一周美文001

The art of changing yourself

By Wilferd Peterson

  Life is constantly pounding you from theoutside with millions of hammer blows, but you have the last word as to howthose blows will change you.

  Man alone, of all the creatures of the earth,can change his own pattern. Man alone is architect of his destiny.

  William James declared that the greatestrevolution in his generation was the discovery that human beings, by changingthe inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of theirlives.

  You cannot climb uphill by thinking downhillthoughts. If your world is gloomy and hopeless, it is because you are gloomyand hopeless. You must change your mind to change your world.

  Change demands self-discipline. Commandyourself and make yourself do what needs to be done.

 Change requires the substituting of new habitsfor old. You mold your character and your future by your thoughts and acts.

  Change can be advanced by associating withmen and women with whom you can walk among stars. Meet, mingle and make friendswith those who have the upward urge.

  Change can be inspired by selecting your ownspiritual ancestors from among the great of all ages. You can practice thekindliness of Lincoln, the devotion of Schweitzer, the vision of Franklin…

  Change can be achieved by changing yourenvironment. Let go of lower and reach for the higher. Surround yourself withthe best in books, music and art. Listen to the greatest speakers. Hang on thewalls of your home portraits of the men you most admire.

  Change can be realized through consciousevolution. Moment by moment, day by day, concentrate on becoming the man youwant to be. (276 words)