By

Delma Luben

 "You are today where your thoughts have brought you;you will be tomorrow where your thoughts will take you."

This undeniable fact was recognized by the earliest philosophers, and has been expounded by great achievers down through the ages. Today's authorities unanimously agree. We rise or fall with our thoughts.

Should we believe then, that only the successful think success?

Few individuals don't think success, at one time or another. But the successful keep thinking ...They work their minds, train their minds, control their minds... And they stay at the controls.

Success in any field demands directed, disciplined thinking-- more of it than most people want to do. To quote noted British philosopher, Bertrand Russell, "Most people would die sooner than think."

That's quite a statement. However, success statistics do prove that the majority refuse to do any extensive thinking. It is standard practice to strengthen the body with exercise, and allow the mind to weaken for lack of it. Yet, even the seemingly physical triumphs require matching mental effort to attain. And more to maintain. That's why there is always room at the top.

If you would like a higher view, don't let your mind go to sleep at the controls. Control your mind, and no matter how lowly your present status, you can reach your goal. On whatever scale measured, the mental image consistently held will automatically actualize. For we cannot but gravitate toward that which constantly occupies our mind. However, to become as big as that dominating desire, the image must also be nurtured.

Just as bodies grow and strengthen with the right kind of food and exercise, so do minds. Truly, "we are what we eat." And we are what we think.

So determine to feed your mind only those thoughts that can be organized and channeled toward your goal. Forbid it to wander aimlessly, trifle with trivia, or vacillate with inconsequential impressions. And refuse to operate at that languid lower level of the re-producer.

Great thought become great acts only in their original production. Study and interpretation of brilliant passages by master thinkers stimulates any mind. But their good ends there. Shakespeare quoted Aristotle. Emerson quoted Shakespeare. And we quote Emerson. But we go on to success with our own thinking.

Plot any course, stay at the controls, and the course you set you'll follow.

You will be tomorrow where today's thoughts take you.

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This article, excerpted from THE WRITING WORLD, Living The Literary Life, was previously published in SUCCESS UNLIMITED Magazine.