What you think is what you get

I just read Ted Turner's autobiography, "Call Me Ted." As I write about the power of mind over matter, I can't help but think of Mr. Turner as a good example. I am impressed with three things that have made this man great: his honesty and his positive attitude combined with action. His example proves that Brian Traci was absolutely right when he said, Whatever you dwell on in the conscious grows in your experience.

In other words, the more one grumbles and complains about a problem, the more the problem grows and intensifies in experience. Conversely, the more you think and speak positively about what you want and express gratitude for what you have, the more you will experience positive outcomes.

There are times in everyone's life journey when the going gets tough—financially, physically, morally, or mentally—or a combination of some or all of these areas. We can look at those times as hardships or as opportunities. We can be depressed or grateful. It's our choice.

The recent recession has caused some lean times for many industries including the publishing business. Like many suffering loss of sales, I've acquired greater frugality and have seen the importance of living and publishing within my means. For that I give thanks. As sales pick up again, I see a a lot of potential for growth in the future for Raven Publishing. The possibilities are many.

Lean times have revealed personal and relationship challenges as well, and as long as the thinking turned negative, situations went downhill fast. A cautionary quote that reminds me to find the positive perspective is this one:

Yearning is not only a good way to go crazy but also a pretty good place to hide out from hard truth. — Claude T. Bissell

Yearning, complaining, and lamenting will get us nowhere but depressed. However, in facing the reality of the present moment and looking to a future with positive belief and action, we escape the pain that we would otherwise cause ourselves and others.

Which brings to mind a quote by Anthony Robbins: It's not the events of our lives that shape us, but our beliefs as to what those events mean.

And this one by Benjamin Disraeli: Through perseverance many people win success out of what seemed destined to be certain failure.

I aim to shape my life by thinking positively about whatever comes my way. I want to avoid inviting trouble by negative talk and musings. It's just not worth it.