Allow me to introduce you to Tom Morris, the author of The Art of Achievement (Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2002). If you have high doses of the Yappy Yellow and Raving Red temperament like I do, you might like this philosopher, because he believes:

“Life is supposed to be a series of adventures –

and that means reinventing our work,

renewing our relationships,

retooling how we do things,

refreshing our inner attitudes,

and coming to new forms of personal achievement as a result.”

My thoughts exactly! But if you are Green or Blue and you shudder at his visions of constant adventures and never-ending change, I understand your trepidation. Perhaps these words, also by Morris, might resonate a bit more with you:

“You start honoring what feels right –

not what pleases others, but what nourishes your soul.

You trust your instincts,

knowing they have always been your deepest form of wisdom ...

It’s the quiet but powerful decision to prioritize your well-being,

to embrace your journey without apology ...”

Why did I become interested in Morris?

It was the subtitle of his book, “Mastering the 7 Cs of Success in Business and Life” that caught my eye. I was immediately intrigued because it seemed to me that there was a typo on the cover of this global best-seller. I have become much more attuned to such detail because of my own books.

And so, I discovered that dropping the apostrophe as I was taught to use, is the preference of modern style guides as a simpler plural form. But using that little thingy in “7 C’s” is apparently also correct. Both versions communicate the same meaning.

With that little grammar lesson behind us, let’s focus on the second reason the book caught my eye. It was the notion that success in one’s personal and work life can be explained and achieved in a neat list of seven C-words.

I did a quick check on the content of my books and presentations and, yes, I concur completely with all the principles. Here is a summary of Morris’ words we can apply for success as we step into 2026:

1. A clear CONCEPTION of what we want, a vivid vision, a goal clearly imagined.
2. A strong CONFIDENCE that we can attain the goal.
3. A focused CONCENTRATION on what it takes to reach the goal.
4. A stubborn CONSISTENCY in pursuing our vision.
5. An emotional COMMITMENT to the importance of what we are doing.
6. A good CHARACTER to guide us and keep us on the proper course.
7. A CAPACITY to enjoy the process along the way.

Why this is so neat and why our brains love it

Yes, I love these seven words and the presentation. But your brain loves it too! All brains work well with such a concept in conjunction with the strengths and weaknesses of each person’s unique temperament combination and personal experiences.

How this works, my colleagues and I explain in detail in our Learn in COLOUR study skills courses. In terms of lists, we all tend to group things together to create order and aid memory.

It helps us to simplify complex ideas into a manageable format that provides a clear structure or framework. This practice of creating a limited set of rules, steps or guidelines, like the 7 C’s or my own Four Colour Temperament Model, makes the information more digestible.

It makes it less overwhelming. It helps us understand, recall, and follow a system, making complex concepts easier to grasp and remember. It provides an anchor point or a guide in an uncertain world. 

It provides us with specific, actionable behaviours, rather than a vague goal for a new year or whenever a new season rocks up. By narrowing down a topic to a set number of points, it can make decision-making easier by providing a clear set of criteria to follow. 

Using a specific number for a list makes it easier to remember. People tend to remember the number, and then use it as a mnemonic device to recall the items on the list. It also provides a logical structure – something our brains love.

In a world of constant change and uncertainty, a list of principles or steps can provide a sense of stability and direction. It creates a shared understanding, a common language and framework for a group, making it easier to communicate and collaborate.

And yet, the Creator of our brains is different

In Matthew 5:18 (NIV) Jesus says: “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.”

If you are my age you might remember this verse mentioning an iota (or jot) and a tittle in older translations. These words refer to the ninth and smallest letter of the Greek alphabet and something similar to a dash or dot.

These grammatical references were familiar to the audience of Jesus’ time. He emphasises that not the most minor detail of the Law will pass away until it is fulfilled.

This signifies the enduring and precise nature of God’s Word, which is to be fully upheld and fulfilled through Christ’s coming and ultimate purpose. The use of “iota” and “tittle” also underscores the belief that every part of Scripture is divinely inspired and has a purpose.

Jesus rebukes all who ignore or dilute God’s commandments. He never rejected His Father’s words. He fulfilled them and explained them so that people can understand them better. Jesus interprets the words of God correctly and applies them.

We can communicate in earthly terms efficiently with or without iotas and tittles such as apostrophes. But we cannot communicate with God and about God if we ignore or throw away the small details (or what we decide are of minor importance.)

Also, our brains prefer to simplify the Lord and His Word into lists, clear structures, digestible formulas and easy-to-remember rules and regulations. But He is always more, so much more than we can ever explain or formulate.

He is almighty, sovereign, omnipotent, holy ... There are not enough words to try to describe or encompass Him. Not even in the whole Bible! Perhaps the angels in heaven know more words of worship and praise that we will learn when we get there ...

And yet, we can know Him intimately and experience His everlasting power in our new year, just as we are, in everything big and small. Which brings me to the eighth C I wish to gift you on the threshold of a new you in the new year: May you be CHARISMATIC.

May you explore and use your special spiritual gift or power (the “charisma”) bestowed upon you by the Holy Spirit. May you do so for the benefit of the church and the world, according to His Word and in all matters, major and minor.