QQMA-The Life Changing Formula

Have you ever been to Chick-fil-A ? If yes, wouldn’t you agree there is something about this place that sets it apart from other fast food joints? Of course, their sandwiches are juicy and fresh. Of course, they have a variety of delicious choices on the menu. But there is one more, and perhaps the most important element that raises them above the crowd. It’s the attitude of their employees. The genuine smiles that you can hear in their voices, their politeness, speed of service, patience and bright attitude! Doesn’t this sound like a winning formula? That’s because it is! It’s called the QQMA formula.

Napoleon Hill, the author of the best-selling self-help book of all time “Think and Grow Rich”, defined this success formula as follows: “Quality + Quantity + Mental Attitude”. He stresses that the surest way to succeed in life is by utilizing this formula as a habit. I 100% agree with him.

Now let’s break it down. What does it really mean? Let’s say you just got hired at an entry position as a receptionist. How can you use the QQMA? Quality would be answering the calls in a professional manner, being polite and addressing the needs of the callers. Quantity would not only include doing the above consistently day in and day out, but also doing things above and beyond your duty. You may decide to wipe the surfaces throughout the building, bring a little flower arrangement to make the lobby more welcoming, or you may undertake to help others at the office when you’re not busy answering the calls. And last, but not least, you have to do all of the above with a huge smile, genuine enthusiasm and do this consistently. That is the mental attitude portion of the formula, arguably the most important one.

Are you currently using this formula, maybe even unconsciously? Let’s find out! Ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I producing the highest quality work I’m capable of?

• Am I producing it in the highest quantity I’m capable of?

• What is my mental attitude in which I perform these services?

If they are honest with themselves, most people will see that they answer “yes” to one or two of these questions. Indeed are rare the people who can claim all three. Those are the people that stand out wherever they are and you can spot them right away. You must remember that the formula works ONLY if all 3 components are present and they are utilized habitually.

So, how can you start? Start watching your actions and mental attitude. When you are doing something, anything, recall the questions above. Use phone reminders, sticky notes, or even ask others to remind you. I promise, the mere asking of the questions will encourage you to improve the quantity, quality and the mental attitude right then and there. The revelation will come after you make this into a habit, which means you have to consciously practice it for months, even years, to realize the full benefits.

Where can you use it? In everything you do. The benefits of this in the work/professional life are obvious. But have you thought what this could do in your personal life? For your relationships? Washing the dishes, doing the laundry, cleaning the house, cooking dinner, picking up the kids…Instead of showing your partner attitude for having done those things while they were out having fun, perform those tasks with a smile on your face. When they come back to a spotless home, showered kids, yummy 3 course dinner waiting on the table, welcome them with a flower and not with a thorn. Using this formula in your relationships habitually can transform them beyond your imagination.

Beware of the breaking point. You will (and you do) face temptations all the time. It goes something like this “Well, I’ve been doing all these things for him or her for so long and yet they are not noticing what I do. Why should I keep going? I am not being appreciated.” This last sentence is what blocks your progress, growth and happiness. This is your breaking point. You will not succeed in using the QQMA formula until you have learned to answer this obstacle the right way. Can you guess what it is? Here it goes “Well, who cares if others appreciate what I’m doing or not. I’m doing this not for them but for myself, for my conscience, for my self worth. I’m doing this because it spurs happiness within me knowing that I’m providing the highest quality, highest quantity and I do it with a giant smile on my face. This alone is my biggest reward!”

The world is yours. Once you have overcome the victim attitude of not being appreciated, you have conquered yourself, you have conquered the world. And I absolutely guarantee you, that if you make this formula into a habit, the world around you will change. It’s bound to change. There is no alternative to this. You will earn frequent promotions, people will be attracted to you, you will shine like a super bright projector light amongst dim 10 watt light bulbs. Worldly success will find you. You will grow your imagination, your creativity and skills.

But above all, you will learn that the gratification, the contentment, the happiness you’ve been searching for have been within you all along. The doors will open to a new whole life.

So, now I have 3 questions for you:

• Are you producing the highest quality you’re capable of?

• Are you producing the highest quantity you’re capable of?

• What is your mental attitude right now?