by Brian Tracy
Decide How
to React
It is not what happens to you that counts.
It is how you react to what happens to you, especially when
you have unexpected problems of any kind.
In this newsletter, you learn powerful
strategies you can use to keep yourself thinking and acting
positively and creatively.
Here are four things you can do to assure
that your attitude is the very best it can be, under all circumstances.
Focus on the
Future
First, whatever challenges you face,
focus on the future rather
than on the past. Instead of worrying about who
did what and who is to blame, focus on where you want to be
and what you want to do. Get a clear mental image of your
ideal successful future, and then take whatever action you
can to begin moving in that direction. Get your mind, your
thoughts, and your mental images on the future.
Think About
the Solution
Second, whenever you’re faced with
a difficulty, focus
on the solution rather than on the problem.
Think and talk about the ideal solution to the obstacle or
setback, rather than wasting time rehashing and reflecting
on the problem. Solutions are inherently positive, whereas
problems are inherently negative. The instant that you begin
thinking in terms of solutions, you become a positive and
constructive human being.
Look for the
Good
Third, assume
that something good is hidden within each difficulty or challenge.
Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, a major proponent of positive thinking,
once said, "Whenever God wants to give us a gift, he
wraps it up in a problem." The bigger the gift you have
coming, the bigger the problem you will receive. But the wonderful
thing is that if you look for the gift, you will always find
it.
Seek the Valuable
Lesson
Fourth, assume
that whatever situation you are facing at the moment is exactly
the right situation you need to ultimately be successful.
This situation has been sent to you to help you learn something,
to help you become better, to help you expand and grow.
Decide to
be Positive
A Positive Mental Attitude is indispensable
to your success. You can be as positive as you want to be
if you will simply think about the future, focus on the solution
and look for the good. If you do what other successful people
do, if you use your mind to exert mental control over the
situation, you will be positive and cheerful most of the time.
And you will reap the benefits enjoyed by all successful people.
Action Exercises
Here are three steps you can take immediately
to put these ideas into action:
First, become solution-oriented with
every difficulty you face. Make a habit of looking for the
answers to your questions, the solutions to your problems.
Second, seek for the valuable lesson
in every adversity. Make a list of every idea or insight
you can gain from every setback or difficulty.
Third, think on paper. Take some time
to write out every detail of the problem, and then take
the most logical next step to solve it.