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Seven Ingredients of Success

Recently I was reading a passage from Tom Morris’ Wisdom Institute that outlined the Seven Degrees of achievement. They include: Conception, Confidence, Concentration, Consistency, Commitment, Character, and Capacity

The art of successful achievement requires that we focus our energies toward favorable outcomes by living in accordance with seven universal conditions for positive achievement. In times of change, uncertainty, doubt, and turmoil you need to use these seven Cs constantly and relentlessly, as individuals and teams. A summary of each is listed below

A clear CONCEPTION of what we want, a true and obtainable vision, and a goal clearly imagined and a passion easily followed.

If you do not know where you are going, you will most likely end up there. Setting a goal is often difficult when the world around you is rapidly changing or in a state of flux, but it is the most important thing you can do if you ever hope to truly be successful. A disciplined use of our intellects and imaginations to envision where will we be in the future will enable us to move forward productively as great problem solvers and creative examples to others.

A strong CONFIDENCE that we can attain our goal and a willingness to continue in order make it through.

In situations of uncertainty or tremendous change, the first thing most people lose is their inner sense of confidence and their will to continue. Confidence is a state of mind and depends on your attitude and, as such, is within your control. Our confidence can be aided by how we think, talk, and act. In order to see your goal through to the end, you it to yourself, as well as to those around us, to keep going and maintain your confidence. Confidence is contagious and can drive success in surprising ways.

A focused CONCENTRATION on what it takes to keep going and reach the goal.

More people fail not because they are not talented, but because the take their eye off the ball. Concentration and the ability to narrow your focus is what will allow us to harness our strengths and abilities. You need to focus and refocus yourself in times of uncertainty and upheaval, and concentrate your thought and energy on what is required each day for the outcomes you seek.

A stubborn CONSISTENCY in pursuing your vision and never giving up.

Consistency does not mean doing things the way they have always done, but keeping your actions in line with our highest goals and deepest values. In this way, consistency is more like integrity. The most powerful adaptation requires this kind of consistency as you adjust to new realities.

An emotional COMMITMENT to the importance of what you doing in order to feed your passion.

Passion fuels excellence, and commitment fuels passion. Without an emotional commitment to your work, and to the team around you, you can easily find that unexpected change or bump in the road saps your strength. People will be fickle, let you down, and discourage you everyday. They will say “It can’t be done.” A commitment of the heart will energize you to get past these naysayers and allow you to do great things in new ways.

A good CHARACTER to guide you when you are tempted to deviate allow you to keep on a proper course.

Character in all things counts! Change often calls for compromise, but never for a compromise of character or integrity. The stronger your core values and character is, the better you will weather any storm. Practicing ethics and integrity matters in all endeavors your do, both large and small.

The CAPACITY to expand and enjoy the journey along the way.

If you can laugh at the absurdities life often throws at us, and find aspects of our work to enjoy during even trying times, you can achieve creative, lasting results. A cheerful capacity will allow you to expand the six abilities listed above. Nothing can withstand the onslaught of laughter!

By practicing the overall art of change each day – following the simple requirements of self-control, positive action, and ongoing achievement – you can position yourself to make the most of any change that comes your way. We are the masters of our destiny if we can master adaptation.

The wisdom of the past can guide us reliably into creating the future we want and deserve. If you use these seven attributes every day, you can best live the adventures you are here in this world to have, and can attain forms of success that will sometimes surprise not only ourselves even more than it bewilders our neighbors.


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