On Saturday, I completed The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz, a phenomenal book regarding positive thinking patterns and real-life examples of success and failure. My mind swam with ideas, and I sought to transcribe the book's many teachings and my resulting thoughts. After ten or so minutes, I wrote the following (courtesy of a few high school students who lent me paper and a pen at Starbucks):
1. No more sarcasm! It only breeds contempt and negativity.
2. The weather is always fantastic! Complaining about weather patterns is as common as birds and only works to set off a negative firestorm.
3. You're always "pretty awesome"! No more "alright," "okay," or "could be better." What you say and how you feel go hand-in-hand.
4. Never talk negatively about people! Tough one, but no matter how much you dislike someone, don't talk head. It doesn't do any good, makes you more upset, and makes you seem disloyal and dishonest.
5. Have high standards... in yourself, not others. It's important to demand much out of yourself - hell, it's a requirement. But don't demand perfection among others. They all have faults just as you do and there's no need to correct them... if you are even correct at all. If you can't stand certain individuals, you are free to find new friends. But don't stay there, get mad at them, and then complain.
6. No more complaining! [Corrupt text] If everyone in the world were just like me, it would be awfully stubborn and negative. I admit I have my positive qualities, but I'm focusing here on improvement, not celebration.
7. Stop giving advice! It makes people think you're a "know-it-all," who judges everyone. This one needs some extra attention.
I felt quite satisfied when I threw my pen down because it's always better to write out thoughts - your ideas become real, and it forces your mind to focus. It's a little crude, but I designed this checklist to be direct and unapologetic.
I'm too old for excuses.
It's time to start thinking big.
