|
Training for Book Authors
|
|
|
Sites Owned by Bill Platt
|
|
|
|
|
The Power of Thinking BIG
Copyright (c) 2009-2018 Ed Mylett
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." I believe no truer words were ever spoken and they were said by one of the greatest minds in the history of humanity. Albert Einstein knew a thing or two about imagination. His ability to think beyond convention, to question authority and the conclusions of scientists who came before him, gave our world some of the most significant scientific theories and discoveries of our time.
Imagination is one of the world's greatest forces. Human beings have progressed and developed in direct relationship to their collective imagination. All of our world's greatest achievements were once just thoughts in the minds of people who dared to dream them.
When I travel I'm always amazed by the efficiency of airlines. They get a bad rap from time to time, but when you really think about all that goes into it, it truly is amazing. What imagination there had to be to have the first flight take place? Each phase from man's first flight to the multidimensional concept of air travel had to be taken as an idea in someone's imagination before it could become a reality. Like all visionaries, those who dared to conceive had to break through the limited thinking of those around them and declare something like that possible. Leonardo da Vinci, one of the world's greatest thinkers, inventors and artists, drew elaborate drawings of flying machines all the way back in the 15th century. It has been written that he created a machine that did fly, but the religious leaders of the day labeled it an instrument of evil and made him destroy it.
The most dynamic aspect of imagination is the act of forming mental images of what does not yet exist in our world. Another level of imagination is creating a new idea or combination of ideas stimulated by and based on previous experiences. But there is something I refer to as creative imagination that takes us a step further than just forming mental images. Creative imagination spurs action—it causes things to come into existence. When we are creatively imagining something, we are actually causing it to come into being because it has been formed for the first time in our minds. Our images contain creative power. Our thoughts are like magnets, literally drawing to us that which we think about with passion or emotion.
In order to achieve your dreams you have to suspend disbelief and allow yourself to dream and do it on a repetitive basis. Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage. And all the men and women merely players." He was a master at creating a theater in the mind; with patrons of his plays suspending disbelief for a few hours to believe what they saw on stage was true. The same happens to people when they go to a movie. You know what you're seeing is fictitious, but you suspend disbelief in your mind for those two hours and feel all the emotions as you're watching the movie as if it were real. The same is true with your imagination. If you would suspend disbelief and allow your mind to go to positive places, thinking about what you want to be present in your own reality, if you think about those things with enough feeling and enough belief, you begin to manifest them in your life.
I truly believe your thoughts rule your world. That's why you need to be very careful about what you think about. Most people think about what they don't want, what they're afraid of, or what they can't do. They focus on the negative, and guess what? They likely to lead a very unhappy, unfilled life filled with anxiety rather than achievement. Whatever you think about, your world eventually becomes.
One of the challenges is the way most people are programmed to think. The majority of the messages we receive when we are very young involve conformity, and most people end up programmed that way. As a child, you were taught to obey or suffer consequences. So it's little wonder that when most people reach adulthood, the majority choose to perpetuate conformity as the easiest and most expedient approach to life. We prefer not to rock the boat because our need for approval is usually far stronger than our desire to do something great.
I personally believe that conformity is one of the greatest psychological evils of human kind. Not saying that there are not some rules for the sake of civilization that need to be followed. I'm talking about conformity that breaks a person's spirit—that takes away a person's capacity to dream a better life for themselves and have the drive to achieve it. The need to conform, to get approval from others, usually becomes the far greater need in our mind over achievement and doing something great. The person caught in this destructive habit never does anything worthwhile with his or her life. He wants to do something great, be independent and do important things, but he can't. His need to always be approved of prevents him. The conformist is filled with the need for approval and he or she can never get enough. He runs from one person to the next seeking compliments and endorsements for his behavior and or actions. As a child, he or she probably turned to teachers. When he started to work, he turned to his boss and fellow workers, and in marriage he turned to his mate. The conformist must always have someone around him to pat him on the head and tell him when he's doing a good job. This bolsters up his poor self-esteem. By constantly seeking approval, he escapes from the responsibility of creating his own success and happiness and becomes totally dependent on others for his well being.
In order to be leader, a trailblazer, you have to break away from conformist thinking.
If you were to take an assessment of how you think, are you more interested in approval from others and conforming (i.e. an average, ordinary life and average, ordinary existence) or are you interested in achieving something great? If you're going to aspire to do something great, to lead people, and make something significant happen in your life, then you have to drop every part of your desire to be a conformist. And the problem is conformists probably surround you. You may be married to one, surrounded at your job by some, and even parented by conformists. Your need for their approval needs to diminish if you want to make your dreams come true. In my opinion, the opposite of bravery is not cowardice; it's conformity.
|
Ed Mylett is an Executive Vice Chairman with World Financial Group, a member of the company's Chairman's Council and an inductee in WFG's Millionaire Hall of Fame. He lives in Chino Hills, Calif. with his wife, Kristianna, and their two children. This article first appeared in Opportunity, World Financial Group's business and lifestyle magazine, vol. 3/issue 2/Quarter 2 2008. http://www.wfgnewsroom.com/
|
VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >>
0 -
1 -
2 -
3 -
4 -
5
<< Excellent Article
Tell our authors what you think about their article.
|
Top-Level Category: Business Offline Articles || Related Categories: Business Online Articles and Self Improvement Articles
10 Most Recent Articles Written by Ed Mylett
Most Recent "Business Offline" Articles
How To Build a Strong and Powerful Business During a Recession
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-10 |
Word Count: 987 |
Page Views: 4090
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.33
During a recession, most business owners pull the reins on
advertising budgets, fearful of what tomorrow might bring...
Those who remain fearful have forgotten what made them the
success they are today... They have forgotten that they have
a God-given talent to overcome the incredible obstacles in
their paths.
SEO Lessons from Local Businesses
Written by: Trey McMartin |
Distributed: 2011-11-09 |
Word Count: 945 |
Page Views: 4320
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.33
More than once in the six years that I have been providing
SEO services for websites, I have had the opportunity to
discuss with individual business owners their search engine
optimization needs. Now and again, I run across an
individual business owner who is quick to say that SEO is
absolutely worthless. When confronted with such an absolute
statement, I like to press for details. It has been my
experience that people who speak in negative absolutes will
have a horror story to share.
Where Will FDA Target Next? What IVD Manufacturers Should Know Before Their Next FDA Audit
Written by: Norm Howe |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 706 |
Page Views: 537
Medical device manufacturers are always interested in knowing
what FDA's next area of focus will be. Well, if you're an In
Vitro Diagnostic manufacturer you might review your measurement
systems.
Online Fax - 10 Reasons To Get An Online Fax Service
Written by: Titus Hoskins |
Distributed: 2011-09-12 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 542
Online faxing is the new more modern way to fax. If you or your
company is not using an online fax service, here are 10 good
reasons why you should get it.
Best Effort Essential for the Job Interview
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-30 |
Word Count: 676 |
Page Views: 632
Interviewing will determine if you are the right person for the
job. These tips will help you make the job interview a success.
Go Green With Your Career Search
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-28 |
Word Count: 636 |
Page Views: 2999
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.33
Many of the qualities of green living, like recycling and
sustainability, can apply to a career search, even if the
career is not directly associated with green industries.
ReCareer in the Second-half of Life
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-26 |
Word Count: 525 |
Page Views: 3200
| Votes: 4 |
Rating: 1.50
Many of us worked the first half of our life to "fit" the
job description. ReCareering is about finding the right fit,
being selective, being creative, being fulfilled and being
intentional about how you spend your time.
Up in the Air
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC |
Distributed: 2011-07-24 |
Word Count: 678 |
Page Views: 598
When looking for work or changing careers, go beyond researching
on the internet and reading articles. Find out how you can learn
from the art of listening and having a conversation.
Salon and Spa Owners: Which Monk Are You?
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-07-05 |
Word Count: 477 |
Page Views: 3585
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 1.20
Too many salon and spa owners are carrying around a lot
hurts, regrets, guilt, past failures and fears about the
future. But no one is forcing you to carry these emotional
rocks, so put that sack down!
The Single Most Profitable Day You Spend on Your Spa or Salon!
Written by: Dan Lok |
Distributed: 2011-06-30 |
Word Count: 470 |
Page Views: 3966
| Votes: 3 |
Rating: 0.33
Salon and spa owners need to combine their marketing plan
with marketing systems. A marketing calendar plans out
strategies for a year, and is instrumental to the success of
your spa or salon.
Most Viewed "Business Offline" Articles
How To Write A 300 Page Book In Four Months
Written by: Mark Silver |
Distributed: 2008-07-15 |
Word Count: 821 |
Page Views: 38706
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 1.83
There's a lot of hoopla about becoming an author of your very
own business book. The promise of fame and fortune is very
alluring. Yet your book remains perpetually 'about to be'
written. Meanwhile your business has ground to a halt. Hmmm...
might there be a better way to get a book written?
The Best Marketing Book I've Ever Read (You'll Be Surprised)
Written by: Judy Murdoch |
Distributed: 2007-05-09 |
Word Count: 1522 |
Page Views: 35699
| Votes: 15 |
Rating: 3.60
From time to time someone asks me to recommend marketing books.
Here's one of my favorite marketing books that always surprises
people. Curious? Read on.
The Bizarre History Of The HOLLYWOOD Sign
Written by: Morris Timlen |
Distributed: 2008-11-05 |
Word Count: 1211 |
Page Views: 33068
| Votes: 28 |
Rating: 2.86
The most famous sign in the history of mankind is the one that
graces the side of the hill above Hollywood, California. As
famous a landmark as the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De
Janeiro, the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, the Great Pyramid of
Giza in Egypt, The Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint
Petersburg Russia, and the Statue Of Liberty in New York City,
the Hollywood sign is known around the world as the symbol of the
American movie industry.
What Does It Take To Be A Successful Salesman?
Written by: Casey Moher |
Distributed: 2008-08-05 |
Word Count: 930 |
Page Views: 25584
| Votes: 82 |
Rating: 3.24
In the course of my average workweek, I meet people who tell me
that they have no sales experience, and very literally, many
will tell me that they could not sell if their lives depended on
it. Do you fit into this mold? Do you seriously believe that you
can sell me on the idea that you cannot sell things?
The Future of the Office Photocopier Industry
Written by: Jennifer Robinson |
Distributed: 2010-07-29 |
Word Count: 635 |
Page Views: 14095
| Votes: 37 |
Rating: 2.08
Since Xerox first invented and sold the first commercial
photocopy machine companies and organisations have paid for
use of the machine on a cost per copy basis. This has
traditionally included full maintainance and toner supplied
under a service agreement. In-fact the office photocopier is
unique in the fact its one of the only pieces of equipment
that comes without a warranty from new. But photocopier
expert Online Connect UK claim all that is about to change.
Never Write A 'Thank You' Letter Again
Written by: Perry Maisin |
Distributed: 2008-08-12 |
Word Count: 971 |
Page Views: 13360
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.30
When I was in graduate school, I had a friend who interviewed at
fortune 500 companies and succeeded at landing a great job. One
day, I saw him sitting in the student union with a stack of
cards. The cards said 'thank you'. He opened each card and
signed his name. The inside of the card was blank. I asked him
what he was doing and he told me that it was important to send a
'thank you' to every person you interviewed with. He believed
that that was the difference between getting the job and being
passed over.
Selecting Between a 401(k) And 403(b) For a Nonprofit
Written by: Daniel Lamaute |
Distributed: 2007-10-11 |
Word Count: 333 |
Page Views: 13042
| Votes: 20 |
Rating: 2.50
Newly released IRS regulations impose several new requirements
and fiduciary responsibilities on employers with 403(b) plans.
While the regulations generally don't take effect until January
1, 2009, there are some provisions that apply sooner.
Top Ten Personal Habits
Written by: Laurel Vespi |
Distributed: 2009-09-08 |
Word Count: 427 |
Page Views: 11636
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 2.40
Successful people have a regular routine of daily or weekly
habits that reinforce the things that are most important to
them. By practicing a set of personal success habits, they
maintain a positive outlook, keep focused on their
priorities, have more energy, and a greater sense of
satisfaction with life.
Conducting Effective Career Aspiration Discussions with Employees
Written by: Andria L. Corso |
Distributed: 2010-03-10 |
Word Count: 690 |
Page Views: 11356
| Votes: 10 |
Rating: 1.50
Enhance your talent management and development programs
through conducting career aspiration discussions with your
employees. Find out where they want to grow their career to
determine if it matches your business needs. This will
enable you to differentiate your employee development to
grow the future leaders of your company.
Pitch A No-Hitter With Baseball-Themed Flower Gifts
Written by: Wesley Berry, AAF |
Distributed: 2007-12-25 |
Word Count: 413 |
Page Views: 10185
| Votes: 19 |
Rating: 1.68
Want to send a gift to the baseball fan in your life that's sure
to knock one out of the park? Send flowers with a baseball
theme! Everyone loves flowers and when you personalize them to
include the recipient's favorite hobbies, like baseball,
they're sure to make an even greater impression.
Highest Ranked "Business Offline" Articles
Why Businesses Need Receivable Factoring In Cash Flow Management
Written by: Toby Seibert |
Distributed: 2007-08-08 |
Word Count: 866 |
Page Views: 4531
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.60
In today's business environment, many businesses need to
fine-tune the process of getting paid on invoices, in order to
improve their cash on hand. Improving cash flow can be an ongoing
challenge for businesses of all sizes, and it is an issue that
must be addressed to ensure the long-term viability of the
business.
Whose Restaurant Can You Find Online?
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-07-09 |
Word Count: 640 |
Page Views: 3625
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
What is so significant about Pizza Hut's latest TV commercial?
Business School for Non-Business Minds: Got a NAICS Number?
Written by: Melissa Mashtonio |
Distributed: 2008-04-15 |
Word Count: 423 |
Page Views: 3937
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
I’m a journalist. I spent a lot of my career in the news
business. As my career has progressed, I’ve spent time at small
and large companies, and I have sat through dozens of business
meetings wondering what the heck the “money” people are talking
about. They used acronyms as if they were a foreign language.
The Problem With Swiping Sales Copy
Written by: Scott Bywater |
Distributed: 2009-12-03 |
Word Count: 480 |
Page Views: 3400
| Votes: 5 |
Rating: 4.40
This is what people miss when they try to simply "swipe"
sales copy from another advertisement.
Equal Opportunity Pizza Ordering
Written by: Rudy Vener |
Distributed: 2007-10-19 |
Word Count: 629 |
Page Views: 3907
| Votes: 8 |
Rating: 4.38
With online ordering, your menu and restaurant suddenly become
accessible to both the deaf and blind customers in your
community.
The Secret To Making Successful Business Connections
Written by: Kate Smalley |
Distributed: 2006-10-11 |
Word Count: 672 |
Page Views: 3834
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 4.00
If you have a hard time making successful business connections,
don't despair. Anyone can be good at meeting people-if they use
the right technique. The whole secret to making a positive
connection is knowing how to attract people and inspire them to
want to give you a chance.
How to Build a Really Great Business? (Super Success Secrets from a Legendary Business Master)
Written by: Chet Holmes |
Distributed: 2007-01-15 |
Word Count: 1523 |
Page Views: 4072
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 4.00
Times are tough. The economy is in a constant state of upheaval.
Is your company doing better than most? Are you placing greater
emphasis on pure performance?
Online Copywriting Makes Content as the King
Written by: Steven Gerber |
Distributed: 2006-12-11 |
Word Count: 560 |
Page Views: 4159
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
The inverted pyramid is basically the placing of 4 W's in the
primary sentences of the articles, supported by the other W and H
on the following discussions. Four W's consist of what, when,
where, and who. The other W which stands for why on the other
hand, follows on the succeeding paragraphs, including the
elaboration for the H which also stands for how, if necessary.
Interview Coaching: A Home-Based Business on the Cutting Edge
Written by: Carole Martin |
Distributed: 2007-08-24 |
Word Count: 1400 |
Page Views: 3730
| Votes: 7 |
Rating: 3.86
You name it - Blackberry, Skype Connection, Cell Phone, iPhone -
these are the tools of this trade. Who would believe that someone
with a home-based business could reach out to someone in a far
away country and work with a client via a Blackberry and a cell
phone?
Do You Know Where The Real Profit Pools Are?
Written by: V Rory Jones |
Distributed: 2006-11-07 |
Word Count: 6028 |
Page Views: 7917
| Votes: 6 |
Rating: 3.83
Ever had that feeling you've got a great business, but that
its' not delivering the results it really deserves? More likely
than not, you do have a great business - it is simply that its
strengths are not being directed towards the right opportunities,
or that those opportunities are not being well exploited. This
discussion outlines a new approach to market strategy - an
orientation around 'cash-based' Profit Pools. In it, we outline
what the right opportunities are, how to find them, and how to
exploit them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article Reprint Rights
|
This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License
You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
|
|
Article Statistics
|
Word Count: 1109
Total Views: 5646
Article Rating: 2.79 of 5
Votes Cast: 29
More Articles By Author:
Articles On This Website
Last Distribution Date:
2009-01-27 13:12:00
Internal ID: #6526
|
|
|
Home