Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches or pounds or college degrees, or family background; they are measured by the size of their thinking. How big we think determines the size of our accomplishments. Now let’s see how we can enlarge our thinking.
Probably the greatest human weakness is self-deprecation—that is, selling oneself short.
Here is an exercise to help you measure your true size.
- Determine your five chief assets.
- Next, under each asset, write the names of three persons you know who have achieved large success but who do not have this asset to as great a degree as you.
There is only one conclusion you can honestly reach: You’re bigger than you think. Think as big as you really are! Never, never, never sell yourself short!
We do not think in words and phrases. We think only in pictures and/or images. Words are the raw materials of thought.
Look at it this way. When you speak or write, you are, in a sense, a projector showing movies in the minds of others. And the pictures you create determine how you and others react.
Big thinkers are specialists in creating positive, forward-looking, optimistic pictures in their own minds and in the minds of others. To think big, we must use words and phrases that produce big, positive mental images.
Four Ways to Develop the Big Thinker’s Vocabulary
- Use big, positive, cheerful words and phrases to describe how you feel.
Every time someone asks you, “How are you?” or “How are you feeling today?” respond with a “Just wonderful thanks, and you?” or say “Great” or “Fine.”
- Use bright, cheerful, favorable words and phrases to describe other people.
- Use positive language to encourage others. Compliment people personally at every opportunity, Everyone you know craves praise.
- Use positive words to outline plans to others.
Promise victory and watch eyes light up. Promise victory and win support. Build castles, don’t dig graves!
SEE WHAT CAN BE, NOT JUST WHAT IS
Look at things not as they are, but as they can be. Visualization adds value to everything. A big thinker always visualizes what can be done in the future.
Here is how you can develop your power to see what can be, not just what is. I call these the “practice adding value” exercises.
- Practice adding value to things.
- Practice adding value to people.
- Practice adding value to yourself.
REMEMBER, IT PAYS IN EVERY WAY TO THINK BIG!
Don’t sell yourself short. Conquer the crime of self-deprecation. Concentrate on your assets. You’re better than you think you are.
Use the big thinker’s vocabulary. Use big, bright, cheerful words. Use words that promise victory, hope, happiness, pleasure; avoid words that create unpleasant images of failure, defeat, grief.
Stretch your vision. See what can be, not just what is. Practice adding value to things, to people, and to yourself.
Get the big view of your job. Think, really think your present job is important. That next promotion depends mostly on how you think toward your present job.
Think above trivial things. Focus your attention on big objectives. Before getting involved in a petty matter, ask yourself, “Is it really important?”
Grow big by thinking big!
Integral Development Forum 