The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale - ClassicBooks.com
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The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale | © ClassicBooks.com
The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale teaches that your mind is the ultimate root of success and what you need to do to improve self-confidence and eradicate the limiting habit of worry. The author argues that if you want to be happy, you should keep your heart free from hate and develop positive thoughts. The book makes countless references to the Bible, which Peale views as the most excellent source of power. There is no point in living an unsatisfactory life when there is a higher source of energy you can look up to. Just believe in something, and all would be well. The book is divided into 17 chapters training on critical elements like believing in oneself, having a peaceful mind, and breaking the worry habit.
There is an old-age question that involves a glass and its fullness. It goes: “Is your glass half-full or half-empty? How you answer this question is a reflection of your outlook in life. If you are the type who thinks it is half-empty, you are more bound to have a negative attitude. The converse is true. Life is all about how you want to view it. You get to choose your preferred view, but that choice will have consequences. It goes a long way impacting everything you do as well as your health.
Positive thinking does not entail burying your head in the sand and ignoring the unpleasant situations in life. Doing that would be ignoring life’s realities, and this may compromise your positive attitudes. Instead, it just implies that you look at the unpleasantness positively and even get motivated by it. You are optimistic that the situation will get better. All of this begins with self-talk, and maybe endless reflections running through your mind.
And since the author wants to remain positive, he tells many encouraging stories of the way positive thinking changed people’s lives. Positive thinking is such a powerful tool. So, Norman Vincent Peale explores how it can be used to one’s advantage, which makes the book helpful to read.
Some people are born with negative mindsets and so would always approach life issues from an unenthusiastic angle. The author, however, assures that such can be handled; you can learn how to start having positive thoughts. Some people indeed find it easier to be positive naturally, but the majority have to practice continuously until they get it right. Both men and women are sure to find fulfillment in their lives when they implement the practical techniques outlined in the book.
Norman Vincent Peale argues that confidence in your power is the key to a successful and happy life. Inferiority complex is a rock-wall to attaining your hopes, whereas self-confidence sets the right stage for higher achievements. This kind of mental attitude is of considerable significance, and the book is focused on helping the reader to believe in themselves and make good use of their inner powers.
Trusting in oneself is priceless. If you can’t trust yourself, you will find it very hard to trust others. As your subconscious creates the perception that if you are incapable of doing something, why would someone else be able to do it?
To further expound on this idea of trusting in oneself, the author tells of a story of a young boy who was supposed to see a man the next day for a job interview. The anxious boy had a big problem with disbelief and a lack of confidence in himself. No matter how much he was told that all should work out fine, he still found it hard to comprehend. That is when the idea of faith is brought in, and he is told certain words he ought to repeat over and over. “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.” A verse from the Bible, Philippians 4:18, and one in which Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. The boy reads it from a card over and over. By the next afternoon, he had successfully secured the job.
As I read the story, I could not help but relate it to my personal life. Growing up, I would feel unsafe both at home and at school. That mostly happened when I had not been picked from school or when I had been left at home alone. I didn’t trust that I could be safe on my own. My parents knew that their little child was always frightened of being on his own. Thus, my dad put on me a wristband and said it was a protective gear. That, as long as I had it on, nothing wrong would befall me. Somehow such a simple gesture went a long way to boosting my confidence level. The truth of the matter is that the wristband would not do anything to me. Physically, it had no role in keeping me safe. However, from a spiritual perspective, it was more than just a piece worn on the hand. It was some source of strength which gave me the motivation to realize greater confidence in myself.
This only works to prove that adopting a positive life is the most useful thing that anyone can do for themselves. It makes no sense to keep on doubting what you are capable of when you are indeed a steady and robust person, and your only limitation is your thoughts. As outlined in this book, avoid negative thoughts, and you will be on the right path to achieve fulfillment.
Your attitude impacts your whole life
Published in 1952, The Power of Positive Thinking is a phenomenal bestseller. It has sold more than 5 million copies thanks to its concentration on real-world issues that people face daily. Among these issues is the idea of one’s attitude towards life and, the author insists, you are nothing more than the thoughts developed from personal experiences.
All the problems we encounter in life are indeed real. It may even take more than just a few years before we get over some of them. Issues like debt and lousy health can physically and emotionally drown you. However, you are in charge of how you react to these situations. Even though there is no single-push button for solving all of them, your attitude can change from one day to the next. Develop the tendency of maintaining a brave face in all situations, and you shall be well-equipped to appreciate the good things in tough circumstances.
Consider a situation where a person is almost hit by a car. Some people, in that situation, may find this to be a bad sign and would spend the rest of their lives afraid to walk outside. Alternatively, some could picture it as a miracle and live their life to the fullest. They become grateful for each new day, allowing only positive affirmations to define their decisions.
Being worried is such an influential obsession. If you let it take control of your life, you will never be able to do anything. It is stressful and leads to more health complications like arthritis, heart disease, and other sicknesses that reduces life expectancy. Therefore, you should get rid of it wherever possible. Norman Vincent Peale insists you need to actively get involved in harnessing the power to love life as it is.
A greater source of power
As the author insists on the need to think positively, you might wonder how it can be done. Peale believes that the Bible is the perfect source of guidance or personal power. All that you should do is consume a Biblical quote every single day, especially when going through a challenging situation. Such citations carry timeless wisdom and fantastic power. It is quite difficult not to agree with Peale’s assertions when he makes references statements like “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” and “If thou can believe, all things are possible.” These quotes are directly from the Bible and send a burning sensation in your heart not to give up.
It makes no sense to continue agonizing in pain when there is a higher source of power whom you can rely on. Peale insists that abundant sources of energy dominate the world, and all that we should do is believe in them. We do not need to make life difficult for ourselves. Just give your whole to this fantastic source of power, and you would be okay. Quoting from the Bible, “Come to me with all your burdens and I will make them light.” Just the understanding that someone else is taking care of your troubles is enough to give you long-lasting peace of mind.
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With Norman Vincent Peale’s book, you can energize your inner self. The book makes significant references to the Bible, an infinite source of power. Coupled with stories and cases, The Power of Positive Thinking acknowledges the struggle of humanity and the initiative needed to carry forward when faced with daunting situations. It is a fascinating reading that will rejuvenize you.
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