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"I Can Make It Happen"
History
abounds with tales of experts who were convinced that the ideas, plans,
and projects of others could never be achieved. However, accomplishment
came to those who said, "I can make it happen."
The Italian sculptor
Agostino d'Antonio worked diligently on a large piece of marble. Unable to
produce his desired masterpiece, he lamented, "I can do nothing with it."
Other sculptors also worked this difficult piece of marble, but to no
avail. Michelangelo discovered the stone and visualized the possibilities
in it. His "I-can-make-it-happen" attitude resulted in one of the world's
masterpieces - David.
The experts of Spain
concluded that Columbus's plans to discover a new and shorter route to the
West Indies was virtually impossible. Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand
ignored the report of the experts. "I can make it happen," Columbus
persisted. And he did. Everyone knew the world was flat, but not Columbus.
The Nina, the Pinta, the Santa Maria, along with Columbus and his small
band of followers, sailed to "impossible" new lands and thriving
resources.
Even the great Thomas Alva
Edison discouraged his friend, Henry Ford, from pursuing his fledgling
idea of a motorcar. Convinced of the worthlessness of the idea, Edison
invited Ford to come and work for him. Ford remained committed and
tirelessly pursued his dream. Although his first attempt resulted in a
vehicle without reverse gear, Henry Ford knew he could make it happen.
And, of course, he did.
"Forget it," the experts
advised Madame Curie. They agreed radium was a scientifically impossible
idea. However, Marie Curie insisted, "I can make it happen."
Let's not forget our friends
Orville and Wilbur Wright. Journalists, friends, armed forces specialists,
and even their father laughed at the idea of an airplane. "What a silly
and insane way to spend money. Leave flying to the birds," they jeered.
"Sorry," the Wright brothers responded. "We have a dream, and we can make
it happen." As a result, a place called Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, became
the setting for the launching of their "ridiculous" idea.
Finally, as you read these
accounts under the magnificent lighting of your environment, consider the
plight of Benjamin Franklin. He was admonished to stop the foolish
experimenting with lighting. What an absurdity and waste of time! Why,
nothing could outdo the fabulous oil lamp. Thank goodness Franklin knew he
could make it happen. You too can make it happen!
| Food
For Thought
"I'm trying to finish that report."
"Let's try to get together."
"I'm going to try to lose weight."
"He's trying to make ends meet."
Trying is not enough. Doing is the
only thing that counts. In fact, trying can be worse than doing
nothing at all. When you are "trying" to do something, you're under
the illusion that you're actually doing something, and so you don't
make any effort to do any more.
Trying is action without commitment.
You might try today, yet there's no guarantee that it will continue
tomorrow. On the other hand, doing something means that you're
committed to taking action until you have accomplished it.
So what's the real difference between
"trying hard" to do something, and actually doing it? Nothing, and
everything. It's all in your attitude. To all outward appearances,
trying is the same as doing. The big difference is inside. The big
difference is -- how committed are you to getting it done?
Trying wastes a lot of time. When
you're not committed to getting it done, you lack focus and
effectiveness. Accomplishment comes through doing. When you make the
commitment to do whatever it takes, you bring into focus the energy
needed to succeed.
"I'm trying to put a book together"
or "I'm writing a book." Which book will people be reading soon?
Trying will get you trials. Doing
will get you results. Stop trying. Start doing.
You have within you the power and
ability to solve every problem and deal with every challenge that life
presents.
Your mind is a powerful tool that is always working to make your world
the place you expect it to be. If you expect to be lonely, and sick,
and without money -- then your mind will find a way for that to
happen. And when you expect to be healthy, prosperous and loved, then
your mind will find a way for it to happen.
Is what you expect for yourself the same as what you want for
yourself? The people whom we view as successful, are those who fully
expect to get what they want, whatever that may be. And they find a
way to get it.
Do you even know what you want? Most people have a general idea of
what they would like (more money, a bigger house, interesting
friends). But it's impossible to focus your mind to achieve
generalities. Your mind must have specific goals in order to reach
them. Not just "a bigger house" but specifically what house, on what
street, in what neighborhood, how many bedrooms, what color carpet?
Know what you want, fully expect to get it, and take the necessary
actions to bring it about. Know that there will be obstacles, and that
you will find a way through them. You can do it. |
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