Ever had a quote change your life? Emily Bennington of professionalstudio365.com has. I came across her post today and it really got me thinking. Check out the following excerpt from Emily’s blog:
“Want it and you’ll never have it. Become it and it’s yours.” I have to admit that it took a while before this one really clicked. About nine years in the workforce to be exact. I’ve spent (that is, wasted) a lot of time wanting to be a lot of things in my career… a more sophisticated executive, an author, teacher, expert, you name it.
I spent a full year trying (unsuccessfully) to find an agent for my book before I finally said, “Screw it. I’m going to write the damn thing anyway.” And once I started writing, something happened.
I started to see myself as an author and my pride in the work swelled exponentially. So I kept on writing – and being disciplined about it – because that’s what authors do. As you might expect, when I shifted my self-perception from “would-be” to “current” author, I found an agent.
Regular readers of this blog know I strongly believe in The Law of Attraction (i.e. your thoughts become your reality; what you think you will get, you will get.) I believe in it because once I started understanding The Law of Attraction and using it in my life, my life has completely changed for the better (landing my current job and raise, meeting my current boyfriend, finally getting a puppy, growing this blog and network, to name a few).
Emily’s experience is a great example of how shifting your perception about your goals can put you on a much faster path to getting what you want.
The Law of Attraction doesn’t discriminate against positive or negative thoughts the way a Google search only knows how to search for what you tell it to. The Law of Attraction simply attracts into your life what you are thinking about. So if you are thinking things like:
- I will never get that job! It’s such a stretch and I’m sure they will never offer a 25 year old like me that big salary I requested.
- I’m going to be single forever! There are no guys out there, they all suck and cheat.
If you keep thinking like that, that is exactly what you will get.
When it comes to your goals, shift your perception and be aware of your thoughts.
- Imagine what your new office will look like at that new job you want so bad, visualize the image of your paycheck with that nice new salary on it, wear the suit that makes you feel amazing, think about how it will feel to come into the office every morning once you start the job, carry yourself as if you are already hired.
- If you are hoping to meet someone special this year, assume the positive: imagine what your dream guy looks like, know that he exists, think about where you guys would go on dates, his/her interaction with your friends and family, how s/he makes you laugh.
A lot of us use the phrase “when it rains, it pours!” when things get crazy (whether in a good or bad way). Let’s use the dating example again. When Donny Dater goes on a first date and starts opening his mind up to the experience and getting in the dating mindset again, he may get a call from Sally Neighbor who he thought was cute, then he might meet someone out the next weekend and say, “Wow, I haven’t dated in 6 months and now I have 3 dates in a few weeks! When it rains it pours!” It’s because Donny made a shift in his thinking. He has started to think about what his ideal girlfriend is like, he is living the dating scene, he has opened himself up to it, and now he BELIEVES he is worthy enough to date.
We all know a person who always seems to have great things happening to him or her, and others who always seem to be having another catastrophe. Does one person have good luck and the other bad? No, they’ve created their own luck with their thoughts and attitude.
Are you hindering YOURSELF from reaching your goals? Do you find yourself assuming you won’t achieve a goal before you even start trying?
Have you ever experienced a career or life victory due to positive thinking? If so, what advice would you give others about staying positive and going after what you want?
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If anyone can relate to where you're at in your career, it's Nicole Crimaldi: Nicole spent 5 years in corporate America, switched career paths, worked at a start-up, survived a layoff and is now self-employed. Nicole believes that career satisfaction is a huge part of overall happiness. Therefore, she started Ms. Career Girl to help other women get off the treadmill and onto a more fulfilling path.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Nicole,
I think that “when it rains it pours mentality” is something people get stuck in. I decided one day that when it came to success in my life I would adopt the belief that “When it rains, it never stops.” I’ve been enjoying your blog even though I haven’t commented yet. As a personal development blogger, I’m also a big believer in the law of attraction. I’ve been religiously writing down and re-writing my top goals every day and one of them is “I earn 5000 dollars a month from my blog/online efforts.” I’ve been writing it for about 35 days and nothing was happening. But, in the last 2 days I attracted 2 freelance clients and came up with another idea that was sent to me by somebody. So, while people misinterpret the law of attraction as “I can just sit around and think about something and it will happen”, if you focus your thoughts on a regular basis you’ll come up with inspired action.
Hey Srinivas! I think you have commented before because I recognized your picture and name right away- thanks for coming back!
Yes- the law of attraction is not MAGIC. It is simply positive thinking that puts your daily efforts and actions into motion! Thanks for pointing that out so I can clarify before 100 people comment saying that they are waiting for money to fall out of the sky by thinking about it all the time!
What type of freelancing do you do? Had you been trying to get their business for a while?
Hey Nicole.
I’m doing some social media consulting work for small businesses. I’m talking to them about strategy and marketing. I’m also working with one client on public speaking. One of the things I did was figure out what the most marketable skills I had were and figured out which ones clients would pay for. I have an article coming on Under30CEO sometime next week about who I started to figure it all out. BTW, I’d love to chat with you about being part of my interviews with up and coming bloggers podcast.
yes! yes! yes! Attitude is everything (and then some) – You and I are like one cohesive thinking machine right now Nicole – I feel like we should have met a LONG time ago. The law of attraction is 100% real and what you perceive, what you think, is usually what you get.
Good things ahead of us – I know I say that a lot, but I’m excited for what’s to come!
It is so real to the point that it scares me sometimes. I use it alllll the time- even in weird little situations like getting a parking spot in Wrigleyville.
Good things are for sure to come- let’s set up a meeting soon!
Ok – I use it all the time – but I’ve pretty much settled on the fact that I suck at parking in the city. I blame it on spending my entire life (minus the past six months) in Nashville – where parking is never a problem and…did I mention, free?!? I’m getting better…sort of. OK, who am I kidding, I suck. Why do you think I always suggest Glenview?
Hi Nicole,
WOW. This post is unbelievable, my favorite yet! I am the biggest proponent of the Law of Attraction in life, and I know it’s gotten me where I am today. My parents have taught me my entire life that “what you think about is what you bring about”…it never fails, in any instance, ever.
Perfect (but slightly girly) example: I was watching the Bachelor the other night with my mom and there was one woman who didn’t get a rose. When she didn’t get a rose, she told the camera, “I knew I wouldn’t get a rose. Nothing goes my way. I never..get…my way…” she said this as she burst out crying. My mom and I just looked at each other and said, “with that awful attitude, of course that’s what she got!”
I’ve had lots of things go my way because of my positive thinking, but I can see where it would be hard for some people. I can’t tell you how many friends I’ve had complain about the whole “being single” idea as you’ve mentioned! Drives me crazy. It is a continual problem for women to find the right man, but if they’d stop actually worrying about it and believe that this great guy is already on his way, life would be so much easier. And more fun!
What are your thoughts about luck? Ever since I started reading and truly living in this mindset my freshman year of college, I find it hard to believe that luck exists anymore.
And if you’ve ever read one of my favorite books “Think and Grow Rich” that indirectly preaches the Law of Attraction. I love it!
Great post. I’m going to tweet it right now! Hope to talk soon!
YOU RIGHT –> ““what you think about is what you bring about”
Keep doing what you’re doing!
Totally! Ew and I was totally watching The Bachelor on Monday and that is EXACTLY what I was thinking! She is a perfect example. I started listening to “Think and Grow Rich” but I think that is the type of book I need to read and re-read to get!
Hey Nicole – Positivity has never hurt anyone. I agree with this amazing post and definitely would rather see myself around people with a strong/positive attitude than the folks who go on the opposite approach.
When I lost my job in March 2009 I made the most of it. I traveled for a few months, but then I buckled down and began my blog. Before that point I had never read a blog (besides a few sports blogs I know of) and didn’t have a twitter account. Honestly, I didn’t know the first thing about being a blogger, but I became one. I’ve only been around 6 months in the blogosphere/twitter but I’m building it up quick and doing a great job. Negativity was never present and my attitude carried me through.
Really great stuff on this, Nicole!
ps – definitely work with Srini. He’s a great guy!
You got it Rich. I can honestly say that the people I meet on twitter bring the positivity out of me more than anything else. It is like everyone is striving for everyone to just be awesome and not afraid to say it like it is… (Just like your last tweet… I laughed my ass off)
“Me me me! RT @Monster_WORKS: Observation: A lot of #socialrecruiting “Influencers” and “Thought Leaders” are not currently employed.”
Whether or not you have a job doesn’t matter. You have knowledge that is helping others. Like I always say, it isn’t about being an expert, it is just about showing people a path that might not have known existed. If through a simple conversation with someone I can do that then awesome!
As I sit here and smile while writing this I want to say thanks to all of you… This, you, twitter, blogging, has, ya I’m about to say it,…… changed my life. TY
Rich- After talking to you on Skype I know you definitely made the best of your situation. I LOVE that you are doing a private Corn on the Job community. I need to buy my shirt!
Shane- Yeah what the heck about Twitter, right!?? I always say that too- Everyone on Twitter is SO nice and so willing to help you connect with others, or to mentor you. I meet people from Twitter in person all the time and they always turn out being great people.
And yes, Shane, I’ll be the Hallmark card FOR YOU- positive thinking, the supportive blogger community and social media have forever changed my life.
Done and Done! I have no comment to make because you hit every damn nail on the head. When you feel good you do good. Strive to find those who will make you want to kick ass. (Like yourself).
Glad I found you and Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet Post!
Life is full of mysteries and one of them is the law of attraction. I have followed its principle into my life but it’s hard to keep positive about it. There are times when my faith flounders and lose my focus, but this is a part of the challenge. We must always cling to what we want in our life, a day will come when life will give it to us.
Yes it sure is. The law of attraction never said it would give you what you want WHEN YOU WANT IT! Therefore, patience and tenacity is key.
Great post, Nicole. Rich directed me to your site via his post earlier today, and it was delightful to read.
While I’m hesitant to call this the “Law of Attraction” (disclosure: I have a science background, so it’s only a law if it’s empirically proven – sorry
) the power of positive thinking is undeniable. Remaining positive is crucial to one’s health and success. Like you mentioned, this is about perseverance, focus, and truly believing that you have what it takes to make your dreams come true.
As a human, it’s easy to get into a rut and self-pity. I’ve done it myself, and probably will more in the future. However, there’s a point where the self-pity becomes counter productive and you need to transfer that energy into doing something about what’s causing you to have a pity party.
Thanks for sharing Nicole!
I learned about the Law of Attraction about two years ago, and at first, I didn’t buy it at all. Then I decided it was worth a try. I gave up dating around and focused on my dream of settling down, on the path to marriage. Next thing I know, the man I had been in love with for 10 years asks me to be his girlfriend. A year later, we’re shopping for houses together. Now, we own a house together. I also used this in my job. I imagined myself in a position where I could influence change. I carried myself and spoke with authority. And, a job essentially created just for me at this point in my life lands in my lap. With the added benefit of working from home, which I had been dreaming of for over a year!
This really does work! Stay positive and imagine how you want your life to be. Focus on that! Become that. The universe will give it to you.
Wow Jen that is an amazing story. Thanks for sharing it, maybe that will give others hope for trying it themselves! My story is very similar to yours- crazy but true!
Nicole,
Good post. I think too often people don’t dream big enough.
I used to play a lot of sports in high school, and visualizing success definitely helps. I can remember countless times being on the green with a 30 foot put thinking to myself, “I’m going to sink this shot” and sure enough the ball would fall right into the hole.
If we tell ourselves that we can’t do something, we set ourselves up for failure.
Nicole,
I am a total proponent of the LOA. In fact, it believe it got me the job I currently have. I did just what you said and envisioned my new office, etc. Reading The Secret changed my life because it introduced me to the LOA. Prior to reading it I was thinking all kids of negative things, mostly due to the fact that I had endured several personal setbacks coupled with the fact that I had completed a masters degree in a field where I thought I would immediately get a job and was pretty much jobless two years later. Within a month of reading The Secret and starting to practice the LOA, things turned around for me, both personally and professionally.
I think it is wonderful that people who work in recruiting are actually endorsing ideas like the law of attraction. It is probably because they have seen that it works. if I interview someone and they have a negative attitude or don’t believe they can get the job, they are pretty much ensuring that will come true.
I tell the students and alumni I work with to keep a positive attitude, that it makes a HUGE difference in their outcomes. However, I realize it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to maintain positive thinking when they have been unemployed since they graduated last May or lost their jobs in the spring of 2009. Positive energy breeds more positive energy and job seekers need to focus on increasing that positive energy any way they can. Stay away from the negative influences in your life and look on the bright side. Gratitude for what you have, and we all have something positive in our lives, will go a long way to bringing more your way to be thankful for. Keep up the good work!
nice post. thanks.