" Laugh and the world laughs with you; Weep, and you weep alone." - Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox may not have known about the principles of quantum physics, but she knew human nature. If you fill you mind with negative thoughts, you’ll find yourself lonely and sad, and abandoned. Think joy and abundance, and you’ll attract prosperity, mirth and friends.

Quantum physics teaches that every living thing gives off vibrations and creates a certain energy field. Our thoughts create energy as well. Although invisible, we can actually "feel" when there is positive energy emanating from others, just as surely as we "feel" the negative energy from those who drain us. Which do you radiate? Which do you prefer to be around? You have a choice.

Create the World You Imagine

People tend to focus on their own beliefs, building support for those beliefs by seeing what they want to see. For most people, the reality in the world shows up pretty much as we expect it to, but when you focus on what shouldn’t be or how you don’t have enough of something, you’ll notice and focus on the evidence to support that belief. We've all met people who have plenty of reasons why they can't do something, but they have few reasons why they can. They can't see the forest for the trees of negativity.

When you focus on what you do have or what you can do, your power to attract expands and you experience and see the options to go forward more clearly. While you aren’t able to control your circumstances, or the obstacles put in your path, you can always control your reaction to them.

This simple formula is worth remembering. To soar and create an extraordinary future, these two concepts give you the keys to begin.

What You Focus Upon Expands

In every moment of your life, you can transform your reality. It is as simple as changing your mind, your perception. Simple, yes. Easy? Not always. You can choose: What can you do in a situation? Let go of what you don’t have control over and focus on what you can do. Think of all the energy spent in replaying what we can’t change. Use that energy to go forward. Accept what is and focus on what you do have, what working, what has gotten done.

ACTION TIP: This week, listen to yourself. Each time you notice your thoughts or words expressing want or lack of something - time, money, love, etc., STOP. Then rephrase what you have said to create a positive or take an action that will shift your present reality.

For instance, if you feel you never have enough time and you are perpetually rushing or late, arrive 15 minutes early to each appointment. You’ll begin to experience the feeling of being in control of your time and having enough. As your perception shifts and your internal conversation shifts, the outward reality begins to shift. It may take some getting used to, though. When I changed from rushing and being driven by tight, adrenaline-driven deadlines, to arriving early for appointments, I kept feeling like I was forgetting something! In fact my mind just needed some time to adjust to the new reality!

Feed Gratitude for What You Have

Some days it feels like there is not much to smile about. When you have lost a listing or a deal is falling through, it can frustrate and leave you feeling upset and stressed. Recent events in Colorado, Oklahoma and Kosovo serve to remind us to put it all in perspective. Living in the richest nation in the world, it is easy to forget that there are people who don’t have food or housing. Taking for granted our good health or a loved one is easy until we face the reality of loss.

ACTION TIP: Focus on what you have: List each day at least 5 items you are grateful for. As you are more aware and appreciative of what you do have, you will shift from the external blame game to the internal personal power of responsibility.

Margaret Mead said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Colorado RE/MAX agent Linda Soesbe has made an offer of free Columbine seeds for others to plant in memory of those lives lost in Littleton. This is a perfect example of one person making a positive difference. Where can you make a difference this week?

More Gratitude

You know how great you feel when someone notices and acknowledges you for the difference you have made? Or when you hear a sincere thank you for something you have done? Or when someone tells you that they believe in you or your ideas? The future can actually be altered when the encouragement or acknowledgment allows one to have a bigger picture of what they are capable. You have within your power that gift for others. It costs nothing and means a lot. Not gushy, or contrived - just honest, positive feedback. Hang around people who do that for you too! Life is too short to hang around people who squash your dreams.

ACTION TIP: Find 5 opportunities every day to express your gratitude to another. You’ll feel good and they will too! Notice the little things and appreciate them. People will want to be around you and you will attract more positive into your life.

ATTITUDE..you can choose in every moment
PLUS
GRATITUDE..appreciating what you do have and the bounty that others give
EQUALS
LATTITUDE.... Lighten Up and Soar!

"Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly." G. K. Chesterton

Becoming the best that you can be in your career, starts with you and your attitudes. You have the power to choose and attract what you truly desire and believe in.

Published: May 18, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Joeann Fossland only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.

Joeann Fossland ePRO, GRI, MCC, PMN, SRS is a dynamic, international speaker and business coach. She personally coaches a small number of extraordinary agents who want to leverage their production results and have a life they love! She was recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential Women in Real Estate in 2008 by Stephan Swanapoel. Subscribe to her free Tuesday Tips, attend Fossland's Forums, free monthly tele-seminars, and find out about classes delivered by email and personal coaching by visiting Joeann.com or email her at . You can also connect at Facebook and Twitter.