Mr. Achievement - Stanley F. Bronstein - Personal Development BlogPersonal Development Blog of the Founder of the Achievement IQ Movement and Creator of the Laws of Positioning

Law #39

Position Yourself To Be Fortunate

Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are, we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged. (Helen Keller)

Some Definitions

Instead - As a substitute or replacement; in the place or stead of someone or something. In preference; as a preferred or accepted alternative.

Compare - To examine (two or more objects, ideas, people, etc.) in order to note similarities and differences.

Lot - Allotted share or portion. The portion in life assigned by fate or Providence; one’s fate, fortune, or destiny.

More - In greater quantity, amount, measure, degree, or number. An additional quantity, amount, or number.

Fortunate - Having good fortune; receiving good from uncertain or unexpected sources; lucky. Bringing or indicating good fortune; resulting favorably; auspicious. Bringing something good and unforeseen.

Great - Unusually or comparatively large in size or dimensions. Large in number; numerous.

Majority - The greater part or number; the number larger than half the total. The party or faction with the majority vote.

Fellow - A companion; comrade; associate. A person belonging to the same rank or class; equal; peer.

Men - A member of the species Homo sapiens or all the members of this species collectively, without regard to sex. The human individual as representing the species, without reference to sex; the human race; humankind.

Appears - To seem or look to be. To seem likely.

Among - in, into, or through the midst of; in association or connection with; surrounded by. In the midst of, so as to influence. By all or with the whole of; by most or with many of.

Privileged - Belonging to a class that enjoys special privileges; favored.

Source: Dictionary.com

What Kind Of Shoes Are You Wearing?

There’s an old saying. I cried because I had no shoes, then I met a man who had no feet.

Remember, no matter how bad you have it, there’s an excellent chance the majority of people in the world have it worse than you. Just by virtue of the fact that you have a computer, that you have an education, that you are even able to read this post, you are so far ahead of most of the people in this world.

You are already very fortunate. So, I ask you, examine the “shoes” you are wearing. What is the situation in your life?

Now, watch the nightly news for 30 minutes tonight or read a couple of online newspapers. Examine the people featured and ask yourself, what kind of “shoes” are they wearing? What is their situation in life?

I’d be willing to bet you that your situation is better than most of you hear about on the news or read about online.

Some Of The Stories Featured In Today’s News

North California Fire Burns Homes, Hundreds Flee

Did your house burn down today? (I hope not)

Typhoon Blocks Rescue Of 700 On Phillipine Ferry

Are you experiencing the effects of a typhoon and were you stranded on a ferry in the middle of that storm?

Town Surprised By Higher Mississippi

Did your town flood today?

Please understand that I’m not trying to be insensitive to the people who are experiencing these disasters. I’m simply pointing out that those of us who are NOT experiencing these problems should be grateful, because we are incredibly fortunate.

My Personal Experience

One thing I realized early on about my life is that I don’t always get everything I want. In other words, a lot of the good things I would like to come my way don’t always come, but, conversely, very few bad things ever happen to me. In fact, I consider myself to be quite lucky; to be quite fortunate.

Even when something bad did happen to me (rupturing my achilles tendon), it could have been much worse than it actually was.

For example, i was on the road, over 1000 miles away from home. The rupture was on my left foot, not my right. Consequently, I was able to still drive myself home. Can you imagine if I would have had to have my wife drive out to pick me up so she could have driven me home? Furthermore, while I was healing and had a bootcast on my left leg, I was able to still drive myself. Can you imagine if I would have had to have my wife chauffeur me around for 3 months?

Additionally, while it has taken a long time to heal, my doctors and physical therapists have been amazed that I have healed as fast as I have.

Furthermore, the experience has helped me to appreciate just how good I feel now.

So What’s My Point?

My point is that fortune is all around us. We only have to look for it. Instead of complaining whenever we feel less fortunate, take a closer look and realize that we are indeed quite fortunate.

In turn, this will allow you to feel grateful. By feeling grateful, you are opening up and allowing the universe to send more and more opportunity your way.

As my dear friend, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones says:

If you’re not grateful for what you have now, what makes you think you’ll be grateful if you have any more?

Open Up Your Eyes

Open up your eyes and don’t be scared. You might find you had it all the time.

Start appreciating the good fortune you already have and you just might find more good fortune will be coming your way.