Become an Inverse Paranoid

My earliest mentor, W. Clement Stone, was once described as an “inverse paranoid.” Now what does that mean? It means, that instead of believing the world was plotting to do him harm, he actually chose to believe the world was always plotting to do him good. So, instead of seeing every difficult or challenging event as negative, he saw it for what it could be – something that was meant to enrich him, empower him or advance his causes.

Imagine how much easier it would be to succeed in life if you were constantly expecting the world to support you and bring you opportunity. Now successful people do just that – they look for the opportunity in everything, no matter how negative or challenging it might seem.

So, if you take the approach that everyone and everything that shows up in your life is there for a reason – and that the universe is moving you toward your ultimate destiny for learning, for growth, and for achievement, you will begin to see very event – no matter how difficult or challenging – as an opportunity for enrichment and advancement in your life.

So make a small sign or poster with the words “What's the opportunity that this is?” and then place it on your desk or above your computer, or on your bathroom mirror, so you will constantly be reminded to look for the good in every event.

You might also want to start each day by repeating the phrase. “I believe the world is plotting to do me good today. I can't wait to see what it is.” Jack Canfield