A Philosopher’s Simple Conditions for Achieving Your Goals
“7Cs that will help you Thrive in relationships, work and business.”
“May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfil all your plans.” — Ps 20:4
If you are looking for a shortcut, no sweat or how to become an overnight success, you should stop reading now. But, if you are interested in finding a simple, time-tested approach to achieving true and lasting success, then the following five minutes investment of your time will be well worth it.
Over the past weekend, I picked up one of the longest books in my Audio library. The Entrepreneur Master Course has been a gem in my self-study of developing my entrepreneur skillset. After four non-consecutive hours into this 12 hours masterclass, I came across what I felt made the entire course worth it, even if I did not listen to anything afterwards.
I am not a fan of philosophy, per se. But I have heard about Jordan Peterson and read one of his books. The world-famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, recently consulted Mr Perterson to help him with some issues he is facing. Yet, I had to ask myself, why am I only learning about Professor Tom Morris now? His insights are too powerful to miss.
“Independent thinkers have been disruptors for centuries… Can their abilities be available to help us today?”
Within five minutes of that chapter, Professor Morris answered this question with his distilled research of the likes of Plato, Aristotle and Seneca.
Professor Morris’ 7C framework will help you answer some of the most common questions about success.
“What is true success? What is deep satisfaction? What is fulfilment? How can I make my mark?
According to Prof Tom Morris, “it struck me as remarkable that the wisest people in every century have recognised the same seven universal conditions for success.”
Here is his “simple framework of seven universal conditions for success”, which will make the difference between you and those who seem to be struggling to achieve their goals.
1) Clarity
To attain anything, we must first be clear on what we want. Then we must design a detailed plan of how to achieve it. Like building a house, we cannot start without a blueprint.
First Condition: “A clear CONCEPTION of what we want, a vivid vision, a goal clearly imagined.”
2) Confidence
Studies have shown that all create champions start with an unwavering belief in their abilities. From Mohammad Ali to Michael Jordan — they believed in themselves. They were competent at their craft and confident to set audacious goals.
Mohammad Ali did not shy away from saying — “I am the greatest!”
Second Condition: “A strong CONFIDENCE that we can attain the goal.”
3) Concentration
The advice of “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” is a recipe for distraction. We spread ourselves thin when we try to “keep our options open.” And chasing more than one thing at a time could lead to distraction, and we risk not succeeding at any. Climb the ladder of success one rung at a time.
Third Condition: “A focused CONCENTRATION on what it takes to reach the goal.”
4) Consistency
We instinctively take consistency to mean doing one act or thing repeatedly without breaking a pattern or routine, like going to the gym every morning. But, Prof Morris opened up about the profound meaning of the word.
“The word ‘consistency’ comes from two Greek roots, a verb meaning “to stand” and a particle meaning “together.” Consistency is all about standing together.”
To enjoy true success, we must say what we do and do what we say. If I say I want to build wealth, I must not spend money I don’t have.
Fourth Condition: “A stubborn CONSISTENCY in pursuing our vision.”
5) Commitment
Without commitment, driven by passion, we will give up at the first sign of difficulty. And we will face challenges, complications and failure. Genuine passion and love for what we do will keep us moving forward and the courage to keep back up after every knockdown.
“Motivation is what gets you started. Commitment is what keeps you going.” — Jim Rohn
Fifth Condition: “An emotional COMMITMENT to the importance of what we’re doing.
6) Character
Steven R Covey talks about character ethics meaning to align one’s values with “universal and timeless” principles such as fairness, integrity, honesty and truthfulness, and treating people with respect.
“Real integrity is doing the right thing, knowing that nobody’s going to know whether you did it or not.” — Oprah Winfrey
Sixth Condition: “A good CHARACTER to guide us and keep us on a proper course.
7) Celebrate
Delay gratification but celebrate small wins along the way. Every step in the right direction is progress. Celebrate it, but don’t stay there. Enjoy going to practice, enjoy going to work, enjoy serving your customers.
“Enjoy the journey, not the destination.” Bishop T D Jakes
Seventh Condition: “A CAPACITY TO ENJOY the process along the way.”
You will increase your chances of achieving your goals or fulfilling your dreams if you are clear about what you want, you are confident you have what it takes to pursue it, you align your words and action, you are passionate about your goal, you work with integrity, and you dare to celebrate along the way, then you are a long way ahead in realising true success.
Two (2) Book recommendations
Here are two book recommendations that I believe will change how we live, work and play.
a) True Success: A New Philosophy of Excellence — by Professor Tom Morris
This book packs a punch. The renowned Notre Damn philosophy professor, Tom Morris, unpacks his 7Cs framework — “seven basic concepts that are essential to meeting life’s challenges.” From clarity to character, these are time-tested principles and practices that great thinkers of our time and before us have outlined as their conditions for success.
b) The Entrepreneur Master Course — by Nightingale Conant (A Personal Development Company)
This book is what it title says — a master course, but not entrepreneurs alone. The acronym RISE forms the book’s principles, with lessons from subject matter experts and best-selling authors. Having this book is like having my mentors in my pocket.
What does RISE stand for — grab a copy!
Three (3) Citations
Here are three profound quotes from Prof Tom Morris from his 7Cs of success:
“No wind blows fair for a ship that has no port.” — Seneca
“The one thing all champions share is Precursive Faith — faith that runs ahead of the evidence.” — William James
“The three most common causes of persistent inconsistency are: Ignorance, Indifference, and Inertia. Only the power of the imagination can overcome inertia, the entrenched power of habit.” — Prof Tom Morris
