Sebas Bravo

Thought and character

The first and main idea of the book is that “a man is literally what he thinks,” highlighting that the character is the sum of our thoughts. Every action begin as a thought, therefore, we are “makers of ourselves.” By mastering our thoughts, we can shape our condition, environment, and destiny.

We are the ones who build heavenly mansions of joy, strength, and peace for ourselves. So, since this moment, let’s start to create that beautiful temple in which we want to live. Let’s create our lives, and let’s be creative with it.

One of the most important highlights is the passage of “he that seeketh findeth” which underlines the importance of purposefully directing one’s thoughts towards desired outcomes. So then, we decide to what we want to focus our energy, to our growth or to our lost.

Effect of thought on circumstances

Comparing the mind to a garden: it can be “intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild.” Good thoughts, like good seeds, bear good fruit, while bad thoughts produce negative results. He argues that people attract not what they want, but what they are, shaped by their consistent thoughts and actions. Unless we decide to change, we will be always gravitating around the things and actions we most think; our gravity is much more stronger than what we believe.

Allen teaches that “happiness, health, and prosperity are the result of a harmonious adjustment of the inner with the outer,” emphasizing that thoughts crystallize into habits, which then solidify into corresponding circumstances.

For that reason, we can see our happiness and success as a by-product. As long as we keep making good choices and good actions, we will keep receiving the delicious fruits that we cultivated. Always focus in what we can control.

Effect of thought on health and the body

The body is depicted as the servant of the mind, with strong, pure, and happy thoughts leading to physical vitality. Those who have lived righteously experience old age as “calm, peaceful, and softly mellowed,” like a serene sunset. For that same reason, we can say that live is long, if we know how to use it.

Thought and purpose

Purpose is central to Allen’s philosophy. Those without a clear purpose in life are susceptible to worries, fears, and self-doubt. He advises that a man should conceive a legitimate purpose in his heart and strive to accomplish it.

By focusing in your virtues, by focusing on enjoying life, by thinking with purpose, and by believing in yourself, you can create a “can do” mindset. You will become relentless and you will strive for greatness, not just for you, but also for the world.

Purposeful thoughts, free from doubt and fear, become a “creative force” that drives achievement. Conquering fear and doubt is essential to overcoming failure, as every thought aligned with purpose is powerful and resilient.

Ideas are powerful, they are like viruses that molds and create change from within. Let the good ideas infect you, let them flourish and the by-product will be motivation and energy.

The thought-factor in achievement

“All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts.” Personal responsibility is key; our goals and virtues are determined by us alone. Always keep in mind that we are responsible for ourselves, our virtues and goals depend on us.

Progress and achievement require sacrifice and a persistent effort to elevate one’s thoughts. Allen warns that success can be fleeting if one allows corrupt and selfish thoughts to take over.

As I see it, the sacrifices will always exist; but, if we plan good, and if we make the correct visualizations, we can minimize them. Bad thoughts will always exist too, but by meditating and being aware or our mind, we can throw them out.

Visions and ideals

Allen extols the power of dreams and ideals, stating that “dreamers are the saviours of the world.” Se here’s one for the fools who dream; as Steve Jobs said: “the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

He believes that cherished visions and lofty ideals will eventually manifest in reality. By nurturing these visions, individuals can build their lives according to their highest aspirations. “To desire is to obtain; to aspire is to achieve,” reflects Allen’s belief that dreams are the seedlings of realities, and that the visions we glorify in our minds will shape our lives.

Just remember, a correct visualization practice is not just about ‘seeing’, but also about ‘feeling’, about having emotions. Yes, we are the architects of our life, so: dream up and design; plan and execute; persist and resist.

Serenity

“Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom,” he writes, associating tranquility with success and strength. The more serene a person becomes, the more self-controled, the more powerful and beloved they are.

Allen concludes that “self-control is strength; Right Thought is mastery; Calmness is power.” This is the stillness that we are all trying to reach, so dream good, and keep moving forward.