One of the many challenges of being a human being (in this crazy, kooky world of ours) is that, although, we’re born with a tremendous amount of potential, we’re pretty much left to our own devices when it comes to figuring out how to discover and use that potential. Since it’s typically not taught in school or at home, we have to figure it out on our own.
Even though we’re not issued a written life-manual or assigned a personal mentor at an early age, the information and inspiration we need IS readily available in a variety of forms. We just have to have the awareness and receptivity to be able to identify and apply it. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you are — and have been — inundated with positive messages and guidance throughout your life — even through advertisements, movies, TV shows, and popular songs.
Although I would not describe myself as a religious person, I do derive inspiration from a number of passages in the bible. For example, in the King James version of the Bible, I can relate to the following inspiring words:
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Then, of course, there are passages in the bible and other sacred texts about the power of faith in moving mountains and producing miracles. As you’ll discover in the book Think and Grow Rich, faith is a vital ingredient in any formula for achieving success — and I’m not necessarily talking about financial or career success.
The definition of success is subjective, and could include finding love, overcoming physical or mental limitations, attaining peace of mind, becoming an expert in a subject you’re passionate about, being a published writer, creating a beautiful work of art, mastering a musical instrument, starting your own business, becoming fluent in a foreign language, or raising well-adjusted, productive children — preferably ones who kind, compassionate, and confident.
For more and more people, the gold standard of success is happiness. The great thing about achieving happiness is that it fuels and enhances creativity, productivity, initiative, kindness, confidence, generosity, patience, tolerance, and all the other qualities that help you to be the best version of yourself.
Focus on Positivity (and it will grow)
The challenge with staying positive is that we’re bombarded with a lot of negativity, which — for a lot of people — is “stickier” and carries more weight than positive messages. This tendency to pay more attention to negative possibilities, often referred to as a “negativity bias,” is one of the primary reasons happiness and success elude many people. We’ve all been impacted by our own negativity bias at one time or another, but unless we identify it for what it is and do something to consciously counteract it, then it will continue to impede our progress and suppress our potential.
There are various definitions of the word “mindset,” but here’s mine:
Mindset is your dominant attitude and belief system, based on personal values, goals, and intentions, that forms the foundation of your actions, reactions, and self esteem.
Adopting a “growth mindset” simply means that you’ve made a personal commitment to work towards continuous self improvement. An affirmation originated by the French psychologist Emile Coue more than 100 years ago captures the essence of what a growth mindset is.
“Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better.”
He wrote a book called, “Self-Mastery Through Conscious Autosuggestion,” which is one of the most influential publications ever written on the subject of self improvement, mental health, and personal development.
If you’re interested in the concept of autosuggestion, I would also suggest reading the success classic, “Think and Grow Rich,” by Napoleon Hill.
Since our external world tends to be a reflection of our inner reality, it makes sense to exert control over our thoughts and intentions, so that life does not unfold in a random, haphazard, disappointing, and sometimes disastrous way.
I invite you to stay tuned to this blog for additional tips and strategies for creating opportunities, enhancing optimism, boosting motivation, and setting the stage for other favorable conditions in your life.
Feel free to link to this blog and/or email the web address to family, friends, colleagues, and clients. (You’d be doing me a big favor, too!)
Best wishes!
–Joel
Source of photograph in this blog post: Anastasia Borisova from Pixabay
Thoughts that Work 