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"The only way to be happy, is to give happy."

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It’s How You Think That Counts

November 17, 2007

People will often say that they are in search of an opportunity, assuming that they have the correct thinking to carry an opportunity through to success. What is most surprising, however, is that the challenge is usually just the opposite.

I know in my own case, I was convinced I knew how to think systematically. I was confident I could perform. I thought I had a good attitude. I had a great formal education, and it seemed all I needed was an opportunity.

Reality, however, was just the opposite. I didn't so much need an opportunity as I did correct thinking. As it turns out, I had a lot to learn (and still do). I needed to develop emotional maturity, long term vision, attitude control, proper perspective, perseverance, and a long list of other things with which I wasn't equipped. I was correct in my confidence that I could succeed, but not without a lot of personal change.

People who are unwilling to confront this brutal reality are the ones that go from "opportunity to opportunity" and never quite seem to make it. They are always on the brink of something big, but just never seem to get there. The reason is that they take the root of their problem with them into each new endeavor. That root, of course, is themselves! Without learning the thinking that leads to success, by studying the great achievers, finding a mentor, and making learning and personal change a constant in their life, they basically just experience the same failure over and over. Such a person that claims ten years experience actually just has the same experience over and over again for ten years because they haven't grown personally.

If you are reading this blog, however, I think it very unlikely that you are in this category of people. You, instead, are reading and seeking information to help you develop your own thinking. If you place yourself on a program of personal growth, learning hungrily everything you can to improve, and if you strive to learn systematic thinking and grow in your leadership ability, you will suddenly begin seeing opportunity everywhere! The truth of the matter is, opportunity abounds, it's people qualified to take advantage of it that is in short supply!

I sincerely wish you enjoyment, success, and significance as you take the self-discipline road of personal growth. You probably have no idea how big the opportunities are out there that await you! God Bless!

Posted in LLR Daily Application

12 responses to “It’s How You Think That Counts”

kckarate

November 17, 2007

Wow! The same message from completely different sources has a way of jumping out at you when you are on the learning track and hooked up with the power of Christ.
This past Sunday, the preacher preached about how people can do the same actions or even take the same medications, but experience different results based on what they believe (think) about it. He encouraged us to expect the absolute best outcome for any given prescription (actions). And not be so quick to want to do something before we get our thinking correct about it.
Along these same lines, I love your article here. You took a very big, very tough topic and hit the essence of the entire thing with all the thinking and actions together in a few short paragraphs. To comment any more specifically on the article’s content would practically detract from it. Everyone should read and reread this article with special care.

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Chris Brady

November 17, 2007

kckarate:
Thanks for your encouraging words about this post, because of the depth of the topic, it was very difficult to write it in a way that made sense. At lease I’ve got one confirmation that it did!
This topic is near and dear to my heart because it was such a tough lesson for me to learn. I just assumed that I had everything put together and just needed a place to play. Learning that I had it backwards was a big eye opener. But I am convinced, if someone understands this point and takes it to heart, they can shock themselves with all that they can achieve. That is my sincere desire.
kckarate, may God bless you on your journey!

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Ron L.

November 17, 2007

Hi,
You always have such a great way of explaining very complicated topics. To me, the way a person thinks has to be more than just a concious thing. Your thinking has to be changed at the the very core of your being. You should not have to think about what is right or wrong. If your thinking thinking is on track then this will be automatic.
I have had many road blocks, pot hole, craters and detours on my path to personal change. Some of these have clouded my thinking along the way, but the basics leadership principles that if have learned from you have always got my thinking back on track.
Thank you for all that you do. I look forward to reading more things on these blogs. Always remember that your Integrity is outstanding — and I will always trust and believe in what you say and stand for without having to have for time to prove you right.
Thanks, Ron

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Sunshine1@time

November 18, 2007

Thank you for this wonderful article! You have a fantastic way of magnifying a point and helping the reader zero in on how they can improve, buff, polish and in some cases start over! Each day is a new beginning and we all have the choice of how we want to spread our sunshine. Thank you for touching my life and so many with your eloquence. God Bless you for reaching out to us!

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Chris Brady

November 18, 2007

Ron:
You are exactly right. Systematic thinking is all about taking things from “Conscious competence”, where we do the right things by actively thinking about them, to “Unconscious competence” where we do them automatically without having to think about them. The more we can accomplish this level of successful thinking, the faster we can advance and the higher we can climb. It is a continuing journey that never ends, but also never gets old! God bless you Ron, on your journey!

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Chris Brady

November 18, 2007

Sunshine1:
The phrase that I often write in books that I sign is from Mel Fisher and his ongoing optimism each morning as he and his crew set out to find the lost treasure of the Atocha. He would begin each day by saying, “Today’s the Day.” I really like this kind of optimism, but the reason I use the saying so much gets to your point, that each day is a new day and a chance to start anew. In that way, “Today’s the Day” means that today is the only time we really have to make the changes we need to make and work toward the things God wants us to accomplish in our lives. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is not yet ours, but truly “Today is the Day!” Thanks for your comments, and may you make the most of Today!

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DaveC

November 19, 2007

Chris,
I read this yesterday and thought it was really good. I came back today to see if there were any new comments. When I reread your thoughts and Ron’s comment and your response, it hit me that when I react to a situation without thinking instead of responding with proper thinking and action, it is as a result of my wrong thinking in the past. If I consistantly keep my thinking in a correct direction then my actions and reactions will reflect that correct thinking. Since today is a new day, as you say, I can leave those inappropriate responses in the past and begin to respond appropriately from now on. Thanks a lot for your wisdom and insight.
DaveC

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Chris Brady

November 19, 2007

Dave C:
It’s amazing, isn’t it, how much we find we can improve upon once we start looking at our strengths and weaknesses? I am proud of you for identifying a specific area and setting out to work on it. You are in the minority, my friend, and your efforts will pay off! Keep changing and growing. I am proud of you! (Now, I’ve got to get back to fixing myself!)

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Jeff Mann

November 21, 2007

Chris: Great Post !! Besides the Bible, of course, may I recommend a book that I’ve recently come across … by Deepak Chopra, “The Book of Secrets” – Unlocking the Hidden Dimensions of Your Life. We are all mysteries to ourselves … any help on this topic is greatly appreciated. ‘nuf said … Thanks.

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Jeanne Fritch

July 18, 2012

Chris – great post! I do think that the start of learning really comes when you grasp that you don’t know near as much as you thought that you did (smile). And then (interestingly) that same cycle of awareness can occur over-and-over-and-over, as each level of self-awareness releases an understanding that there is so much more to know! In order to grow, a certain amount of humility has to blend with hunger for something better. And, knowing more just seems to open the door to how much more there is to learn. Thanks for sharing this!

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Marc Page

July 18, 2012

Success is where preparation and opportunity meet. – Bobby Unser
Great post. I remember Robert Kiyosaki once saying that the deal of a lifetime comes along about every week, we just need to be prepared to take advantage of it.

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Justin Kurtz

July 19, 2012

To quote Mr Raymond Abernathy from this last Tuesday Open, “if the world stinks check your upper lip”

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