The Better Homemaking Network

Zig Ziglar often commented how input determines output; that even your thoughts are a constant input, positive or negative. In Sell Your Way to the Top he shares a wonderful analogy of two bank tellers, one positive and one negative. If we keep making negative deposits with a constant stream of negative self-talk, there won’t be anything to withdraw out of the positive bank to boost our self-esteem!

I have always tried to follow this principle, making a very determined effort over the past few months. I feel it is helping a lot, and my family has even noted some good changes in my attitude. It has even inspired them to do some similar things! Isn’t it wonderful how good attitudes can be contagious?

You really do determine your own reality. I decided many years ago to stop basing my reality on my level of misery. Why not base it on the good things in my life? Anthony Robbins suggested that, even when you can’t think of a single good thing, you can at least shout, “Hooray, my feet don’t stink today!”

I found this wonderful article by Steve Pavlina: Abuse of Power. He lists some of the more common ways that many of us feed that negative teller: Complaining, Self-Doubt, Cowardice, Arguing, Asking Permission, and Blaming. I know I have personally struggled with Complaining, and since making a concentrated effort to improve, I have noticed my entire outlook has changed for the better! His article is definitely recommended reading.