The Positive Success Formula
September 14th, 2009 Posted in Newsletter“You have more control and influence than you think you do.”
These were the words of an economist I heard speak as he talked about the economy, the housing market and the recession.
He reminded his audience that a lot of people make a lot of money during recessions. He stressed that these are the times when successful companies and successful people gain market share. He shouted when he told the group to look for buying opportunities over the next three years because there will be many.
In essence he was saying not to let the economy dictate your situation and success. Rather, change your belief system and focus on opportunities instead of challenges. Reminds me of the “Positive Shark Formula” (also known as The Positive Success Formula) I wrote about in The Shark and The Goldfish.
E + P = O
In the book, Sammy, a nice shark who feels that sharks get a bad rap and are in need of some positive publicity, teaches Gordy the goldfish that while we can’t control the events (E) in our life, we can control our positive energy and our positive actions (P) to these events and challenges and in turn this will determine the outcome (O).
Indeed, we have more control than we think we do. Our positive energy, our belief system, our attitude, and our actions have a huge impact on the life we live and the success we enjoy.
You can listen to the Constantly Negative News Channels and believe that success is impossible or you can change your belief and know that with God and an optimistic attitude, all things are possible. Instead of focusing on what they say you can’t do, focus on what you can do. Instead of listening to the negative voices, focus on your positive choices.
I’m not saying it will be easy. We will certainly be tested on our journey. I’m an optimist but also a realist. These are challenging times. We may lose our job. We may experience financial difficulties. We may not sell our house as fast as we’d like. We may have to start a new business or venture. We may have set backs. But if we apply the Positive Success Formula to our life I guarantee we will have a big say and influence in the outcome. Instead of letting the world create us we will have a significant role in creating our world.
Have you seen the Positive Success Formula work in your life or the life of someone you know? Share your story on our blog.
- Jon
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Tags: book, Formula, jon gordon, positive, Shark and Goldfish, success
8 Responses to “The Positive Success Formula”
By Lauralyn on Sep 14, 2009
Jon - Your weekly email really struck me today. My family has recently suffered a personal obstacle. My husband was badly hurt on the job. He sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns. He has been in the hospital for the last two weeks with atleast 10 more days to come. My life has literally been turned upside down trying to hold everything together and keep some sort of normalcy in my children’s life as the priority. By reading your email, I realized I cannot control the circumstances that have occurred and put me in this situation but I can control how I react and if I do it with a positive attitude everyone around me will react the same and when they call on the phone I may not hear and sense their negative energy or sadness as their response is a reflection of how I am coming across. Thank you for a reality check as I manage through the next couple of weeks.
By Mark Welch on Sep 14, 2009
Nice article, John. I can see that your formula is rooted in Albert Ellis’ rational-emotive therapy, that focuses on his ABCs: A (Actuating event) + B (our beliefs) result in (C) consequences. This is really good stuff and it’s pretty effective. It’s been a long time since I studied this, but Ellis also listed out a number of dysfunctional beliefs that often lead people to negative outcomes. Do you have anything on what those beliefs were? Thanks for a good article!
By Brysen on Sep 14, 2009
Thank You Jon,
I agree wholeheartedly with today’s message as I was laid off earlier this year and decided to use my time constructively by helping others (while I look for a new career/employment).
What I felt everyone needed was access to positive information that they could use RIGHT NOW to change their lives.
So, I created a website that delivers interviews with self-help teachers, healers and (dare I say it) gurus to people’s email inboxes without charge. This way everyone has access to life changing info.
At first I didn’t see the opportunity to do this…However, as I worked on my attitude I saw more and more opportunities out there. Thus, http://www.helpyourselfnation.com was born.
To Your Success!
Brysen
By Paula Varns on Sep 14, 2009
This is a great reminder to stay focused on what we/I can do! And then do it! The alternative point of view waste so much time and energy. Focusing on the positive also generates more energy and results! Why? When I think and act on the positive thoughts I am moving forward or closer to my intentions, this in turn generates more positive energy. Looking forward to your book Jon!
By Dave Devlin on Sep 14, 2009
To Lauralyn …. thank you for your message … I admire your attitude in the face of adversity….my thoughts and prayers are with you and yo9ur family ….Dave Devlin
By Charles Johnston on Sep 14, 2009
This is soooo true.. my wife went on a week camping trip in March where we had no phone, no t.v. When we got back we both felt so relaxed and refreshed I told her I was going to continue the trend of no T.V. at least no news. It is now September and I read what news I want. The time that I used to spend being bombarded by negative news stories (about 2 hours a day) I now use that time to read something positive and focus on our business. I have noticed just by taking that away my attitude and stress level has decreased and I am able to remain positive in some of the most difficult of circumstances that before would have broken me. Between my ever growing library of motivation and my new found attitude our business is skyrocketing and who would have thought all I had to do was turn off the TV?
By Jan Smith on Sep 14, 2009
I am normally a pretty positive person but after llistening to Jon speak today on The Shark and the Goldfish my optimism has been renewed. I have Multiple Sclerosis and am pretty much confined to a wheelchair. I have not let this stop me these last 15 years and have managed to raise a son (with the help of my husband), work full time as the manager of Mail Services for the 11th largest school district in the nation, and finish my Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. In addition my husband had cancer 11 years ago and is now disabled. We struggle to make ends meet but keep it together with humor, love of family and above all our faith.
Thanks Jon for giving me the “booster shot” I needed.
By Christa Ryan on Sep 15, 2009
I have a home-based business and at our monthly meeting we had two guest speakers on THE LAW OF ATTRACTION. I got involved with my home-based business because I wanted to achieve success and live the life I’ve always wanted but I chose my company because their mantra was the same as mine. “You can get anything you want in life as long as you help others get what they want!” Hearing Maria & Lauretta Ryan’s teaching and testaments to THE LAW OF ATTRACTION reminded me of a life altering event that happened to me when I was 17. I was in a near-fatal car accident. I had broken my neck, my lungs were crushed, every bone in my face was crushed and the doctors told my parents that I wouldn’t live. Although I remember every moment after waking up on the ground, I never once thought that I would be anything but OK. My parents instilled a great faith in my and my nine siblings and that faith is what got me through that ordeal. In fact, it is what helped to shape me into the woman I am today. It wasn’t my time as I still have a difference to make in my life, the lives of my family and in the world. What we think about . . . we bring about!!