In the 25 or so years that I have been reading so-called success and self-help literature, and teaching universal principles of prosperity, I have met few, if any, who have become materially or emotionally successful simply by following a set of rules from a self-proclaimed success guru, unless they have been able to see those rules merely as suggestions, not commandments writ large in stone.
I have, however, met many people who are successful according to their own criteria. And invariably, when I hear their stories, out of the myriad methods, techniques, and technologies they have used to get to where they are, three common practices emerge. I offer these practices to you here, not to give you another "formula for success," but rather, to share with you some universal principles, spiritual principles, that when applied consciously--and even unconsciously sometimes--can lead you in the direction you want to go, whatever that direction may be. Success on any level, even success at being a failure, depends on what you say, what you see, and what you sow.
What You Say
Language is a powerful and potent tool. It creates our experience of reality.* What you say to the world determines how the world responds to you. And what you say to yourself determines what you say to the world. The more you subject yourself to words like "I can't", "I'm not good enough," or "there's not enough to go around; I have to grab what I can while I can," the more the world says "yes, you're right," and proceeds to prove it. If you put a small value on yourself, be certain the world will not increase it for you. (I borrowed that. . .)
Your words are powerful; watch them closely.
What You See
The view you hold of the world and of your place in it also helps determine how you speak to the world. Holding a poor image of yourself usually creates a view of the world that is clouded, more negative. You become susceptible to every painful bump along your self-created rocky road. You are less trusting of others. And, in your mind, rightly so. The world is a frightening place, after all. Your perspective determines what you will see around you. And what you see around you usually supports the view you hold. It comes full circle. There is no other way. The vision you hold reproduces itself in your world.
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