I just picked up a copy of How to Prosper in Hard Times, which is a compilation of writings from some of the world’s best motivational speakers and positive thinkers, including Napoleon Hill, James Allen, Joseph Murphy and others.

Before the first chapter began, the book featured The Optimist Creed by Christian D. Larson.  I don’t recall ever reading it before.  I enjoyed it, and thought you would too:

Promise Yourself…

• To be strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
• To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.
• To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them.
• To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
• To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
• To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
• To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
• To wear a cheerful expression at all times and give a smile to every living creature you meet.
• To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
• To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
• To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds.
• To live in the faith that the whole world is on your side, so long as you are true to the best that is in you.

A few points stood out to me as I read The Optimist Creed:

• “To make all your friends feel that there is something worthwhile in them” – Successful people build up others.  And when they rise to the top, they bring others along with them.
• “To be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own” – This reminds me of another success principle I heard years ago:  You can get anything in life that you want if you just help enough other people to get what they want.
• “To give so much time to improving yourself that you have no time to criticize others” – Interesting juxtaposition:  Tear others down…or build yourself up.
• “To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world, not in loud words, but in great deeds” – Actions speak louder than words!

Also, did you happen to notice that each of these points begins in the mind and heart?  I think the message here is that if you want to change your response to challenging situations, or if you want to change your life, you need to change your thoughts!

Speaking of thoughts…What do you think?  Please share your comments below.