INTRODUCTION - PROSPERITY IS AN OPTION

 INTRODUCTION - PROSPERITY IS A CHOICE

By: Hélio Couto

Why do some prosper and others don't?

In this series of posts we will show you how to prosper.

This is a much debated issue that involves many variables. Here we will look at some of them. As with everything in life, there is knowledge that determines success or failure, and that is not taught anywhere. Nothing happens by chance. It is logical that whoever has the secret does not pass it on to anyone. It is already difficult to discover the secret of a “pizza chef”, so imagine the secret of prospering and growing steadily and consistently. One of the ways for a businessman to grow is to provide a product that promotes consumer growth. In this way, he will be meeting a fundamental need of people.

One of the most important variables is the way the businessman thinks and feels. The human mind has an astonishing power, which is little known, and is ultimately the cause of success or failure. Taking control of one's own thoughts and emotions is fundamental to the success of any enterprise. This seems obvious, but the real issue is practice. How can we take control of this? How can we acquire this knowledge? How can we experience this knowledge?

Most people do not realize that their thoughts create their reality and that it is very easy to induce a person to success or failure, depending on the stimulus they receive. This is a well-defined concept in advertising: given a certain stimulus, we will inevitably have a response. If we do not know how this works, we will be subject to its results, without having control over them. This is a major cause of so many economic and financial problems.

The vocabulary that we use is extremely important. Unfortunately, we see the indiscriminate use of some words, such as: crisis, unemployment, recession, problems, etc. The fact that most people talk and think so much about this causes what is called a self-fulfilling prophecy.

We reproduce in our lives exactly what we have in our minds. Hence the importance of having only the thoughts and feelings that produce the best for us. We simply cannot give up control of our thoughts, because we will give up our lives. The more emphasis we place on negative aspects, the more they tend to perpetuate themselves. Breaking this pattern of behavior is the first step toward growth. It is absolutely necessary to stop talking about things and subjects that generate negative images and expectations in our brain.

Understanding that we create what we think, feel, and desire is the first step toward change and the beginning of our personal fulfillment in every sense. Examine everything that happens or has happened in your life. See what types of thoughts and feelings create these situations. Does the crisis affect everyone?

It is interesting to note that such a "crisis" does not happen to all people or companies. When some develop amidst so many complaints, we must stop and question ourselves. Could the "crisis" not be the result of a certain type of thought/feeling? Could it be that I cultivate some limiting programming deep down in my being that is preventing my growth? Do I really want to prosper? It is clear that the environment affects us, but in different ways for different people. That is why some people prosper and others fail, both in the same environment. There is still another question: are there crises that are artificially created? How can we defend ourselves against them?

What are the secrets of successful people and companies? What attitudes determine who succeeds? Some people get it right intuitively, a few know exactly what they are doing and most do it through trial and error. There are secrets to success that are kept under lock and key and that few people know about. What kind of stimulus generates success? How much is this knowledge worth? I believe you have already thought that this is a very sensitive subject, haven't you?

You must know cases of people who are doing well and then lose everything in a short time. They start over and lose again. Do you see that there is a pattern here? If this is not resolved, the problem will persist indefinitely.

Bear in mind that perceptions can be highly misleading, because most of the information that reaches us goes to the unconscious. A small part is processed by the conscious. Have you ever had the experience of reading a book for the second time and noticing things that you hadn't noticed before? The same information was captured by the unconscious both times, but consciously there was a change. Everything we learn, hear, and read is stored in our unconscious, forming what is called a paradigm, which in practice is the program that directs our life.

Being aware that this program exists and changing it depends on us. Only you can decide to do it, and everyone, regardless of their culture, can achieve it.

I remember a story that reflects the human dilemma well: A while ago, a person was on the subway wondering whether he should speak to someone who could help him. He took a while to make a decision, and the train arrived at the station where the person was supposed to get off. Which is what actually happened. The doors closed and the train continued on its way.

That is why few people prosper in a continuous and consistent manner.

Hélio Couto