Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Countering Negative Thought

          When you hear yourself think or say a negative thought, immediately contradict yourself. If someone else says something negative about you, say that you refuse that statement. Tell them and yourself the opposite!
          Here are some examples of common negative thought processes and their counter statements. They seem small and harmless, but they hurt your self-image more than you realize! They also affect your attitude and even your health!

I'm not good with names.---------------------------------I have become an expert at remembering everyone's name!

It's one of those days.--------------------------------------I am blessed and highly favored by God!

I always get a cold this time of year.--------------------I am in better shape than anyone I know!

I'm always broke at the end of the month.-------------I  am blessed with great wealth. Everything I need will be provided by the grace of God!

That's just my luck.----------------------------------------I control my life by the actions I take and the attitude I choose to have.

I'm so clumsy.-----------------------------------------------I am graceful and well coordinated!

I never have enough time.--------------------------------I have plenty of hours in a day and my schedule reflects my priorities.

I just don't have the patience for that.------------------I am patient because I know that there are no emergencies!

That really makes me mad.-------------------------------I can only control two things, my attitude and my actions.

I'd like to stop smoking, but just can't.-----------------I can do anything I decide to. All it takes it consistant daily action!

I just don't have the energy I used to.------------------I have plenty of energy. I eat and sleep right. My passion gives me fuel to spare!

I lose weight but then I gain it back again.-----------I maintain a healthy weight because I consistently remember what I want most instead of what I want now.

You can't trust anyone anymore.-----------------------You attract what you are not what you want. You attract people who are like you not like what you want to be.

I'm always late.--------------------------------------------I am always on time. People always compliment me on and respect me for being on time, if not early, to everything I do!

          I learned all of these things from reading business and personal growth books. These are true success principles from some experts on the subject. I would greatly recommend that people trying to grow personally read some of these books. I have read everything by Og Mandino. I am reading and listening constantly to John Maxwell. I love Robert Kiyosaki. The point is many people read books everyday. But you have to apply it and some of that stinks. It is uncomfortable to be out of your comfort zone. It takes effort to change a thought process you have had for years. But, some of the phrases above have given me a great deal of peace and joy in my life. I hope they can bring that same peace and joy to you!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Abraham Lincoln

          Abraham Lincoln once said, "One day I shall be president." True to his word he became president. He decided what he wanted and went after it with no doubt that he would have it. Lincoln also said, "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."
          Lincoln said many wise things like, "America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." "Don't interfere with the constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties."I'll let you guys debate whether you think that is what America is doing now. However, he also said, "My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of earth."
          Lincoln said, "Be sure to put your feet in the right place, then stand firm."  I think this is awesome advise! Most people lack confidence enough to stand up for beliefs. They are not confident and sure of who they are as a person. It is encouraging to see someone who has a set of principles and bases his decisions on those principles.        
          This most famous thing Lincoln probably ever said was, "Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal." That quote is right up there with "I have a dream." and "We hold these truths to be self-evident.."
          "It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
"Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." These two both are lessons in speaking things to life and watching your word choices.
          Lastly, Lincoln said, "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." I believe he definitely has his priorities right!

National Encouragement Day

          I am not sure if you are aware but a great holiday is approaching! September 12, is National Encouragement Day! I had never heard of this until just recently so I looked it up. Here is what Wikipedia says about it.


The first proclamation for the Day of Encouragement was made by Mayor Belinda LaForce of Searcy, Arkansas. September 12, 2007 Mike Beebe, the Governor of Arkansas, signed the proclamation making it the "State Day of Encouragement" for Arkansas. Later, President George W. Bush also signed a message making it the official "National Day of Encouragement."

          I wanted to encourage everyone to take this holiday to heart. Watch your words carefully and give encouragement graciously to someone. It is fun to be able to put a smile on someone's face! "Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 ESV.