In 1952 Norman Vincent Peale wrote a book that would become the foundation of what we know as the positive thinking movement. The principals in The Power Of Positive Thinking are so counter intuitive to the way most of our culture lives and thinks today. Peale vehemently challenged that often negative, pessimistic attitude so prevalent in society.
His principals are just as viable today, and probably more needed than ever. Below I have paraphrased some ideas from the first few pages of the book. Peale says there are “simple, workable rules for overcoming inadequacy attitudes …” Here’s my spin on them.
1) Visualize yourself succeeding at your goals – burn that image in your mind, make it as real (as if) to your subconscious mind.
2) When negative thoughts or images come to mind, don’t let them linger. Replace them with the opposite (positive) picture or thought immediately.
3) See obstacles for what they are; just obstacles. Don’t give them any power beyond that.
4) Don’t be overly impressed or intimidated by other people. You’re just as capable. And they struggle too.
5) Don’t be afraid to ask for help – either from a trusted friend or a trusted professional.
6) Honestly evaluate your ability to succeed, then up it 10%. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone.
7) Don’t be afraid to trust your creator. We often miss the key ingredient of faith. You were designed to succeed at being you – and God wants to participate in that success.
8) Do the thing you fear. Emerson wrote, “They conquer who believe they can.” After you’ve done it once, you defeat the fear of the unknown.
9) Remind yourself often, daily, that you can and will achieve your goals. Peale said, “Feelings of confidence depend upon the type of thoughts that habitually occupy your mind.”
10) Change requires effort, but it’s better to have changed than to live with regret.
I hope these tidbits from the master positive thinker give you a boost today. Treat your mind like a close friend and it will take you where you want to go in life.
Daily Life Journey 