The character ethic espouses the notion that all real change comes from within. It argues that people must radically change their underlying attitudes and beliefs if they hope to solve the external problems that confront them. Covey believes the founding fathers of this country embraced the character ethic before it was supplanted by the personality ethic of later generations. In writing his book, the author hopes to shift the reader’s perspective away from the personality ethic and back to the character ethic.

The circle of concern consists of subjects that predominantly occupy our minds. We worry about these subjects constantly without necessarily having any ability to affect their outcome. For example, worrying about whether it’s going to rain or not is pointless. The weather is under no one’s control. Therefore, it is a waste of energy to spend much time in this sphere. 

In contrast to the circle of concern, the circle of influence includes those conditions over which a person has some control. The author recommends that the reader should focus the majority of their attention in this sphere and actively find ways to expand the circle of influence. This is the area in which a person can effect positive change in their life.