comSuccess is Habit Forming
As
Americans celebrate Presidents Day we should also pay tribute to one of
the most effective presidents of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln is a great example of success. Here is someone who didn't let
negative self-talk convince him to quit in the mist of the many
challenges of his life. In 1816, at age 7 was forced out of his home
and just 2 years later his mother pasted away. In 1832, after losing
his job he ran for state legislature and lost. A year after that went
into debt over an unsuccessful business deal And in 1838 lost twice
for Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives.
President Lincoln could have settled for failure of mediocrity but, he formed many successful habits that help him become the man we so honor today.
You were born with instinct not habits. Habits are an acquired pattern of behaviors learned over time and with enough repetition will become second nature.
My son Kevin called me from Norwich University, a military college in Vermont the other morning- 06:30 to be exact. He was screaming with delight that during formation he received word from his USAF Detachment Captain that he will be a Navigator when he graduates next year as a Second Lieutenant.. He was one of a hundred in the country to be awarded the position.
Kevin has wanted to become a pilot since the age of nine. He prepared himself by earning good grades in school and asking for help when they started to fall. He managed his environment by staying out of trouble and taking care of himself by being physically fit. He managed his thoughts and feelings when he was declined admission into the Air, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies. He stayed positive and realized he did get accepted into one of the most recognized and distinguished private military schools in the country. He learned from his experiences by what has worked, what doesn't and what still needs to be worked on.
I tell you this not to brag (OK just a little) but, to illustrate to that these habits were developed, repeated and reinforced with a positive attitude. His success and yours depend on it.
Losing weight is more than what you shove in your mouth. When you eat, why you eat and what you eat is determined by what you repeatedly think about. Socrates once said "we move in the direction of our thoughts." How you manage your thoughts has a direct impact as to how you manage your weight. Notice the times and places that foster a negative frame of mind and ask yourself what changes can you make that will help you stop doubting yourself. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't and replace negativity with positivity. See, if you constantly focus on what you can't or don't want you'll never achieve what you can or do. Supportive people can have a positive effect on your frame of mind so spend time and surround yourself with people that care and are encouraging.
President Lincoln could have settled for failure of mediocrity but, he formed many successful habits that help him become the man we so honor today.
You were born with instinct not habits. Habits are an acquired pattern of behaviors learned over time and with enough repetition will become second nature.
My son Kevin called me from Norwich University, a military college in Vermont the other morning- 06:30 to be exact. He was screaming with delight that during formation he received word from his USAF Detachment Captain that he will be a Navigator when he graduates next year as a Second Lieutenant.. He was one of a hundred in the country to be awarded the position.
Kevin has wanted to become a pilot since the age of nine. He prepared himself by earning good grades in school and asking for help when they started to fall. He managed his environment by staying out of trouble and taking care of himself by being physically fit. He managed his thoughts and feelings when he was declined admission into the Air, Naval and Merchant Marine Academies. He stayed positive and realized he did get accepted into one of the most recognized and distinguished private military schools in the country. He learned from his experiences by what has worked, what doesn't and what still needs to be worked on.
I tell you this not to brag (OK just a little) but, to illustrate to that these habits were developed, repeated and reinforced with a positive attitude. His success and yours depend on it.
Losing weight is more than what you shove in your mouth. When you eat, why you eat and what you eat is determined by what you repeatedly think about. Socrates once said "we move in the direction of our thoughts." How you manage your thoughts has a direct impact as to how you manage your weight. Notice the times and places that foster a negative frame of mind and ask yourself what changes can you make that will help you stop doubting yourself. Focus on what you can do rather than what you can't and replace negativity with positivity. See, if you constantly focus on what you can't or don't want you'll never achieve what you can or do. Supportive people can have a positive effect on your frame of mind so spend time and surround yourself with people that care and are encouraging.
Abraham Lincoln said "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any one thing."
Comments