The Universal Success Principle: S = PC/D
At Muslim Family Adventures (MFA), we believe success isn’t about luck—it’s about a clear formula that anyone can apply. We call it the Universal Success Principle (USP):
S = PC/D
Where:
S = Success
P = Prioritisation
C = Consistency
D = Distractions
This principle applies to all areas of life—faith, family, health, and personal growth. Let’s break it down.
Prioritisation: Focusing on What Matters Most
Not all tasks are equal. Some produce far greater results than others. This idea is known as the 80/20 principle—where 20% of efforts lead to 80% of outcomes.
In Islam, we see this in worship—a few actions, like prayer, fasting, and charity, have immense rewards. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught his companions to focus on a few impactful deeds, rather than being overwhelmed by too much.
One day, a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and asked, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something that will bring me closer to Paradise and keep me away from the Fire.”
The Prophet (peace be upon him) responded with a simple but profound answer: “Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him, establish prayer, give zakat, and uphold the ties of kinship.”
This hadith highlights prioritisation—focusing on what truly matters in a particular context.
Consistency: The Power of Habits
Success isn’t about one-time efforts—it’s about doing the right things consistently. James Clear’s Atomic Habits explains that small actions, repeated over time, lead to massive change.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done regularly, even if they are small.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Prophet’s actions were always steady and continuous. Even when he prayed at night and was unable to do so due to illness, he would make up for it the next day.
This teaches us that success is built on consistency—small daily efforts create lasting impact, whether in faith, learning, or personal growth.
Distractions: The Silent Killer of Success
No matter how well we prioritise and build habits, distractions can destroy progress. Social media, endless notifications, and mindless entertainment steal our focus. The Quran warns:
“Competition in worldly increase diverts you, until you visit the graves.” (102:1-2)
The Forgotten Prayer: A Story of Distraction
Ahmed was a hardworking young man, always busy chasing his dreams. His phone buzzed with endless notifications—messages, social media updates, and emails. He told himself he would pray soon, just after responding to one more message. But one message led to another, and before he knew it, the time for prayer had passed.
One evening, as he scrolled through his phone, his grandfather sat beside him and sighed. “Ahmed, do you know the story of the lost traveler?” Ahmed shook his head.
“A man was walking toward his destination, but along the way, he kept stopping to admire distractions—the trees, the rivers, the markets. He kept saying, ‘I’ll move soon.’ But the sun set, and he found himself lost in the dark, far from his destination.”
His grandfather placed a gentle hand on Ahmed’s shoulder. “Life is full of distractions. If you don’t keep your eyes on what truly matters, you might wake up one day and realise you’ve lost your way.”
That night, Ahmed reflected deeply. He realised how often he had let distractions take him away from his purpose. From that day on, he placed his phone aside during prayers, knowing that the real connection he needed wasn’t through a screen—but with his Creator.
The key to success is removing distractions and protecting our focus.
Training for Success at MFA Adventure Retreats
Our MFA Adventure Retreats are built around this success principle. They train us to prioritise what truly matters (faith, family, well-being), build consistent habits (prayer, reflection, adventure), and disconnect from distractions (digital detox, nature immersion).
By living this formula in real life, we develop the discipline and clarity needed for long-term success—not just in adventures, but in our everyday lives.
