The Law of Design and The Success System That Never Fails

The Law of Design and The Success System That Never Fails

Achieving personal and professional success requires deliberate planning, consistent effort, and the right mindset.

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Two timeless guides that offer invaluable insights into this journey are W. Clement Stone's "The Success System That Never Fails" and John Maxwell’s "Law of Design" from his book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth." By exploring the core principles of these teachings, we can uncover a powerful synergy that provides a comprehensive blueprint for success.

W. Clement Stone's Success System That Never Fails

The Success System:
Stone introduces a three-step system: Inspiration to Action, Know-How, and Activity Knowledge. He emphasizes that success is not accidental but a result of deliberate and consistent application of these principles.

1. Inspiration to Action: The first step involves finding inspiration, described as a burning desire to achieve a specific goal. This inspiration acts as a catalyst for taking action.
2. Developing Know-How: The second step is acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills. Continuous learning and the ability to apply knowledge effectively are crucial.
3. Activity Knowledge: The final step is practical application. Stone stresses the importance of taking consistent, purposeful action and learning from successes and failures, highlighting persistence and adaptability.

Techniques and Tools:

1. Affirmations and Visualization: Stone advocates using positive affirmations and visualization to reinforce belief in one’s ability to succeed.
2. Self-Discipline and Goal Setting: Emphasizing self-discipline, he encourages setting clear, specific goals and creating detailed plans to achieve them.
3. Overcoming Adversity: Stone shares personal anecdotes illustrating resilience and the importance of viewing failures as learning opportunities.

 
John Maxwell’s Law of Design

Key Principles:

1. Purposeful Planning: Growth requires a clear and structured plan, identifying specific goals, and designing a roadmap.
2. Reflective Review: Regularly evaluating and reflecting on progress ensures the plan remains effective and aligned with goals.
3. Systematic Approach: Employing systems and routines helps integrate growth activities into daily life, ensuring consistency.
4. Intentional Actions: Every action should be purposeful and aligned with the broader growth plan, maximizing the impact of efforts and resources.
5. Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt and modify the plan in response to new insights and challenges is crucial for continuous growth.

Benefits:

1. Clarity and Focus: A well-designed plan provides clear direction, minimizing distractions and increasing productivity.
2. Efficiency and Effectiveness: Systematic approaches ensure efforts yield maximum benefits.
3. Resilience: Structured plans with adaptability help navigate obstacles effectively.
4. Sustained Progress: Regular review and intentional action promote sustained and meaningful growth.

Real-Life Applications and Parallels
Both Stone and Maxwell emphasize the importance of systems and intentionality. Stone’s systematic approach to inspiration, know-how, and activity knowledge aligns with Maxwell’s principles of purposeful planning and systematic action. Here are two examples that illustrate the power of these concepts:

Example 1: Combined Life Insurance Company
I first worked with Combined Life Insurance Company in my early twenties. The company was founded by W. Clement Stone, who also wrote a book titled "The Success System That Never Fails." I was a field sales representative, visiting customers' homes to sell insurance products. I was always good at sales and felt confident about succeeding in this role. Before going into the field, I had to undergo a week of sales training. The training involved using a presentation manual with pictures and bullet points. We were told to point at the pictures and words as we went through the presentation. At first, I didn't think this method would work, but after completing the training and seeing my sales manager use it successfully in the field, I changed my mind. I realized the system was effective and shifted my beliefs. After achieving a high level of personal success in the field, I was promoted to a managerial role. In this new role, I had to build a successful team and I quickly appreciated the value of the company's system in helping those with varying levels of confidence.

​Example 2: The John Maxwell Model
I've always been a fan of John Maxwell and his books, so a few years ago, I decided to attend one of his events. Most of the attendees were there to learn how to turn their knowledge, skills, and expertise into a speaking, training, or personal coaching business. John's team assured us that regardless of our chosen path, John had a system that was easy to understand and implement, even for those with little to no experience. This reminded me of my previous experience with Combined Life. I was intrigued to learn more and was ultimately impressed with the six core learning systems, each revolving around one of John's books. It was evident that the systems were intentionally designed to allow the individual to grow a successful business but also make it possible for the Maxwell Leadership Team to grow and scale. Pure genius!

Conclusion
John Maxwell’s "Law of Design" and W. Clement Stone’s "The Success System That Never Fails" offer complementary approaches to success. Stone’s focus on inspiration, know-how, and activity knowledge, combined with Maxwell’s principles of purposeful planning, systematic action, and adaptability, provide a holistic framework for personal and professional growth. By embracing these timeless principles and integrating them into our daily lives, we can design a path to systematic, scalable, and sustainable growth.

Bill Storm
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