Real Deal REInvestor Network

“As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen (1864-1912)

A Blog by David Turner about this essay

 

When James Allen wrote this short book, he felt it was a minor accomplishment since he had written over twenty books in his lifetime. However, it has become one of his most successful works staying in print for over a century, as well as, being translated into numerous languages. Below I have given a brief overview as to what I have gleaned from reading this book. Hopefully, it will inspire you to read it and pass it along to others who may also benefit from its enlightening words.

 

What I learned from the book is much of what I have believed to be true, and not till later in my life did I start to apply many of the principles outlined by this work of art. Now that I wrote that, I guess the correct wording should have been; “I have not been applying all the correct principles throughout my life on a daily basis thru which I could have achieved many of the things I have expected I would accomplish in my life”. Thus, outcome is the accumulation of all the thoughts and actions we, as humans, do from the day we are born. But more so, the way we let these items effect us subconsciously and manifest into our outer being. By controlling what we allow to harbor in our subconscious, we can directly alter our outward appearance to the world around us and the people to which we have dealings. Grasping and holding onto the thoughts, that will make us the person we want to be, will manifest itself into that being. As Mr. Allen points out this can be 'good' or 'bad', but nonetheless we have the ultimate control over that which we desire. He goes on to say that our total being is an accumulation of our thought process. This includes our physical appearance, mental state of mind, health, wealth, and well the list goes on doesn't it?

 

Therefore, I believe this book can change me by consciously changing my way of thinking and simply applying the methods Mr. Allen eludes to in his book on a consistent daily basis. By controlling my thought process and the actions I take, to only good and positive thoughts, I can alter my total outer being and achieve everything I want in my life. And while I have seen glimpses of opportunity presenting itself more so lately, I believe with continued effort on my part to transform my inner-self to the whole person that I want to be, opportunity will be endless and manifest itself into greater success as I move forward.

 

Although there are numerous excellent excerpts I could have pulled from this classic as an example to hopefully entice you to read this brief, but powerful classic, I have chosen the following:

 

A strong man cannot help a weaker unless that weaker is willing to be helped, and even

then the weak man must become strong of himself; he must, by his own efforts, develop

the strength which he admires in another. None but himself can alter his condition.

 

In conclusion, no matter what the level of success you may or may not have, how young or old, or even if you have read it before, I urge you to read/reread this timeless classic. As I believe the mass majority of us want a better life, it is books such as this one, that will lead us and keep us on the path to greater success. Also, pass it along to others, especially the young who are currently cultivating their ideals and shaping themselves into the next generation of entrepreneurs, whether they realize it or not. And one last thought, why aren't these types of books integrated into our education system. What would be the outcome on our society, as a whole, if we were influenced early on by positive and inspiring literature?

 

For you own enjoyment, you can read or download/print this book here: http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf

 

This poignant essay essentially highlights the core concept of mind over matter.It reinforces the power of positivity & the capability of sheer willpower & driven action.

The author evinces rationality in attributing success not to just imagination but a combination of hard work & effort to strive towards goals set to achieve what one envisages. He castigates the idle onlookers for their dismissive & pessimistic outlooks & lack of effort, & their wistful expectations of having things handed to them on a plate with little or no action.

The essay is the elucidation of the components of the time-tested elements of successful endeavor & victory against the odds; which include the never-say-die attitude, the firm belief in one's self to overcome hurdles, the bold pragmatism to attain the goal; which are the recognised hallmarks of achievers since time immemorial.

In today's secularised,self-worshipping & self-glorifying world, the individual in his humanistic arrogance & unfortunate ignorance, attributes all his successes to his personal endeavors & therein lies a grave error. The lack of a spiritual religious element as the foundational force of all endeavor, robs all effort of true accountability,morality & goodness ;for these qualities emanated from religion  & any abbreviated or truncated version of these qualities, adopted by one not religiously grounded is bound to fail its practitioner in the long run. The inherent need for the recognition of an omniscient,all-powerful creator being; is the ultimate key element for the achievent of success.

The world owes a debt to the author  for this simple yet powerful & inspirational essay which is timeless & priceless.

I learned in the book “As a Man Thinketh” that every person is the Master of their destiny. The thoughts we feed our mind has a tremendous impact on our actions. We must understand the importance of this fact in order to achieve our dreams in life. In order to stay on the positive thinking side we must eliminate all negative influences from our mind. All you have to do is highlight the negative thoughts & hit the DELETE button & after that we must go to our recycling bin & delete everything inside there as well. You must be saying to yourself “ I know I know but that is much easier said than done” & to that I say “Get out of your own way”  That way our mind is only affiliated with positive thinking. My favorite quote in the book is “ that man is the master of thought, the moulder of character, & the maker & shaper of condition, environment, & destiny.” The reason why this is my favorite quote is because as soon as I read this I began to reflect on my past & realized that everything that I have encountered either good or bad I ultimately attracted it in my life because of my FOCUS.  I remember being a senior in high school & I had no clue what I wanted to study afterwards. So I began to use my imagination & I came to the conclusion of wanting to become a pilot. So I began to look into where was the best school for this career. I found Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach Florida. I had the privilege of attended for a year & a half because that was as far as my scholarships could take me & after having to drop out literally seconds before I got kicked out I realized the importance of MONEY. I witnessed spoiled rich kids taking there education for granted skipping class & goofing off & foreign exchange students on full ride scholarships give it there 100% everyday. This book has made me dig down deep into my soul. It has forced me to take an updated inventory of my environment & I have quickly decided who I need to DELETE from my center of influence. Birds of the same feather flock together with that being said I am proud to say that I am an apprentice in the MMM II Challenge & I am a Millionaire in Training. This book refreshes my WHY on WHY I will do whatever it takes to become a successful real estate investor. Whatever you do stay FOCUSED on your VISION!!!!

Read or download/print this book here: http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf

James Allen so many years ago wrote As a Man Thinketh.  I met this book sometime in the 70’s.  I say met, because it is like an old friend and I continually revisit the wisdom that is so aptly unfolded in this book.  Even better, I do my best to monitor my thought process on a daily basis and take a daily inventory so that I can self-correct when necessary.  I am the KEY to what I will be! “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”  Do you own your thoughts?

 

“Mind is the Master-power that moulds and makes,

And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes

The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills,

Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills: --

He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:

Environment is but his looking-glass.”

 

Everyone has a family of thought people that live on the streets of their mind.  Personally exploring these individualistic aspects is a worthy undertaking.  These characters have been developing since birth.  There is actually a neurological correspondence to thoughts.  For instance, as an example, when the thought ‘not good enough’ crosses the mind repeatedly, the neurological synapses are quick to fire and reinforce that thinking.  Hence, without even being aware of it, this theme, ‘not good enough’, plays out in one’s life and can undermine many a great opportunity and self satisfaction.  We can become our own self-saboteurs.

 

Now, a young child doesn’t come up with a ‘not good enough’ message in and of his/her own.  That message must be heard and perceived often to stick, become ingrained, and become one of the thought people that will rule life.  Or, one very strong and emotionally laden piece of input could accomplish the same thing.  The subconscious, or unconscious, mind doesn’t discriminate what it hears.  It will merely hold the thoughts, like a file cabinet, that the thought family have come to own over time.  Have you heard, “change your thinking, change your life” before? Could we have a choice in this?

 

We are given ‘free will’ to choose.  So, when utilizing our authority to choose our thoughts, are we choosing the hi-road or the low-road that exists in this dualistic world?  When we take the time to reflect on outer experiences, it gives us major clues about our inner workings.  Wats up, thought people?! “So within; so without.”  Taking a look at what’s working and that which doesn’t appear to be working, allows us to do some self-reflection.  And, choose again if we don’t like what we see.

 

The first step is to become conscious of what we are thinking.  Yikes!  Our thoughts are prayers!  Thoughts held in mind produce after kind.  So those appearances that we don’t like are there to help guide us to where we want to be.  I know that God has a higher plan for me, and for all, so I can readily say, see past appearances and know that God is in charge in the Absolute.  When our thoughts cause us to run away from the Truth, and life becomes uncomfortable, it is often in the pain that our thoughts self correct and return Home.  There is always a divine point of grace at play.

 

Changing those thought people takes conscious effort.  Affirmations are powerful tools to use in shifting thoughts.  First quietly deny that which no longer serves you.  Then, use affirmations that are written as though they are already present- done - manifested, and repeat them with an emotional intensity that says I own this now!  It takes time for those neurotransmitters to shift the synaptic charge.  Or, there also exists what I call “spiritual 2X4s” that come along in life and smack us in the head. How many plagues will Pharaoh have to bring down upon us before we soften our hardened hearts and are set free, referring to a Biblical reference.   Moses said, “Let my people go!”  Major events can more readily and quickly shift the thought process.  And, there is also the possibility that one major event, such as a near death experience, can totally change the construct that we operate under. 

 

I believe we are called to collectively take the higher-road.  And, one way or the other, we get there.  One way can potentially be much more painful.  We are all capable of the most heinous crime, and we are all capable of the most saintly service.  I choose the high-road, and there but for the grace of God go I.

 

I am consistently using positive mind-conditioning affirmations, trust the process and know that God is in charge.  I choose Miracle-Gro to fertilize the garden of my Mind.  I am experiencing miracles everyday, in every way!  All life experiences have brought me to where and who I am today.  All the rumbles and stumbles of my thought family have been my teachers and guides.  My soul has attracted to me that which is mine to learn.  I have erred and forgiven and chose to do over in a higher way.  I give thanks for all the thought family, all experiences, yet choose to let negative imprints go.  I choose to be Free!  Free at last!  This is my daily affirmation!

 

Here’s looking at you!  Here’s looking at me!  We are but reflections of one another.

 

Read or download/print this book here: http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf

As I began reading James Allen’s “As a Man Thinketh” for the first time, I opened on my computer a separate blank Word document upon which I copied and pasted sentences from Allen’s short work that I found especially poignant or relevant.

Soon, after reading the first couple chapters, my once-blank “notes” page(s) had filled once, twice, three times with words from Allen’s short book.

Every other sentence—maybe even every sentence—it seemed was an idea that I wanted to savior, to turn over in my mind and mentally chew on for just a bit.

I had initially planned to copy just a few sentences and record my thoughts about those particular ideas of Allen’s, but I quickly tossed that idea out as I realized that writing my thoughts about Allen’s relevant sentences would soon produce a work longer itself than his book.

Instead, what I found after finishing Allen’s book, was an overriding idea that I felt compelled to boil down to one thought: We are each, individually, responsible for our lot in life.

Said like this, I didn’t feel it was a new idea to me. In fact, I felt like I—like many entrepreneurs—had long been trying to live a life of which I was in charge. I have long ascribed to the notion that I am the master of my own ship. The hard part, as many will recognize, is the difficulty so many of us have piloting that vessel.

What was new from Allen, however, was the succinct, eloquent, and forceful way in which he laid out a plan for each person to follow and why. In just a short few chapters, Allen manages to tell us something that many of us already know, and he manages to tell us in such a way that we instantly recognize its truth. He wastes no time letting readers know that if they want to aspire to a better way of life, then that aspiration begins with what is between their ears as well as in their hearts.

We each know the answer to the questions we have. We know how to get where it is we want to go. We know what we must do in order to get there. We know how to be better people to ourselves as well as to those around us. All that we need to do is be silent and listen; listen to our inner selves and reflect and refine upon what is already in there. Doing that may not always be easy, but it is the only true way to achieve that which we wish to achieve.

James Allen says all this and more, and much more eloquently than I could spell out in the space of a few paragraphs. For all the times I had heard this book mentioned, I was surprised at myself that I had not already taken the time to read it. And I was equally surprised at the force with which it hit me.

But don’t just take my word for it. Grab a free copy for yourself here and find your own revelations in Allen’s words. You will be glad you did.

James Allen’s As A Man Thinketh really is a must read.  He does an excellent job expounding on the power and importance of our thoughts.  For anyone doubting their importance, he states in the beginning that, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.”  If that doesn’t make you stop and do some reflecting, I don’t know what will.

I enjoyed the illustrations that he gives throughout the book.  In one of them, he likens the mind to a garden, which we can either pay little attention to and allow the weeds to take over or diligently work in to produce the highest yield possible of the desired crop. He reminds the reader that, “Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own, blossoming sooner or later into act, and bearing its own fruitage of opportunity and circumstance. Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bad fruit.”

This reminded me of a lesson I learned in Vacation Bible School as a child.  The lesson was simple and has stuck with me ever since: “Garbage in. Garbage out.”  What we allow into our minds is what will come out in our lives.  Thoughts do not stay thoughts for long.  They quickly turn into actions, which quickly turn into habits, which quickly turn into character, which determines our destinies.  

“The outer conditions of a person's life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. This does not mean that a man's circumstances at any given time are an indication of his entire character, but that those circumstances are so intimately connected with some vital thought-element within himself that, for the time being, they are indispensable to his development.” – James Allen

Take a look around you.  Do you like your life?  Either way, your thoughts had a big part in creating it.  If you’re not happy with the world you’ve created for yourself, it’s not too late, you can change it.  It all starts with your thoughts.   You and I have the level of success that we have today as a direct result of our thoughts.  If we want our level of accomplishments and results to grow, then we must change the way we think.

It’s amazing how simple this principle is – change your life by changing your thoughts.  It almost seems too simple really.  So many people race right past it in search of something more profound.  I know I have.  Not anymore.  Every change that I want to see in my life has to start in my thoughts.

Just because a principle is simple, doesn’t mean it’s easy.  Changing your life by changing your thoughts is a lot like exercise as the author points out.  “As the physically weak man can make himself strong by careful and patient training, so the man of weak thoughts can make them strong by exercising himself in right thinking.”  I don’t know about you, but exercising is not always fun.  You don’t always feel like doing it.  That’s why it’s a good idea to “exercise” with a partner—to have someone there to hold you accountable and to push you to go further than you would on your own.

I'll leave you with this final thought from the book, “ALL that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.”  Now go download the book and read it before they decide to take it down.  It's FREE, and I promised you won't be disappointed!

Read or download/print this book here:
http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf

I am really blessed to say that God has placed Rick Melero, Danny Welsh and all the directors before me for guidance to my success and when I read this ebook it made me see things at a different level.  It reminded me of the beautiful texts in the Bible.

Here is one of my favorites in this book:
"Just as a gardener cultivates his plot, keeping it free from weeds, and growing the flowers and fruits which he requires, so may a man tend the garden of his mind, weeding out all the wrong, useless, and impure thoughts, and cultivating toward perfection the flowers and fruits of right, useful, and pure thoughts."
I find that so true about my own garden, If I let it go, then the weeds and bugs will take over and destroy my crops and trees.  The same goes with your mind!

I liked this one as well:
"Even the man whose sole object is to acquire wealth
must be prepared to make great personal sacrifices before he can accomplish his object; and how much more so he who would realize a strong and well-poised life?"
So with that said: I would have to sacrifice my daily things that I do like:
1. Spending too much time on social networks doing other things other than real estate networking
2. Reality shows on TV
3. Reading real estate guru emails
4. The list goes on……etc
"Good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results."
This is so true because if you turn on the News, all you hear is tons of negativity like people taking vengeance on other people with all this jealousy and drama. Which is why I turn off CNN-" Constant Negative News."

"As you cannot have a sweet and wholesome abode unless you admit the air and sunshine freely into your rooms, so a strong body and a bright, happy, or serene countenance can only result from the free admittance into the mind of thoughts of joy and goodwill and serenity."
What I do is once in awhile is go for a walk to a secluded place, like a nice park or the woods and just breathe the fresh air and meditate clean thoughts, it's just relaxing! Let your thoughts flow.

"There is no physician like cheerful thought for dissipating the ills of the body"
I have met so many people who are so negative that you can literally see it in their face and later eventually it encumbers their bodies with sickness.

"His purposes are seasonably planted, and they bloom and bring forth fruit, which does not fall prematurely to the ground."
Just like my avocados. :)

"THE dreamers are the saviors of the world. As the visible world is sustained by the invisible, so men, through all their trials and sins and sordid vocations, are nourished by the beautiful visions of their solitary dreamers. Humanity cannot forget its dreamers; it cannot let their ideals fade and die; it lives in them; it knows them as they realities which it
shall one day see and know."
I really loved this one because you really have to guard your dreams from those "Dream stealers" like some people I know who were my friends that said my goals for the future in real estate are not good right now. I say, Forget them! dust your feet and move on! Don't give up!

 "Self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery;
Calmness is power. Say unto your heart, "Peace, be still!"
This reminds me of the passage in the bible when the disciples and Jesus
were on the boat, there was a huge storm and while Jesus was asleep,
the disciples were losing control of the boat and were scared, so they woke
Jesus. Jesus said: peace, be still! and added saying "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?"

This ebook "As a Man Thinketh" by James Allen really brought out a lot of positivity in me and taught me to be positive.  I have to hang around with positive people that's looking to take it to the next level and having a millionaire mindset.

This is a must read! Get all the details and click to download here:

http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf

“As a Man Thinketh” by James Allen- Review by: Sean T Brown

James Allen was a philosopher most known for his poetry, inspirational books and one of the great pioneers of the self-help movement during the turn of the 20^th century. 

“As a Man Thinketh,” as it is so marveling entitled, was indeed the epoch of his in-depth perception and mundane interpretation of Biblical Proverbs.  This book has been published throughout the world, many times over, and is a perfect reflection of “What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” -Napoleon Hill

 It is rare that a book of so few pages carries any weight of significance, however I assure you it should not be taken lightly.  In this read you will find it is the semblance of simplicity, not the quantity of words that sparks such introspection.  It has brilliantly caused me to be speculative of my behavior and attentive to my every thought.  I have learned that it has highlighted my habits, good and bad, as well as curtailed my doubts, fears and superstitions.  It puts emphasis on a state of awareness at some point in our lives we have all encountered, yet choose to rationalize and ignore.

 More than once in life I have found myself indulged in a self-sabotaging soliloquy, of which only prayer and faith assisted me in surmounting the circumstance.  This book has the potential to equip you with such incite, you would be well armed to overcome most anything, assuming you were willing to first conquer self. 

“Men are anxious to improve their circumstances, but are unwilling to improve themselves; they therefore remain bound.”

That quote reigns true to myself and of Human Nature, a thought I am choosing to expunge.  Long were the days when I thought I could have all that I desired without sacrifice.  Forget about always trying to get something for nothing, believe me when I say it will never work. 

“This being so, man has but to right himself to find that the universe is right.” 

This is an absolute MUST Read for those not looking to short cut success, self awareness and self improvement! 

CHECK IT OUT:  http://hisrealestatenetwork.com/James-Allen-As-A-Man-Thinketh%20Free%20Ebook.pdf


Sean T. Brown
Millionaire in Training,  MMMChallenge.com
Millionaire Mentorship Mastermind Apprentice