The Truth is – What You Think – You Get!

By Allison Constantino

Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you’re right!”

Henry understood how much your mental attitude determines your future success or failure.

If you think the world is terrible or fabulous, you’ll look around and find confirmation of your thoughts everywhere. Everything you think, see, and hear will validate your ideas!

You’re thinking, “How can our minds be that powerful?”

Have you ever misplaced something only to find it was exactly where you knew 100% it couldn’t possibly be?

How can we be so “wrong” about something we thought was “right”?

Thomas Watson, president of IBM in 1943, said, “I think there is a world market of maybe five computers.” Of course, at the time, “computers” were vacuum tube-powered, adding machines the size of houses!

“There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home,” said Ken Olsen, founder of the Digital Equipment Corporation, in 1977. Compaq later acquired DEC.

What would you choose if you could choose how you think at any given moment?

Did you learn you had complete or no control over your thoughts growing up?

Did you learn you were a victim, and it didn’t matter what you thought? You had no control over your thoughts because someone else was thinking for you and making all your choices!

Did you learn that your thoughts empowered you and that anything was possible, and no matter how outrageous your ideas were, you had complete control over your life?

Harvard Business Review found that optimists are 40% more likely to get a promotion over the next year and six times more likely to be highly engaged at work. They are five times less likely to burn out than pessimists.

According to sokyahealth.com, we love feeling good. Our day seems brighter, tasks more manageable, and nothing can get in our way when we are optimistic. Positivity increases our self-confidence; it is why we take risks. The power of positivity drives us to find good in others. We have faith in ourselves and others, freeing us to accept affirmative responses.

Sokyahealth.com found that positive thinking is also associated with increased cells that boost your immune system. Essentially, positive energy is a soldier that protects your mind and body from harmful influences. Healthy emotions create a buffer and suppress negative emotions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

If you’re not a positive thinker but would like to be, try this small change in your thinking.

Pretend you’re a happy, successful person for one week. When something makes you angry or upsets you, ask yourself, “If I was a happy, successful person, how would I react to this situation? How would I feel? How would I act?

Then change your thoughts and behavior and think and act like a happy, successful person!

If you don’t like the “new you,” you can always return to your original thought patterns.

Maybe it’s too much for you all at one time!

Try pretending in smaller increments. Add one small positive thought to your behavior each week and see how you feel after a month. Do you feel more empowered and in control of your life? Are you better able to handle life’s ups and downs? Would you consider yourself a happier person?

If you answer, “Yes, I feel better,” you’re on the right track!

Remember Henry’s words of wisdom, “Whether you think you can or can’t – you’re right!”