As a society, we are often obsessed with finding immediate answers. We often over-analyze everything, and we want everything to be narrowed down to scientifically-proven, well-documented facts. Such an attitude can lead to frustration and depression because many problems are complicated.
The solution to every problem in life does not narrow down to instant, definitive answers. Electronics and textbooks may not clarify some important life questions, which is why we need to rely on our wells of inner light to lead us to solve more complicated issues.
What does it mean to believe in yourself?
Many people have found that the “evidence” of our five senses is not always a reliable source of information. Science is in a constant state of flux, and today’s miracle is tomorrow’s science.
The world is full of various belief systems. However, one ideal that they all seem to embrace is that the ever-changing external world might not always have the answer to everything. Not every answer can be quantified in charts, numbers, and graphs. Sometimes, we must look to our intuition, our inner core of belief, to guide us.
I can use my own medical history as an illustration: I have a chronic medical condition that defied “expert” classification for decades. Years of expensive medical testing and doctors’ office visits yielded no clues. Specialists were able to treat certain symptoms, but the root cause of my problem escaped them. I had to lean on to my own inner strength to lead me, little by little, down the road to health.
The experts couldn’t figure out my problem. I had to allow my own divine nature, my belief system, to solve my dilemma.
What famous people have believed in their power to endure?
The three most powerful industrialists of the United States at the end of the 19th century overcame disadvantaged childhoods to become mega billionaires.
Cornelius (Commodore) Vanderbilt built his unparalleled wealth in railroads and shipping. He came from a family of impoverished Dutch farmers. His grandfather immigrated to New York as an indentured servant.
John Davison Rockefeller, Sr. was a co-founder of Standard Oil, which dominated the oil industry and was the first great U.S. business trust. His childhood was tumultuous and destitute. His father, Bill, led a vagabond existence, returned to his family infrequently, and shunned conventional morality and ethics.
Andrew Carnegie led the huge expansion of the American steel industry. He built Pittsburgh's Carnegie Steel Company, which later became U.S. Steel. His parents were poor Scottish immigrants. In Scotland, the family was so impoverished that they lived in a one-room weaver’s cottage. They immigrated to the United States in 1848.
Why do we have a right to believe in a better life?
There are many cases of people who are able to create a better life for themselves against every definition of common sense. If they can do it, we can do it!
No matter what our detractors might say, they do not have the final word. What they declare is often opinion, not fact. In actuality, they should NOT be allowed to have control over our lives.
We are the only ones who should have emotional control over our lives, although we may (unwisely) choose to hand over that power to someone else.
How can we strengthen our own ability to believe in a brighter future?
We can accomplish this by allowing ourselves to take baby steps into our future. In other words, we should not try to tackle huge problems at once. It’s easier to believe for small miracles than big ones.
I cite many examples of how people have systematically strengthened their power to believe in themselves in my book, Accept No Trash Talk.
One example is Derek Redmond , a British track athlete, who competed at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. His hamstring was already frail because of prior surgeries. His hamstring completely snapped during the beginning of the 400-meter semi-final race. Undaunted, Derek continued to limp along the track. His dad, Jim Redmond, raced down from his seat, and pushed his way through security guards, in order to walk his son to the finish line. 65,000 misty-eyed spectators cheered them on with an extended standing ovation.
How have you found success through believing in yourself?
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