The 7P Success Scaffolding - Insights From a Motivational Speaker

The 7P Success Scaffolding: The System That Fuels Lasting Change

Thank you, Jonathan Fields, for generously sharing your insights through The Good Life Project. Your 7P Success Scaffolding framework offers a structured approach to change that aligns with my research on leadership, resilience, and transformation. Below is a deep dive into the key elements of the 7P system and why they matter.

1. The Pledge: Commitment as a Catalyst for Change

Jonathan Fields opens with the importance of commitment. He references Robert Cialdini’s classic book Influence, which introduces the ‘consistency principle’—our tendency to align future actions with past commitments.

A small initial commitment, such as publicly declaring your goal, primes your brain to stay consistent. This could be a contract with yourself, a social media post, or even a note stuck to your bathroom mirror. The key is visibility—constant reminders reinforce action. What creative ways can you make your pledge visible?

2. People: Success is a Team Sport

“Nobody succeeds at any high level alone.” Fields emphasizes the need for community and categorizes five key support roles:

• Co-strivers: Peers on a similar journey, pushing toward their own goals.

• Champions: Honest supporters who lift you up when you stumble.

• Mentors and Guides: Experienced figures offering wisdom and course correction.

• Accountability Partners: Individuals or groups that keep you on track.

• Community: A sense of belonging that provides emotional safety.

This aligns with research from Gretchen Rubin on accountability types—particularly obligers, who thrive with external accountability.

3. Possibility: The Foundation of Action

Belief fuels progress. Without the conviction that success is possible, we won’t take the necessary steps. Jonathan Fields highlights Dave Ramsey’s insight that fear, not circumstance, often blocks change. Zig Ziglar’s ‘trained flea’ analogy illustrates this: past failures can condition us to limit ourselves unnecessarily.

Shifting our mindset to possibility creates momentum. As Tom Ziglar notes, optimism precedes creativity and systems. Without hope, we can’t see solutions, let alone act on them.

4. Proof: Bridging the Gap Between Doubt and Belief

For those who struggle with blind faith, proof provides a bridge to belief. Fields outlines three levels of proof:

• Testimonials: Stories of others who have succeeded in similar situations.

• Trusted Endorsements: Validation from experts or close family and friends.

• Celebrity Endorsements: Less reliable but psychologically persuasive.

Seeing tangible evidence of success fuels our own belief in possibility.

5. Picture: The Power of Objective Progress Tracking

Humans default to negativity bias—our brains focus on failure over possibility. Fields suggests countering this with visual progress tracking, a common weight-loss strategy. Regular photos, measurable benchmarks, and objective tracking prevent us from relying on unreliable ‘feelings’ about our progress.

Charlie Gilkey’s analogy is fitting: “It’s hard to read the label when you’re inside the jar.” Objective tracking gives us a clearer view of our own journey.

6. Practical Process: A System for Sustainable Action

Zig Ziglar said, “Never make a promise without the offer of a process.” A plan must survive the real world. Fields contrasts rigid formulas (which often fail outside controlled environments) with adaptable frameworks.

Mike Tyson’s wisdom applies here: “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” Sustainable processes need flexibility—systems that adjust to reality, not ideal conditions.

7. Practice: The Shift from Action to Identity

The final step is to transform repeated actions into part of your identity. Fields differentiates between habits (automatic, unconscious behaviors like brushing your teeth) and rituals (intentional, meaningful acts).

Consistent, intentional practice turns behaviors into second nature. As Jonathan Fields succinctly puts it: “To succeed, it’s not just about information—it’s about consistent daily action over time.”

This echoes Derek Sivers’ brilliant observation: “If more information was the answer, we’d all be billionaires with perfect abs.”

Final Thoughts

The 7P Success Scaffolding provides a clear, actionable framework for long-term achievement. By integrating commitment, community, belief, proof, tracking, process, and practice, we create a sustainable foundation for change.

Thank you again, Jonathan Fields, for making these insights readily available. I’ll be putting them to purposeful and positive use—will you?