“The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.” George Bernard Shaw
I accidentally stumbled on this quote a while back. Some might see this notion as eerie, yet it is true: successful people have learned to create their own circumstances, their own experiences, and results.
They know what they want; they are crystal clear about their goals and objectives, and do whatever it takes to make them a reality. They have become the architects of their success.
And, as strange as it may seem to some, the success that they enjoy, the life experiences that they live, started from a thought.
You see, knowingly or not, you, too, are the architect; you are creating your own experiences in life, through your thoughts. Each and every thought you have, every word you say directs what you experience in life.
Each thought, each word, is like a seed, when planted it grows into a life experience, an action, or a behaviour. It is important to realise that there is no such thing as an idle or inactive thought; all thoughts contribute to the life you are living and experiencing. Everything you see around you, all that you encounter, stem from a thought you had.
The challenge that many people have is that they are oblivious to how they create their day-by-day, moment-by-moment, experiences, purely because they are unaware that they are creating them through their own thoughts.
Do you know someone who constantly complains about their current situation, lying in bed most of the day thinking about their miserable, depressing life, constantly claiming it is not their fault, and demanding that someone else do something to change their life?
That person is a good example of someone who sees themselves as a victim, blaming others and the outside world for the life which is being lived. The truth is, the act of constantly dwelling on negative thoughts is creating the misery and depression that is being felt.
That perception will become if it has not already done so, a self-fulfilling prophecy.
If you want to be successful in any area of your life, you must change and always be in control of what you think. When you change your thoughts, your actions and behaviour will automatically change and so will your life.
Realise that your inner world creates your outer world. In other words, your external world, the life you are living and experiencing, is a reflection of your inner world, your thoughts.
This essence is the core philosophy behind the ‘Cause and Effect’ concept. What that means is, the life you are living at the moment, your effect, is a reflection of your line of thinking, the cause. The effect behind your cause might not materialise immediately in your life; however, be aware that it will appear sometime soon.
Every cause and everything that you are experiencing in your life right now is a direct result of your effect, and your thinking. So, as often as possible, be attentive to your thoughts. Steer clear of those thoughts that will bring about the results, and the experiences, you do not want.
Take conscious responsibility for the thoughts that you have. Keep the ‘Cause and Effect’ concept in mind.
Always remember: when you change your internal settings, your external environment will naturally and automatically change.