The Magic of Thinking BIG (from Inspirational Books - Part Two)

Submitter's Note:
This new article (in point form), extracted from a chapter from my manuscript 'Steps to Success, Prosperity and Happiness' is based on an excellent motivational, up-lifting and inspiring book 'THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG' by David Schwartz I am sharing my summary of some of the contents of this excellent work (what I consider to be the main points) in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really want to achieve their fullest potentials to read the book...and THINK BIG in your life, then watch what happens.

"We share what we know, so that we all may grow."
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THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG by David Schwartz (PART TWO)

"If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own." - newsman Wes Nisker in his final broadcast

Why are some brilliant people failures? They often have everything, except one vital ingredient. Why do university professors often have no money and have difficulties in the real world. They have the mountain of knowledge stored up in their heads; but often they don't know how to impart it effectively and profitably to others. Remember knowledge is power, but only when you use it constructively.

What else do most people lack? I believe it is persistence and tenacity, which is the key to ultimate success. So try to build up all these traits and you will be successful. Concentrate on your assets and discover your superior talents. It's not the brains you've got that matters, it's how you use them.
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Attitudes are more important than intelligence. Don't blame age/luck/the economy/government, etc, when you didn't get that job. Remember, absolutely anything CAN be done, if the WILL is there...and it is strong enough! With the will and faith ALL things are possible.

3. Build confidence and destroy your fears.

I think fear and uncertainty is our number one enemy.
N.B: The best cure for fear is ACTION. Don't dwell on your fears. If you do, they will only get worse. So the sooner you take some action ,the better. Doing this will help erode your fears. Manage your memory, so as to increase your store of confidence. As we saw in the section on the powers of the mind, psychologists and therapists can not change what is already in a person's memory; but they can make the "patient" see the past in a different light. They can change the thoughts in a person's head. That is how they operate - by changing your perception of a past event: from a negative experience to a positive one, whereby you have learnt something from it.

4. Try to have a positive, happy attitude as often as possible...and it IS possible! How well you are able to do this will largely depend on your personality make-up. Try to deposit only positive thoughts in your memory bank...then you'll get a very good return! Destroy your negative thoughts before those thoughts become "mental monsters", which consume you. They can become all-encompassing. It's so easy to become obsessed with negative images...they stay with you and "eat into you" over time. Then they are very difficult to get rid of.

If you are a shy person, try to overcome your fear of other people: you are just as good as the next person...and you are in every way as important as them with something to offer this world of ours. BELIEVE in your own self worth. For "self-centred egomaniacs", the reverse applies. They could perhaps develop an understanding and caring attitude towards others. Remember the other person is important too.

5. When in doubt about a particular course of action to take, always follow your heart (or "gut feeling"). Follow it and the TRUTH increases self confidence by satisfying your own conscience. You then know that what you are doing is RIGHT; so it's easier to overcome criticism and obstacles along the way.

6. Try to learn and profit from any mistakes/set backs. A positive attitude to your experiences is a wonderful asset, which will help you sail through all the trials and tribulations of life.

Concentrate on developing those qualities in yourself that will make you a winner. Think confidently by acting confidently. Learn and put into practice the above six positive steps to build confidence and destroy any fears you may have. Live your life by them. Refuse to recall unpleasant events or situations. Block these thoughts out of your mind (positive self talk is a great help in this).

Where do you sit when entering a room for a meeting? Be a front seater. It develops confidence. Make eye contact with strangers. Walk faster, walk tall, speak up and smile often. Greet strangers with a friendly word. Make it a resolution to do that at least once every day.

When introduced to new people make a conscious effort to remember their names (a weak point for me to work on). If unsure, say "I didn't quite catch it", or "just to check". Far better than pretending that you know. It's best to repeat the person's name once you are told, then mention it frequently to reinforce it in your memory.
In short, just be POSITIVE as much of every day as possible.
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HOW TO GROW BIG BY THINKING BIG.

Measure your true size and find out what assets you do have. Most people "know only thy negative self" focussing on their weak points, rather than their many more strengths.

In time you will discover that success is measured by the size of your thinking...and not your "assets". Success is not measured by security...because security is only an illusion, which is created by the mind. Create big, positive mental images in your mind: not about what you are, but about what you COULD be. Always try to make the most of yourself. KNOW THYSELF and always "TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE". Those words were often repeated to me by my dear mother.

1. Get a blank sheet of paper. Write down your 5 chief assets. Enlist the help of a friend or your husband/wife/partner. They can often be more objective than you yourself in "rating" you.

2. Under each asset write down the names of 3 people you know who have achieved substantial success; but who do not have this asset to as great a degree as you. (I don't know any writers; so I'm "flying blind in unchartered territory" into the unknown void!).

Always remember YOU ARE BIGGER THAN YOU THINK.

BE HAPPY along the "river of life" (or perhaps it's riding the rapids of life) #

Shared by Craig Lock ("Information and Inspiration Distributor, Writer for Self Empowerment, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder")

# that's a metaphor, btw

PS:
Thank you sincerely, David for sharing your insight, words of wisdom and especially inspiration in encouraging me to "think big" in all areas of my life.

"Every man has his own destiny; the only imperative is to follow it, no matter where it leads him."
- Henry Miller

"Success to others may be apparent in what you DO; but significance, meaning and purpose lies, then reveals itself in what you ARE and BECOME down the 'river of life' - how and the spirit with which you face, then overcome the daily obstacles, the frequent trials and tribulations along the often rocky path-way of life's magical and mysterious jou
ey. Light your path brightly."

"Do not follow the well-beaten track of others towards success - like the rainbow, it is often an illusion always just beyond our reach. Make your own path and let your spirit blaze a brilliant trail towards the pot of gold, the prize for the gift - one that is uniquely you and YOUR successful jou
ey down the mysterious and magical river of life."

" I truly believe we can ALL create and enthuse magic into 'so-called humdrum little lives'. You don't just have to be the choreorapher, or the conductor of your life script - rather paint your life as the masterpiece it could one day be. There is a rich tapestry of talent in every human soul, that flows through the spirit of God. So don't spend your days stringing and tuning your instrument; start making and playing your unique tunes of music right now, today." - craig
"When I let go of what (and who) I think I am, I become all that I can be... and am capable of being." - craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)
"The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you...and the seemingly difficult path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you."

Craig's blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22&t=post and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

Together, one mind, one life at a time, let's see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage ... and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials."

End of Part Two (Part Three to follow)
PPS
Craig's blog (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) is at http://en.search.wordpress.com/?q=%22craig+lock%22&t=post and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

In my latest "works" hope and love strive for expression... even amidst the sometime despair and darkness of the world (oh so serious now, craig!)

"From seeds of hope to endless possibilities, far and grand horizons."

"You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring." - anon

"Lord,
Give each one of us forgiveness for the past, strength for today... and hope for the future."