The United States of America

Why is the USA so great? From what you here on TV or on the Internet (I have know idea), only the negative seems to be published. So from now on I will find one great thing about the USA per post and put it out there.

• Major accomplishments of our nation
• What makes us special as a nation
• The reasons our ancestors chose to uproot and move here
• Inventions that have come from the USA
• Ideologies that make us a great nation

This is seemingly daunting to me but needs to be out there. We need to all remember why we were a great nation and rekindle that spirit and belief in ourselves in order to regain greatness. If you think you can you will. Don't focus on problems focus on solutions. Our country is great because many of your ancestors risked everything to cross an ocean in a wood ship for only an idea. This idea was simply a better life for them and their families. Because they believed (a positive thought no doubt) and were able to put all their efforts and focus behind this idea we are here today. I for one can't even begin to imagine what that would have been like. Amazing and inspiring is what comes to mind. If so much can be accomplished with just a will to have a better life can't we regain this will and have it sweep back through our nation?

Nick Brenden

After speaking with my little brother about the power of the mind and positive thinking, we both put positive thinking to the test. He is an avid rollerblader and has had trouble with completing a 360 jump onto a rail slide. After always dwelling on the misses he vowed to only focus on completing the jump and how it would feel. Guess what? On his first session he rocked it many times and attributes it to visualisation and positive thinking. I was on my way to a hockey game when he told me this and said I will do the same. I have slowed down a bit and instead of averaging 3 or 4 points a game I average about 2. I had 2 goals and 2 assists but it should have been more if it were not for hitting the goalie in the head and some assists that did not pan out. The point is visualisation is a proven tactic in sports and should work in all aspects of life. Visualisation is being positive and seeing the task completed in your head and feeling the emotion of completing the task before you actually do. If you visualize your success and what it feels like and focus in on it you are on the right track. Their are people who solve problems and there are people who dwell on them. Chose action and you will succeed. My quote of the day will be this:

"Anyone can find problems, but positive people who find ways to fix those problems"

We are what we think we are?

What makes some people achieve much more than others who have similar opportunities? I make the argument that the single biggest factor towards success is (attitude). How many times have you succeeded when in your mind you thought it was not possible. The common answer is none. Think of the people in your life who are doing well and the ones who are truly struggling (not just financially). Listen to someone who is down on their luck. I mean really listen to their tone, connotation, lack of accountability and overall message. Pay attention and you will see people keeping themselves down. I have a friend who would sing to himself every morning "I am the greatest" over and over again. Guess what? He is a successful lawyer with his own firm. This may be an extreme example but it is an example.

From my favorite book (How to Win Friends & Influence People) Dale Carnegie, lesson #1 in dealing with people, this should also apply to ourselves.

"Never Criticize, Condemn, or Complain" After years of criticizing and ridiculing people Lincoln was challenged to a duel. Yes the kind where you kill or be killed. Fortunately at the last minute people from both camps stopped the duel. This was his most lurid personal incident and he never forgot it. From this point on Lincoln never ridiculed another man. He also did not criticize his fellow man. We can all learn a lesson from Lincoln. Think of a way to get a point across or change ones mind, without condemning or criticizing them.

Day 1 the experiment

I am beginning a journey of understanding. I will focus my attention on one thing and one thing only (positive thoughts), and the endless possibilities this creates for an individual. Why are people successful? What defines success? Can we heal ourselves through positive thinking? Does the law of attraction have credence? Does the medias' consistent and over the top negative spin have a ripple affect felt through all aspects of our lives? Do we as a nation have a common thread keeping us together? Do we have a positive voice speaking on our behalf? These are just some of the questions I will look at and hope to get feedback on in the upcoming months. No plan is hatched just putting thoughts to paper and beginning.