With five chances on each hand and one unwavering aim, no boy, however
poor, need despair. There is bread and success for every youth under the
American flag who has energy and ability to seize his opportunity. It matters
not whether the boy is born in a log-cabin or in a mansion; if he is dominated
by a resolute purpose and upholds himself, neither men nor demons can keep him
down.
Orison Swett Marden (from his book 'Pushing to the Front')
There are so many incredible opportunities in the world today! There are even more opportunities in the United States! Yes, I am aware of the 'recession', but I am even more aware of the thousands of millionaires who started their journey towards wealth in complete poverty during past recessions and depressions. They did it during worse times than now, and so can you and I! From all of my research and study into these highly successful individuals, I see a revolving theme: positive attitude through self-motivation. How did they become self-motivated? They sought it out in everything around them! They read motivational and inspirational books, stories, and articles, and they did so repeatedly and regularly.
When you meet (or hear about) someone who has achieved great business and financial success, how do you view them? I heard a great story about caterpillars that I found to be very enlightening:
3 caterpillars were crossing a field when a beautiful, graceful butterfly flew overhead. The first caterpillar looks at the butterfly and thinks, 'What a conceited show off!'. The second sees the butterfly and thinks 'Sometimes I wish I could fly, he is so lucky'. And the third caterpillar, seeing the butterfly says, 'I know that guy, he used to be just like us! If he can fly, I can too!'
It is so easy to look at others and complain about or rationalize away their success and your own 'failure' (and remember, failure is only failure when you don't seize the lesson it has to teach and use it as fuel for greater success). When you look at others, do so in a positive light. Learn great things from them, be motivated and encouraged by their success and accomplishments, because if they did it, so can you!
How can I develop a positive attitude and be self-motivated? READ! Read (or listen to) great and inspiring books! There are so many motivational books, and inspirational books available. You know the saying, 'You are what you eat'? Apply the following saying into your life from now on: 'You are what you read'. You are (or become) what you read, watch, listen to and participate in. So if you spend your time listening to, watching and reading the so called 'news', you are likely stressed out, depressed and discouraged by what is happening in the world. If instead you read, watch and listen to inspirational, positive, and educational information you are (or soon will be) positive and self-motivated by all of the wonderful opportunities that life has to offer. You will be amazed at the vast amount of open doors available every single day that lead to greater wealth, happiness, peace, and plenty.
Where do I start? Let me give you a few suggestions. For greater financial hope and understanding, read and listen to Dave Ramsey (Total Money Makeover, Financial Peace University, etc..). For all around self-motivation, read and listen to Zig Ziglar (and many other motivational speakers/authors). For great career and life development, read and listen to Dan Miller (author of '48 days to the work you love'). To get serious about financial, business, and life goals and progress, try Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich, Success through a Positive Mental Attitude, etc..). This list can go on and on, there are so many positive books out there. Make time to read (or listen) to them, it will be the greatest investment of time that you can make for your future.
Successful people follow successful patterns. Sterling W. Sill (1903 - 1994)
Grasp that concept now! Successful people follow successful patterns. That is how they got successful! And one of the most important patterns to follow is the development of a positive attitude. A positive attitude is what opens your mind (and eyes) to the great opportunities that are right in front of you.
The Lord openeth the eyes of the blind: the Lord raiseth
them that are bowed down: the Lord loveth the righteous.
Psalms 146:8
