WHAT'S YOUR PSYCHOLOGICAL WEATHER FORECAST?

What do you do when you read a fabulous quote from a book you can't wholeheartedly recommend to others?

That is the dilemma of finding 'The Magic of Thinking BIG' in a charity shop. The book cost 50 pence and was a little tatty around the edges. Unperturbed, there was something about it that I was drawn to and I chose it along with two others (3 for  a £1) and took it home.

What did I discover?

First published in 1959 (and republished in 1987 by Simon & Schuster, Inc) the tone is unashamedly patriarchal, sexist and capitalist. You get motivational advice such as:

• You can have the largest corner office!
• You will buy your wife the best new oven!
• You can become the best salesman in your territory!

So, given how outdated the examples and scenarios were, what kept me reading?

It goes back to the age old connection between thinking, feeling and reality.You cannot move forward in life if you thinking negatively, think too critically and think yourself into a small way of being.

The relationship between how you think, the words you use when you talk to yourself and you talk to others - has real-world implications.

For example, if you come up with an idea and then find every reason it won't work, (someone else has done it / too expensive / too hard) or won't work for you (I'm too old / too young / not enough) then the idea quickly fizzles and fades away.

You've thought yourself into a small way of life.

But, if you use language which is rooted in confidence and belief (even when you don't feel it 100% at that time), then you can run with the idea and start acting on the possibility. E.g. I will give it a go, of course someone of my age can make this work, this idea is worth the time and effort. 

What else did I take-away from 'The Magic of Thinking Big?

Here are my top four tips from David J. Schwartz's book:

1. Believe in your own worth (which is usually more than you'll admit to).
2. Eliminate negative words from your thinking and conversations.
3. Take positive action and keep going (don't get stuck in the 'ideas phase').
4. Life is too short to waste - get to it now!

The quote about getting plenty of 'psychological' sunshine stuck with me. There is so much psychological stormy weather in the world. You can find it everywhere. However, we can choose what to read, who to spend time with and what to watch.

So, ask yourself the question:

• "How will you get a good dose of psychological sunshine today?"