Thinking positively about life isn’t about having some distorted view thinking everything is all peaches and cream. Everyone on this planet has issues. It’s how we think about these problems that matters.
When I was on my way to prison for the 2nd time in 2015, I didn’t have some dilution that I would be fine financially. Money was still an issue.
Negative thoughts are just as powerful as positive ones. I believe in the universal laws of attraction. But I’m not going to get into that right now. I want to focus on how our thoughts determine our actions.
I could have earlier stayed with what I consider negative thoughts about how to make money doing shady shit in prison. Like selling drugs. I could have still made money, I also could have gotten caught with those drugs and got more time. I probably would have used the drugs, ended up not having the money to pay for them. Gotten my ass kicked. Negative thoughts produce negative actions that cause negative consequences.
By thinking positively, I was willing to do things that were legit to get money. I acted with pride, confidence, and responsibility. My bunker saw these attributes and the Law of Attraction came into play, big time. Even if I wasn’t “in the right place at the right time,” (this is how most people see the Law of Attraction, not me). My confidence and responsibility still would have shown. I would have started making money on my own. And, I did.
I was also sewing that time down. Bringing in $30-$50 more a month. Even though I had never made a long sleeve shirt before, I was confident in my ability to be able to figure it out. I took a risk. I made a sewing needle. Cut up 2 of my 3 shirts. Got to work.
I showed people my work, I had 2 people wanting a long sleeve within 5 minutes. By the time I was done with the 3rd shirt, I had people coming to me for all types of tailoring, shirts, jackets, pants, shorts, pillows.
Because of my desire to make money in a positive way and my willingness to work for it, I literally had more work than I could handle. My risk for getting in trouble wasn’t crazy, I might have gotten a ticket for the needle but that’s nothing compared to more time if I got caught with drugs.
Like I said, thinking positively isn’t believing everything is hunky-dory. It’s acknowledging our problems with positive thoughts, a quick example of this would be changing, “I can’t get out of debt” to “I want to be financially free.” It is the same concepts dealing with the same issue. One is negative, one is positive.
The word “can’t” is pure negativity. It promotes frustration and discouragement. The word “debt,” although there is such a thing as good debt, is generally associated negatively. Being frustrated and discouraged about debt will get you nowhere. Maybe deeper in debt and more frustrated.
The word “want” promotes a desire and willingness to obtain. “Free” is pure positivity. Having a desire and willingness to obtain financial freedom you will start acting on that thought. Being more responsible with the money you have, looking for ways to make more. I know, this is what worked for me. It all started with changing how I thought.
In prison, we have 2 different types of stores. The state runs one store, we can only get stuff from here once a week. We have to fill out an order form the week before we pick it up.
The second is one that is run by an inmate. There are many of these stores on every unit. These stores are open every day as long as they have staff. They work off a credit system with 30-50% interest.
I’ve never respected money. I’ll tell you about how this perspective came about later. Right now, I want to show you the concept from where I have always been to where I am now, regarding money.
I was stuck in debt with these stores. Usually over stupid shit like sodas and cupcakes. I’d get irritated with myself every week when I’d have to give them $15 for the $10 I got from them. The more irritated I got, the more I’d say screw it and go get another soda and cupcake.
I got my money under control with 2 positive thoughts. 1: I wanted to respect my family and the money they sent me. 2: I wanted to eat what I wanted to eat. Not whatever was available from the store.
I’ve gone from owing $10 plus every week, with very little to call my own. To having a stockpile and money to spare. My money didn’t increase to get out of debt. I started being responsible with it.
My family sends me money once a month. With that money I buy everything, I need for the next month. Any extra money my family sends me as I get paid for working is extra. I can do what I want with this, save, splurge, invest.
I think most people, at least in developed societies, earn enough money to be financially free. It is the negative thinking that keeps them in debt.
Without any increase in money, I’ve gone from asking someone for a shot of coffee for $60 of debt to drinking 2-3 cups of my own coffee a day. I have enough to last me another 3 weeks at that rate. I’ve gone from asking for a scoop of peanut butter for my bread to having chips, cookies, oatmeal, peanut butter, trail mix, protein shakes..I won’t run out of that stuff for at least 2 more weeks. I still have money on my account to refill anything I get close to running out of.
Stuck in debt begging to more than enough. Just by changing my thoughts to be positive. Of course, my actions changed also. They automatically changed to be in line with my thoughts.
Give this concept a try, set aside some time today. It doesn’t matter if it’s 10 minutes or an hour. Think about the things in life you would like to change. Finances, schooling, fitness, relationships, video games. It doesn’t matter what it is. If you would like it to change for the better, try this.
Think about where you’d like to be (end goal) in a positive way, and your (attitude) in a positive way. I want (attitude) to be financially free (end goal). I will (attitude) be more understanding with my kids (end goal). I can (attitude) be better at Madden 2017 (end goal).
When you have a positive attitude about a positive end goal, you will find that you’re motivated to achieve this. Your actions will fall in line with your thoughts. You will start doing what’s needed to achieve your end goal.
Your day is already filled thinking about your issues. Acknowledge how you think about them without judging. If necessary, spin that thought into a positive one. This is where it all starts. With a thought.
Can you think positively for a few minutes today, about your issues? Between getting ready in the morning, eating, driving, the hours spent in front of the TV or phone? There’s plenty of time to think!