I just read this awesome post by Todd Duncan. In it he reviews Benjamin Franklin and his “Ladder of Success.” It is amazing to read how over 200 years ago, many of the issues we face today were faced by our forefathers, and mothers! I found this quite interesting and enjoyed the read. I remembered I have a Book about Benjamin Franklin I never read. Time to look through the cupboards and see if I can find it. I owe a little time to learning more about this fascinating man!
Just my opinion…JeffRCameron
Posted: 19 Oct 2010 12:36 PM PDT
Purpose is often absent in the lives of most mortgage originators. As I travel across America, I am constantly impressed by the dramatic differences in performance between mortgage originators who have a Compelling Purpose and those who do not.
I want to share with you the gems that I gleaned recently from two very powerful and life-changing books. The On Purpose Person, by Kevin McCarthy is a book that, in less than one hour, takes you step-by-step through a process that will shape your life forever in distinct and enlightening ways. The Art of Virtue, edited by George Rogers, articulates the life-management strategies of Benjamin Franklin. This book also offers incredible new insights and skills for designing a Compelling Purpose into your business and personal lives.
Let’s take a look at the words, Compelling and Purpose. Compelling is the adjective form of the verb, compel, which is from the Latin com — together + pellere — to get or bring about by force. Purpose is something one intends to get or do; intention; a desired result. Putting these two words together creates a very strong concept that is full of empowerment. Compelling Purpose is the use of determination and resolve to focus your efforts to create intended results. With this definition in mind, let’s look at how to develop a Compelling Purpose.
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. I find it fascinating that he experienced the same challenges then as you and I are experiencing now. His frustration while pursuing his dreams caused him much confusion and led him to search for the meaning of life. He created a personal system that helped him accomplish many great things, including a place in history as one of the most revered and ingenious men ever.
Benjamin Franklin created a formal game plan for creating outcomes that emanated from a specific purpose. He developed a picture or image of his life that began with his youth and ended with his life’s completion. In effect, he visualized what he wanted his life to be, and then worked to live that life precisely.
While still very young, Ben Franklin developed a “Ladder of Success.” This ladder was a sequence of rungs that he believed people must climb if they are to create fulfilling lives. Each rung is a cornerstone or a launching pad — backed by a compelling purpose from which success would be created predictably.
Benjamin Franklin has 13 rungs to his Ladder of Success. We have highlighted his first right. Think about each one and ask yourself how you are doing in that area of your life.
Rung One: All human achievement rests on the establishment of clearly defined objectives.
Rung Two: The achievement of one’s objectives requires a good plan and consistent effort.
Rung Three: Religion is a powerful regulator of human conduct.
Rung Four: Correct action is dependent on correct opinion.
Rung Five: Motives of personal gain tend to be opposite of one’s true self-interest.
Rung Six: Without honesty, there can be no happiness.
Rung Seven: The proper acquisition and use of money may be a blessing, but the opposite is always
a curse.
Rung Eight: The possession of health makes all things easier. In its absence, everything is more difficult.
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