be willing to improve his or her commitment to starting the process of searching for success.

Working hard, setting goals and networking are critical steps that should find favorable results.

According to John Maxwell, the growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership. Therefore, to be successful leaders in today’s modern world, people must:

•Use their influence at the right time for the right reasons

•Lad themselves successfully before trying to lead others

•Add value to their work

•Inspire and motivate rather than intimidate and manipulate

•Realize that their dispositions are more important than their positions

•Remain honest in all situations

•Follow a moral compass that points in the right direction regardless of trends.

It is imperative to remember that we are all leaders in some capacity of our lives.

However, each individual may measure success differently.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who serves as an English instructor for Daphne Middle School and Faulkner State Community College.

Rogers’ column runs twice a month, exclusively in the Daphne Bulletin and on BaldwinCountyNow.com.