Millions of people are unhappy with their present situation. They hate their job, they hate where they live, they hate their neighbors, they want more income and more money, or they want more time and freedom. For others, they already love their family, neighbors and job but never seem to have enough money to make ends meet. Still, nothing ever seems to change. It’s always the same old same old. Sound familiar?

Why is it that so many in this group will seek out change or opportunity, but never actually pull the trigger? They simply won’t take action. Why, because many of them have been conditioned to expect a guaranteed, calculated return or result. For others, it’s because they believe that they CAN’T or WON’T succeed. Heaven forbid that they might try and fail or that success might not come swiftly. Far too often people will look to others and examine whether or not they succeeded in a particular opportunity, and based on that, conclude that it won’t work for them. In either case they are always right…because THEY BELIEVE it. So let’s take a closer look at the dynamics of thought and decision, how they relate to pursuing dreams, and how they can directly influence the chances of obtaining more in life.

Whether it’s more money, better health or more love, nearly all of us want more in life, right. We want more for us and more for those we love. Unfortunately, few people take responsibility for attracting more of what they want in their lives. Most listen to what others say or if they find that more people failed than succeeded in a particular endeavor, they abandon the idea before pursing it. Ironically, some of the wealthiest, happiest, and healthiest people throughout history took the path less traveled. They refused to follow what everyone else did. Instead, they manifested (positive) thoughts to propel them towards their desires…refusing to allow the majority or opinions of others control their thoughts, decisions and actions.

So why do some people enjoy a more fulfilling life journey, while others miss out? Could it be as simple as the way we think? The answer is most often “yes”. We are constantly inundated with negative messages and images that promote a sense of victimization. This has become a dangerous and often silent but consistent force in our mainstream news media. This evolution of the “victimization” mentality has accelerated over the last quarter century, in large part due to the proliferation of technology in the world. It is a real and destructive force that unwittingly affects millions, preventing them from realizing their dreams…by deterring or delaying the taking of action. Ironically, it is only by “taking action” that we can transform dreams into a physical reality.

Although the perception of being a victim is a temporary illusion without substance…it does become very real when we believe it. Believing that we have limited influence over our thoughts, actions and environment will deny what we are capable of achieving. Moreover, we should avoid delays in taking action. In fact, isn’t all that we really have “now”…this very moment? When you think about it, our past and future are merely perceptions of what was or will be. It is impossible to return to the past and the future may never come… all that we have (are) is “now”. The most successful people make decisions quickly and take immediate action on those decisions. They act “now”.

Experts often share statistics or positions related to certain business opportunities (e.g. Network Marketing) which unintentionally lead readers to conclude that the sky will likely fall on them if they engage in such pursuits, opportunities that have proven unfruitful for “everyone”. Whether involving business, religion, health, or other any other topics, they tend to imply that failure is bad. Furthermore, they assume that if others have failed in pursuit of something (or thrown in the towel), you will fail too. They forgo important details of how much effort, or lack of effort, was applied by participants in their sample. Instead they present selective details that distort the reality, thereby implying that most participants shared identical outcomes. Framing data in such a way diminishes the value of individual ability and the vast potential within every human being.

For example, years ago track and field experts confidently bantered back and forth that it was unconsciable to believe that a human being would ever run a mile in under 4 minutes. However, an Englishman by the name of Roger Bannister refused to believe it when he became the first man in history to accomplish that very feat. Today, that feat is a common occurrence. Stories of accomplishing the unthinkable are abundant, and all occurred when people “believed” that they could do something others could not or would not do.

It’s unfortunate that the failure of others is consistently used as the “measuring stick” to assess the likely success or failure for others (that includes you). Such limitations instill a subliminal fear, a deadly form of dream stealing. There are two basic types of fear. One is an essential survival response while the other can prevent us from achieving what we desire. The first form of fear is a naturally wired reaction that alerts us to impending harm. For instance, if you spot a grizzly bear charging down the hillside in your direction, this innate fear will instantly alert you to run for your life. It is an unconscious instruction. However, the second type of fear is “inauthentic”. It manifests from an interpretation of past experiences, observation and education. For instance, if you want to start a business, or you are about to speak in front of a large audience, you might experience this form of fear. This consciously contrived fear is responsible for many people’s inability to advance or achieve their dreams.

If not properly filtered, much of what we see and hear can threaten our fulfillment in life. Imagine how you might perceive the world if you were not bombarded with so many negative messages. Would you think much differently? As it is, most of us never notice the chronic “monkey clatter” racing through our minds every waking moment of every day. Most of us (Americans) hop out of bed when we wake and then onto the hamster wheel of life until we return to bed at night.

Here’s an interesting statistic. Quantum scientists estimate that human beings experience 60,000 thoughts (monkey clatter) every single day. Those thoughts transfer real energy that can be measured in frequency waves. Imagine what might happen if we could replace all the negative thoughts (energy) with positive thoughts (energy). How happier or healthier do you think you would be? Do you think new relationships might form to also open new doors of opportunity? What’s more, this is something each of us can control. Although it may not occur overnight, we can control the negative “monkey clatter” using a number of methods. Perhaps the simplest and most effective of which is to identify a “flash” thought of a positive or happy experience. When you find negative or undesirable thoughts racing back and forth in your mind, you can immediately replace it with your “flash” thought. This works.

The notion that we are all victims is a broad distortion of truth which impedes our ability to achieve and receive more. When we give credence to the notion that we are victims of the environment, people or events, we essentially give up our dreams…and any faith in ourselves. Granted, the only thing we control is us. However, we can and do influence everything and everyone around us. If we want more, we must develop the belief that we can and will have it. I believe someone “in the know” said, “Whatsoever things ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them and ye shall have them.”

Understand that with every failure we move closer to success. As a matter of fact, those who fail most and suffer the greatest hardships generally find the greatest rewards in life. So why is it that when pundits, scholars, experts, etc., shine the spotlight on failure we immediately discount the many who have found tremendous success traveling the path on which others failed? Why is it that people are so quick to accept why something won’t work…rather than how it will work?

The fact is that not “everyone” will succeed for the same reasons, and not everyone will fail for the same reasons. This assumption is often the basis of the argument against many non-traditional types of business opportunities. The fact is, not all such opportunities are the same. As an example, not all golf clubs were manufactured with the same in purpose, design or quality. If you’re a golfer you know that a 3-iron is designed to send a golf ball further than a seven iron. However, assuming that everyone will hit a golf ball farther with a 3-iron than a seven iron would be a mistake. There are many amateur golfers who can hit a seven iron better and farther than the 3-iron. For advanced players, some may consistently hit a golf ball farther using the same club, but they lack the skills to score under 80. Furthermore, if a basketball team played 25 games and lost 12 would they consider it a losing or winning season? Most would consider it a winning season, but the players may not feel the same if their previous season record was 20-5. It’s all relative to how we reference and interpret information.

There are thousands of ordinary people who have created six-figure annual incomes or became millionaires through non-traditional routes (such as network marketing). Yet, naysayers continue to draw attention to those who did not succeed. Again, why do we assume that everyone should or will succeed in whatever they pursue? An interesting principle relating to this was discovered by a famous Italian economist named Vilfredo Pareto. He created a mathematical formula to describe the unequal distribution of wealth in his country, observing that twenty percent of the people owned eighty percent of the wealth. His discovery forever altered the way in which many large corporations look at business. Pareto’s findings revealed that 20 percent of all activity produces 80 percent of results or output. In the same study, it was determined that 20% of individuals or groups are responsible for 80% of the results. This 80/20 phenomenon is now known as the “Pareto Principle”, and it applies to virtually every aspect of life. It was discovered a century ago (1906), so why are we still living with the misconception that everyone must succeed in order for something to be worthy or have merit? As Mark Twain commented long ago, “When you find yourself following the mojority, it’s time to pause and reflect”.

For your sake and the sake of those you care about, pay little attention to the subliminal “victimization” messages cluttering the blessings of life. Pursue what you believe you can achieve. Enjoy your entire journey because the destination may not arrive exactly as, or as quickly, as you had imagined. In the end you are always free to manifest your personal happiness and to share it with others.

Thanks for spending time and to all Your Happiness!
Start with a “belief in mind”. R. Felter