“Where success is concerned, people are not measured in feet and inches, or pounds, or college degrees, or family background; they are measured by the size of their thinking. How big we think, determines the size of our accomplishments.”
Great words of wisdom from David Schwartz and his book The Magic Of Thinking Big. Written 50 years ago, (even before the era that the American TV show Mad Men takes place), his words are as powerful now as I’m sure they were back then.
A concept which supports “big thinking” is asset-based thinking. Asset-based thinking (or ABT for short) is a term coined by Kathy Cramer and Hank Wasiak in their book Change The Way You See Everything: Through Asset-Based Thinking.
ABT is about focusing attention on:
- Opportunities rather than problems.
- Strengths more than weaknesses.
- What can be done instead of what can’t.
Some dismiss this kind of talk as wishful thinking. The difference between wishful thinking and big thinking/ABT is that…
- it isn’t about making wishes (sorry, no Fairy Godmothers or talking crickets),
it is truly believing it is possible and, - you take ACTION on the thinking. It’s more than positive thinking, it is positive action.
Returning to Schwartz’s book, he offers examples of “phrases which create small, negative, depressing thoughts” as well as the same situation, but “discussed in a big, positive way.”
| Phrases Which Create Small, Negative Mind Images |
Phrases Which Create Big, Positive Mind Images |
|---|---|
|
It’s no use, we’re whipped. |
We’re not whipped yet. Let’s keep trying. Here’s a new angle. |
|
I was in that business once and failed. Never again. |
I went broke but it was my own fault. I’m going to try again. |
| I’ve tried but the product won’t sell. People don’t want it. | So far I’ve not been able to sell this product. But I know it is good and I’m going to find the formula that will put it over. |
| The market is saturated. Imagine, 75 percent of the potential has already been sold out. Better get out. | Imagine, 25 percent of the market is still not sold. Count me in. This looks big! |
| Their orders have been small. Cut them off. |
Their orders have been small. Let’s map out a plan for selling them more of their needs. |
| Five years is too long a time to spend before I’ll get into the top ranks in your company. Count me out. | Five years is not really a long time. Just think, that leaves me 30 years to serve at a high level. |
| Competition has all the advantage. How do you expect me to sell against them? | Competition is strong, there is no denying that, but no one ever has all the advantages. Let’s put our heads together and figure out a way to beat them at their own game. |
| Nobody will ever want that product. | In its present form, it may not be saleable, but let’s consider some modifications. |
| Let’s wait until a recession comes along, then buy stocks. | Let’s invest now. Bet on prosperity, not depression. |
| I’m too young (old) for the job. | Being young (old) is a distinct advantage. |
| It won’t work, let me prove it. The image: Dark, gloom, disappointment, grief, failure. |
It will work, let me prove it. The image: Bright, hope, success, fun, victory. |
I’m sure a few of these small, negative ideas you have heard (or said) at one point or another.
There are two ways to view a situation or condition. Using phrases that produce big, positive mental images allows you to “see not just what is, but what can be.”
I believe you will create big accomplishments.
(Thank you Seth Godin for pointing out The Magic Of Thinking Big on your recent Book Roundup).
As always, great advice from one of the best asset-based thinkers I know. Encouraging people to think BIG is all too often forgotten in the art of motivation. Bravo for getting it on the table again…and thanks for being part of the positive ABT conspiracy.
Hank Wasiak
Positive thinking, or asset-based thinking as you and Cramer/Wasiak put it, is the most business-altering, and life-altering, exercise that I know of to produce tangible results. In business, it increases morale, emotional investment and overall company health, not to mention a slew of other tangible and intangible perks. In life, it simply makes you happier. Great reminder!
Good afternoon,
I regular read the MP Daily Fix blog and I suppose you could say, I return to your URL to get my own intellectual vitamin for the day.
Positive thinking — believing in the power that ‘can be’ and not the obstacles ‘that are’ — is indeed the fabric of success. I so wish more of us could live the assets you describe:
1. Opportunities rather than problems.
2. Strengths more than weaknesses.
3. What can be done instead of what can’t.
I am honored, by the way, to have your MarketingProfs Daily Fix blog listed on my own ‘Simply Said’ blog in the “Blogs I Like” list. I hope that many of my own readers become one of your regular post readers. Your posts are always helpful.
If you want to visit the Simply Said blog, I’ll humbly include that link here.
http://www.lincolnmalymarketing.com/blog/simply-said
Hi Paul.
Excellent post! I am a firm believer in looking at problems as opportunities. So many opportunities are dismissed because of negative attitudes. It is an important lesson you are teaching. Thank you for your insight!
Christine
Hey, Paul. Thanks for the insightful post.
Most business players these days are too caught up with the obstacles their entrepreneurial ventures are encountering that they couldn’t stop and think for a while about the opportunities in their way.
I am sure that this article will help a lot of business movers out there.
Keep them coming!
Hi Paul, this reminds me of the wisdom of David Ogilvy.
He says, “Big ideas come from your unconscious. This is true in art, in science and in advertising. But your unconscious has to be well informed, or your idea will be irrelevant. Stuff you conscious mind with information, then unhook you rational thought process. You can help this process by going for a long walk, or taking a hot bath, or drinking a half a pint of claret.”
Hey Paul
Great insights.
I really believe that it is attituted and efforts on basis of attitude which matter.
Paul, thanks for posting this! On my way to display it on the fridge..
Eric
http://www.smartdigitalspending.com
Great post! I love positive, optimistic thinking. Thank you for the awesome advice…it put a smile on my face:)