“The habit of expecting great things of ourselves calls out the best that is in us.”—Orison Swett Marden
Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill). The Power of Positive Thinking (Norman Vincent Peale). The Power of Possibility Thinking (Robert H. Schuller). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen R. Covey). Awaken the Giant Within (Tony Robbins)…. The list of “self-help” books is massive. At the core is the very basic principle that we are who we think we are (As a Man Thinketh, James Allen; The Miracle of Right Thought, Orison Swett Marden; Proverbs 23:7—“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”). What thoughts we allow to dominate our mind feed who we are. If we are negative and pessimistic, success will surely elude us. If we set out thoughts on that which is positive, encouraging, and self-affirming, we bring out the best in ourselves.
An old friend came to mind this morning. Early in my university career, I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Charlie Chatterton. Charlie and I started at Eastern Michigan University about the same time and worked together for a few years before we both moved on to other universities. Charlie is hands-down one of the most positive people I know. I, on the other hand, gravitate toward negativity. Charlie and I would often run together, and I would invariably vent my frustration about someone or something. Charlie was always quick to call out my negativity with his most positive attitude. He never called me out directly, but was quite capable of shining a light on my faulty attitude. I would complain about something so-and-so had done, and Charlie would, in such a positive and encouraging tone, point out to me that perhaps I am not seeing things from the other’s perspective. It would frustrate the heck out of me. Not that it was annoying, but rather because Charlie was right. I could argue my point, but I would know instantly that he was right and that my selfishness and negative thinking had been exposed.
I have since learned to be more intentional when starting my day and to hit the pause button at the very start of the day to focus my thinking on the positives. If I don’t do this daily, it shows in my attitude and my social interactions. (Self-disclosure: this doesn’t mean it has a permanent effect on my attitude; I can very quickly slip back into my negative pattern no sooner than when I get on the highway for my commute.) Should I slip back into a negative attitude, it important to immediately hit the reset button—to reclaim my positive thoughts.
Journaling is an important step in initiating greater expectations for the day. It helps me to do this first thing in the morning—before working out, showering, eating, etc. Once one gets started with the activities of the day, it becomes increasingly more difficult to hit the pause and stop to gather one’s thoughts for the day—to set goals, reflect on one’s values, express one’s gratitude, state affirmations, and whatever else one might chose to include in one’s journal.
I have a rather long commute to work—about an hour each way. I find it helpful to listen to motivational podcasts to fill the time. This helps me maintain the positivity and keep the focus. Otherwise, traffic, drivers, and delays can negate my efforts to be gracious and at peace.
So, the choice is ours. Shall we expect great things? Or shall we expect failure and disappointment? Be your best today (expect your best today); be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento.