How Do You Start Being A Positive Thinker? (Peale)

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"How Do You Start Being A Positive Thinker?" By Norman Peale "The first step is simple: STOP SPEAKING IN NEGATIVES. Instead, BEGIN TO THINK POSITIVELY. For how we speak has a profound determination on how we think. "Spoken words tend to drive deeply into your consciousness, to emerge finally in thought patterns. If a statement is repeated often enough, it is sent on to the deep sub-consciousness. Then your conscious mind to obey the images sent to it by the sub-conscious that has been conditioned by your speech habits. "So it is most important to carefully watch every word you utter, however seemingly commonplace. Eliminating negative words and statements will not come easily, but it is not impossible. "Every day as you awaken, say aloud: "I HAVE TWO CHOICES FOR THIS DAY; TO BE HAPPY OR TO BE UNHAPPY -- AND I CHOOSE TO BE HAPPY." And as you go about the day, make it a habit to repeat this Bible verse at least three times: "This is the day that the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24). "Your startled ear, hearing you speak those strong words, will flash that assertion to your astonished consciousness, which will then oblige you by making it a happy day for you. Remember this: YOUR MIND WILL ULTIMATELY OBEY ALL YOUR COMMANDS WHEN SPOKEN FIRMLY AND WITH AUTHORITY. "Look for every opportunity to speak the good word. Say something hopeful and optimistic to everyone you contact. If, for example, someone negatively asserts that the economy is going into a recession, the country into decline, do not argue, but express your faith in the future. As you

go about affirming the good, not only will you bless other people, but also you will develop yourself as a positive thinker. "TRAIN YOUR MIND" "Now let's look at how to train your mind to think positive thoughts. By the practice of positive speaking -- firmly telling your mind that you mean to develop a positive attitude -- you will begin to think positively. "Having made the determination and insisted vocally that you are now committed to the positive way, your mind can do no other than to acquiesce with your determination. The mind knows very well who is the real director of your personality, and though, in the past, you may have believed that thoughts control you, it is actually true that you control your thoughts. "TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR THOUGHTS" "The fundamental principle in training your mind to think positive

thoughts is to begin taking sovereign control over your mind. Affirm the authority of the believer as stated in Luke 9:1 "Then he called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases." "LET GO OF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS" "Be prepared for resistance on the part of your mind. It will not easily let go of the control it has exercised over you during your negative thinking years. But, if you persist and tighten your control over your thoughts, your mind will finally surrender and obey your commands. "FILL YOUR MIND FULL OF GOD" " Christie, famous American artist, was an expert positive thinker. When asked his secret, he answered, "Every morning, I spend fifteen minutes filling my mind full of God. Then no negative thought can possibly enter my mind, for it is repelled by the God thought." "USE AFFIRMATIONS" "Several times daily, use the following affirmation: "GOD CONTROLS, GOD IS IN ME, GIVING ME VICTORY." And every day affirm: "BY GOD'S GRACE AND THROUGH HIS HELP, I AM GREATER THAN ANYTHING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO ME." "LOOK FOR THE POSITIVE ADVANTAGE" "Systematically lay out every difficult problem, then deliberately take a positive attitude toward each one, by asserting, "to every Disadvantage there is a corresponding Advantage." Keep looking positively for that advantage. Say that affirmation aloud, so that your consciousness may continue to pick up your determination. This will stimulate your progress in a marked and definite manner. "Finally, drive deeply into your thought process the greatest of all faith thoughts: "I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME." (Philippians

4:12). "Underscore this verse in your Bible and search for similar verses (such as Romans 8:31). Then underline them and commit them to memory. They will reinforce your new positive attitude. Also read the introduction, preface, and through to Chapter One in THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING book Written by Norman Peale. "During the upcoming month, work on breaking your old negative thinking habit by practicing the steps outlined here. They will help you to train your mind to think positive thoughts. God Bless You." Copyright 1997. Peale Center for Christian Living. All rights reserved. For more info on positive thinking and on Norman Peale's wonderful articles and books, please see: www.dailyguideposts.com or www.guidepostsministries.org http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AffirmationstoDe-Stress A new positive thinking, positive affirmations support group, discussing ways to cope with the stresses of daily life. Come aboard! PJ and Gang http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AffirmationstoDe-Stress A positive thinking, positive affirmations support group, that empowers us with ways to sail through daily life stress. Come aboard! PJ and Gang