Even when your actions seem spontaneous, they are driven by unconscious thoughts.
Just as a gardener weeds, waters, and cares for his or her plot, we must cultivate our minds—weeding out negative, mistaken, useless thoughts, while encouraging positive, true, fruitful thoughts. Even good seedlings, not cared for, will be choked out by weeds.
the outer condition of your life is always a reflection of your inner state.
No one ends up in jail by an accident of fate (unless they are falsely convicted, which is another subject). When a person entertains dishonest and destructive thoughts, they start down a path that leads to crime. Circumstances do not force honest people to turn to crime. Circumstances only provide an opportunity for criminal thoughts, previously nurtured in secret, to blossom into action.
Your wishes and dreams will only come true when they are in harmony with your thoughts and actions.
To improve your circumstances, improve yourself. Self-discipline is key to obtaining anything you want, no matter whether your aims are high or low.
lasting success cannot be built on the backs of discontented, disloyal, overworked, underproductive employees.
Those who lack a central purpose in life fall prey to worries, fears, and petty troubles, and end up stuck in self-pity.
Successful people put off gratification.
conceive goals, create plans, and execute those plans.
Yes, some successful businessmen, artists, and scientists have been touched by pride and selfishness—but their accomplishments flowed from their virtues, not their vices. If they had rooted out all their vices, their achievements would have been all the greater.
As the towering oak was once an acorn, the greatest achievement was once an idea. Dreams are the seeds of reality.
comfort, encourage, and inspire all who come into their presence.
Keep your hand firmly on the helm of thought. All that you need is within yourself.