What do you want?

What would happen if you went to the counter of a fast food restaurant and asked for something to eat? Would you get any food? That depends on how you ask. If you just say you want “something to eat” and leave it at that, you probably won’t get anything. When you tell them that you’d like a “double burger with cheese and an order of fries” you’ll get some food to eat, provided you can do one other thing -- pay for it.

The same factors apply whenever you ask anyone for anything. To insure that you get what you’re after, you must be very specific and precise about what you want. No one, no matter how rich or powerful, can deliver what you want unless they know precisely what it is. And you must be able to offer something in return.

The money you pay the fast food restaurant is what makes it possible for them to provide you with food. Similarly, the value you’re willing to provide, is what makes it possible for you to have anything you desire. Be specific about what you want, be willing to pay the price, and your desires will become your reality.

Move your mind forward

Whatever you dwell upon in your mind, you give power to. So of course it makes sense to focus on what you want rather than what you don’t want. Yet there are many ways in which the things you don’t want can sneak into your thinking.

Worry and doubt focus your thinking on what you don’t want. Rather than worrying about the bad things that might happen, direct your actions toward making positive things happen.

Complaining can also get your mind sidetracked into thinking about what you don’t want. What do you complain about? The things you don’t like. Rather than complaining, take action. Action moves you toward what you do want.

Anger is one more way to get your thinking negatively directed. Rather than getting angry about what you don’t like, use that energy to give you determination for what you want to achieve.

Keep your mind positively focused on the good things that life can offer. Those things will grow stronger and more abundant in your world.

Calm and confident

You cannot extend a deadline by worrying and fretting over it. You cannot make a difficult decision by agonizing over it. You cannot get anything productive accomplished with anxiety.

Calm down. Relax. There’s a job to be done and you might as well be your best. Your efforts are largely wasted when they’re undertaken with stress and apprehension.

Stop fighting against your circumstances. Stop worrying about the unfairness of it all. Success and fulfillment are not beholden to circumstance or luck. You attitude and your actions are what make the difference. And they can be whatever you choose.

There are plenty of excuses to be stressed out, but there’s no good reason to be. Stress and anxiety only serve to hold you back that much more.

Relax. Take a deep breath. Be calm, be happy and let yourself move forward with confidence. Your efforts will flow freely and effectively when you stop attempting to force them.

Yes

How many opportunities have you lost because you could not, or would not, say yes to them? Certainly it is important to say “no” when appropriate. Otherwise you end up making commitments that you cannot possibly keep. Yet it’s also vital that you be able and willing to say “yes."

The good things we seek rarely come to us in exactly the way we have imagined. If we’re constantly saying “no” in order to avoid even the slightest discomfort or inconvenience, we soon find ourselves missing out on the richness of life, wondering why our dreams never materialize.

Saying “yes” takes courage and faith. Really meaning it, takes effort and commitment. Saying “yes” gets you involved. True, it forces you out of your comfort zone, but what do you really want -- comfort or fulfillment?

Great things are always coming your way. Make sure you say “yes” to the best of them.

The real thing

Arrogance is a poor substitute for confidence. Taking is a poor substitute for creating. Possessing is a poor substitute for appreciating.

Staying busy is a poor substitute for accomplishing something. Anger is a poor substitute for discipline. Rudeness is a poor substitute for eloquence. Aloofness is a poor substitute for joy. Envy is a poor substitute for effort.

Rationalization is a poor substitute for truth. Artful deceit is a poor substitute for integrity. Promises are a poor substitute for commitment. Gluttony is a poor substitute for nourishment. Stylishness is a poor substitute for courtesy.

Why settle for a meager substitute when you can have the real thing? Why bother with outward appearances when you can enjoy the genuine substance of life? Get real. Make the effort to be true to your best values. Live the real thing. It’s worth it.

One more

What if you knew that just one more obstacle stood between you and the success you desire? Would you do anything necessary to get past that obstacle?

At some point in every achievement, the final hurdle is reached. Yet all too often that hurdle is never crossed. Too many people simply give up, just one challenge short of the goal.

What a shame it would be to come so far, and not go the distance. Somewhere ahead of you is the final obstacle. When you work your way around it, you’ve made it.

Is the challenge you face right now, the final one before everything starts to fall into place? The only way to know is to get yourself on the other side of it. One thing is for sure. Each hurdle you cross will get you nearer the success you’ve worked so diligently to achieve. Keep pushing yourself forward. Do whatever it takes. You’ll soon leap over the final hurdle and land right where you want to be.

Make the most

Make the most of your mistakes by admitting them and learning from them. Make the most of your opportunities by being prepared to take advantage of them. Make the most of your disappointments by letting them strengthen you.

Make the most of your relationships by acting with gratitude, respect and consideration. Make the most of your time by keeping in mind how precious each moment is. Make the most of your frustration by accepting its energy and turning it toward positive pursuits.

Make the most of your work by constantly looking for ways to provide more value. Make the most of your weaknesses by letting them guide you toward improvement.

Make the most of tomorrow by making a difference today. Make the most of your life by living each day with joy, passion and purpose.

— Ralph Marston