Make measurable progress in reasonable time.
Character isn't something you were born with and can't change, like your fingerprints. It's something you weren't born with and must take responsibility for forming.
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret or disappointment.
Your philosophy determines whether you will go for the disciplines or continue the errors.
Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you.