Mind over stocks
“It is a pity that people allow themselves to be overcome by the problems, worries and difficulties of human existence, and it is also quite unnecessary. I certainly do not ignore or minimize the difficulties and tragedies of the world, but neither do I. Allow them to dominate. You can allow obstacles to control your mind to the point where they are superior and thus become the dominant factors in your thought pattern. By learning to push them out of the mind, refusing to be mentally subordinate to them, and to the By channeling your thoughts, you can overcome the obstacles that could normally defeat you. “
No, I did not write this quote, but I certainly agree with Norman Vincent Peale, who wrote it as part of the introduction to his book, The Power of Positive Thinking, first published in 1952. Dr. Peale was ordained at the Methodist Episcopal Church. And although his work has a religious slant, it applies to all of our lives.
What is happening in our culture, in our world? There seems to be a desperate cry for a quick fix: something to hold on to, something that gives meaning to life, something that provides ultimate happiness. The power of positive thinking, secrecy, the power of now and the attraction factor share a common thread. These books are guides to positive self-esteem and success. They were written to give people the tools to make changes in their lives. So with all of this information (and I’ve only mentioned a few of the recent top sellers), are people really changing the quality of their lives? Are you the happiest, most successful and satisfied in your life?
In the United States, we have become a disposable, quick-fix society. When something doesn’t work, we throw it away and buy a new one. Dr. Phil can solve anyone’s problems in a one-hour program. We have a pill to sleep, a pill to get up in the morning, a pill to lose weight, to control blood pressure, to alleviate our mood swings, and if one experiences male dysfunction, good pain there are more than enough pills to help with that! As a society, we are bombarded with things that make our lives easier; things that eliminate the need to work hard. Are we losing our emotions and thoughts for the simple life? Are we losing touch with what is important and real?
There is no quick fix or magic pill to make a difference in your life. I heard about many people who are working very hard but feel like nothing is changing. When I ask them what they are doing, they tell me how much they are working and how much time they are spending, but when asked what they are doing differently, silence falls. The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting different results. Time to try something new!
Most books on success offer tools for change. Therein lies the difficulty. Many people think that reading a book will make them change. For some it may be, but most of us have to take action to make a difference. We have to work on principles and commit to making change happen.
You can read the books, attend the workshops, or try these simple (but not easy) guidelines:
1. Keep have a positive attitude. See life as endless possibilities to fulfill your needs and dreams.
2. When a negative thought enters your mind, expel it. Being positive or negative is a choice. Make a positive decision!
3. Act in accordance with your personal value system. If you are not sure what you value, you may want to spend some time developing your values. What is important and critical in your life, what guides your life and your decisions? Make a list and prioritize them.
4. Create a vivid and positive mental image of yourself being successful, happy, or whatever it is that you would like to have or be different in your life. Keep that picture alive – create it and hang it on a wall where you will see it every day.
5. Feel how it would feel to achieve the change, your dreams, your goals. Every time you visualize your positive mental image, feel how it would feel to have achieved it and embrace those feelings.
6. When obstacles get in the way, find ways to get around or through them. Remember, it is only an obstacle, not a stopping point.
7. Know yourself. What are your strengths? Where do you have opportunities for improvement? Knowing yourself leads you to understand your true abilities and to release the frustrations that block your growth and prevent change.
8. Write affirmative reminders of what you want as if it already happened. Read them 3 to 5 times a day, accept the image and the feeling of having fulfilled them.
You may be surprised at what a few small steps in a positive direction can do in your life. And remember … take a deep breath! In and out! Your body cannot support you or your efforts to change without breathing.