We need to put a spin on current events. We've experienced the horror, we've cried with the victims, we've buried our dead. Now we must rise up and face the enemy. Each one of us has a role to play in this war.

Positive Mental Attitude has been overworked a lot. For many it has become synonymous with euphoria. Realists reign and cynics make life more interesting. While listening to "The Science of Personal Achievement: The 17 Universal Principles of Success," a Nightingale Conant tape set, I was surprised by a story Napoleon Hill told in his own words. As you may know, Hill wrote the classic, "Think and Grow Rich."

In this series Hill talks of personal power and rising above mediocrity. He also relates that during the first term of the Presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, he, Hill, was involved in building for the president a Master Mind Alliance to "stop the stampede of fear." At that time, confidence in the economic system had eroded to the point that there was a run on the banks. The Master Mind Alliance embarked on a mission to mold public opinion and shore up the public's confidence. While not spreading falsehoods, they were committed to presenting the most positive outlook possible. They had a plan to get 1) the leaders of both political parties to back the president, 2) both houses of Congress working in harmony, 3) newspaper publishers to talk about recovery rather than depression, 4) radio stations to present the news in a positive light. (They even wrote the script for some stories.) and 5) ministers to preach from a positive point of view, giving people hope.

There has been overwhelming support for the President Bush's message in recent days. We've seen Congress working in harmony. For some, it was the first time! What can WE do? Rather than anticipate and talk about a stock market crash, a failing economy, doom and gloom, shouldn't we look for the good and speak with optimism? The message from one investment company president was clear and timely: "Rest assured that your securities are accounted for. All of Strong’s systems and facilities are fully functional, and all records and account information are secure. We are available to answer any of your questions." We need steadying forces at this time.

We read in the newspapers that hotels are 40% full and planes are criss-crossing the country at 35% capacity. What an opportunity to save money! Why not take that trip to Disneyland that you couldn’t afford a few weeks ago? Why not visit Grandma and Grandpa for an early Thanksgiving Day? Why not do Christmas shopping now and do your part to stimulate our economy which has taken a body blow? There may be a few terrorists still around in the country, but they are laying low while the heat has been intensified by every law enforcement agency in the country. The terrorists intended to spread paralyzing FEAR across the nation. We must act with courageous defiance, being cautious, of course, but we must act.

We are achievers faced with a new reality. Be a leader. People will respect you and follow your lead. Make it strong. Make it hope-filled. Do whatever it takes to look for the positive in the chaos; find the threads of hope and hold them out to others; and nurture your inner being with moments of silence and prayer.


Articles by Jo Condrill may be reprinted with attribution
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