Have you been brainwashed? Chapter 4 from Defining Success in America
4. REPROGRAMMING THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND
HAVE YOU BEEN BRAINWASHED?To change your level of success, wealth, happiness or health you have to first change the way you think. The way you think is a result of the programming that has been installed in your brain since the day you were born. Your parents, teachers, friends, family, and even companies that market to you on a regular basis have programmed you. For example, which company do you think of when you hear the phrase “I’m lovin’ it”....? Exactly! McDonalds has spent a lot of money to brainwash you. How ‘bout, “Just do it”....? If you said Nike, you would be confirming the fact that your brain has been hijacked. Companies like McDonalds and Nike get in your head because they want you to think of them as friendly and familiar so you will trade your hard earned dollars for their products. Have you ever eaten a Big Mac or worn a pair of Nike running shoes. These are two of many companies that people in America have come to know and love. Just the idea that I thought of these two companies while writing this chapter is testament to the fact that they got me too. I’m not saying they are bad. I’m just making the point as to how easily our brains are influenced. What about your parents? These are the people that have loved and raised you since you were a baby. Do you think they had an influence on the way you think and process things? Did they have an influence on your thought process with respect to decisions you have made throughout your life? Maybe you have caught yourself doing something and noticed that it was very similar to something your Mom or Dad would do. A funny quote I heard, read: “Every time I open my mouth, my Mother comes out.” What were some of your parent’s beliefs around money or success? To what extent did they practice good health? How similar is your life to theirs in those areas? Even your friends have a huge influence on the way you think, process things and make decisions. Did you know that your bank balance is the average of the five people you spend the most time with? It’s true. Test it. Who do you spend the most time with? It’s highly unlikely that you make less than fifty thousand a year and you are hanging out with millionaires. It’s also highly unlikely that you are a millionaire and you are hanging out with people that earn less than fifty thousand a year. There is nothing wrong with any financial class, but the point is, the way we think, shapes our life and those who think alike attract each other. Those who spend time together, influence each other–financially and morally. This is why millionaires seek out billionaires. They understand this. So, if you don’t come from a mindset of wealth or success, completely changing your whole outlook and the way you operate from the inside out will take some time. It’s not a quick process but it is possible. It takes constant learning and installing new data to change the way you think long term. This doesn’t mean that for one day out of the year you can think positive and magically get new results. You have to change the way you think all the time, everyday, all day. Your whole internal mechanism has to be re-geared so you are living a life that is fueled by a mind that thinks in a forward moving way. So how do you do this? You are on the right track. By reading this, you are seeking knowledge. You are further ahead than most. You start the journey by reading, listening to audio, attending seminars and spending time with people that will encourage your personal growth. Immerse yourself in success and wealth materials. It does take awhile, but at one point you will realize that the life around you has changed. You’ll look around you and see that the people in your life have changed for the better, your level of wealth has changed and the way you think about money has changed. You may be more articulate with money, you may have more of an investor’s mindset and you may find yourself focusing more on building wealth and creating assets. Then, every once in awhile you may find yourself looking back five, ten, fifteen years ago comparing your past to your new life. It is an amazing gift to see the stark comparison. You can’t help but smile. Once you start to see and recognize your results it gives you more fuel to do it again the next day and you start to develop a passion for the way you think. You may also develop a passion for setting and achieving goals because the achievement is a terrific feeling. Your life then starts to build momentum in a positive forward moving direction that is unstoppable. I saw a quote today that explains how some people keep them selves from acquiring wealth and prosperity. It read: “Why is it that people who have it all can’t be thankful for what they have? They always want more. While people who have nothing, count their blessings everyday.” This quote was clearly written by someone who has not acquired wealth and it is a very misleading and inaccurate statement, in my opinion. Let’s break this statement down, and I’ll explain why. You’ll also see why this type of thinking is destructive. For starters, let’s look at the first three words: “Why is it”, This is a clever way of encouraging the reader to automatically assume the rest of the statement is true. It sets the reader up for the rest of the statement. This is a trick that is used everywhere we look (if we look). It is used in the marketing of products, in politics, etc. In other words, by asking you “why something is”, your mind instantly starts searching for the answers to the question and completely overlooks the fact that there is no data backing up the claim. The statement could be completely false, but you are on the mission to find answers as to why it is true and never stop to question the validity of the statement itself. Make sense? If not, read that again. Next, the entire first sentence: “Why is it that people who have it all can’t be thankful for what they have? This line presupposes that people who live in abundance aren’t thankful for what they have. Not only that, it also says they can’t be thankful. In other words, they are not capable of being thankful. Almost like prosperity is some sort of affliction that debilitates the gratitude process. Nonsense. Besides the fact that this statement is just not true, it is completely ignorant. As a matter of fact, the wealthy people I know are extremely grateful for the abundance in their lives. They are also acutely aware of the areas they want to improve. I do agree however, that the media and Hollywood do a great job of portraying the rich as ruthless and criminal but the reality of the wealthy mindset is most often the exact opposite. Ok so far? Let’s take a peek at the next sentence:“They always want more.” This one is particularly disturbing. It presupposes that wanting more is bad. Of course they want more! Yes, prosperous people always want more. That’s the fuel that keeps them going and that is the same fuel that got them all the great abundance they now have in their lives. Wanting more is good. If poor people wanted more, they wouldn’t be poor! You see–here’s the thing. Poor people say they want more, if you ask them. But the reality is, they usually don’t want it bad enough. I’m not talking about starving children in Zimbabwe. I’m referring to people who are capable of doing great things and live in areas of the world where prosperity is attainable. Most people who complain about the wealthy are not committed to put in the time and effort to become wealthy. Lying around on the couch all weekend and buying lottery tickets is not effort. The wealthy and successful in this world work hard and smart. They are putting deals together, making things happen and contributing to society through business and other contributions while the broke sit around and complain. Wanting more is good. Always want more. Let’s look at the last sentence:“While people who have nothing, count their blessings everyday.” Again, there is a presupposition here, that the prosperous don’t count their blessings. Not true. As I said before, the wealthy are very thankful. That is a big part of why they are wealthy in the first place. This sentence also portrays the poor as a regal group. It says that they are grateful. Gratitude is an admiral thing and this sentence makes it appear that it is admiral to have nothing. All I know is that I would rather have a million blessings to count, than none. What’s the point to all this? There is a huge point. Those who fill their heads with negative nonsense like this will never allow themselves to acquire wealth, because in their minds, they turn wealth into a bad thing. Since no one wants to be a bad person, they avoid prosperity at all costs and will typically sabotage their own success. So, why do we believe things like this? My theory is that broke people hang out with other broke people, fill each other’s minds with negative beliefs, and complain about the wealthy because it justifies their own position in life. It makes them feel like the “good guys”. I understand the concept. What I don’t understand is how some people can justify this type of behavior their entire lives, even after seeing that the results are negative, time and time again. The writing is on the wall, but some people turn a blind eye to it. There is a world of abundance out there (especially in America). All you have to do is get it. Once you get it, you can share with the ones you love, help those who need help, and build a better world for your children, grandchildren and future generations down the line. Unfortunately, many don’t take that route. Instead they condemn those who have abundance and wonder why they can’t......
To purchase a copy of Defining Success in America, Click Here.
To your Success,Dan Wos
HAVE YOU BEEN BRAINWASHED?To change your level of success, wealth, happiness or health you have to first change the way you think. The way you think is a result of the programming that has been installed in your brain since the day you were born. Your parents, teachers, friends, family, and even companies that market to you on a regular basis have programmed you. For example, which company do you think of when you hear the phrase “I’m lovin’ it”....? Exactly! McDonalds has spent a lot of money to brainwash you. How ‘bout, “Just do it”....? If you said Nike, you would be confirming the fact that your brain has been hijacked. Companies like McDonalds and Nike get in your head because they want you to think of them as friendly and familiar so you will trade your hard earned dollars for their products. Have you ever eaten a Big Mac or worn a pair of Nike running shoes. These are two of many companies that people in America have come to know and love. Just the idea that I thought of these two companies while writing this chapter is testament to the fact that they got me too. I’m not saying they are bad. I’m just making the point as to how easily our brains are influenced. What about your parents? These are the people that have loved and raised you since you were a baby. Do you think they had an influence on the way you think and process things? Did they have an influence on your thought process with respect to decisions you have made throughout your life? Maybe you have caught yourself doing something and noticed that it was very similar to something your Mom or Dad would do. A funny quote I heard, read: “Every time I open my mouth, my Mother comes out.” What were some of your parent’s beliefs around money or success? To what extent did they practice good health? How similar is your life to theirs in those areas? Even your friends have a huge influence on the way you think, process things and make decisions. Did you know that your bank balance is the average of the five people you spend the most time with? It’s true. Test it. Who do you spend the most time with? It’s highly unlikely that you make less than fifty thousand a year and you are hanging out with millionaires. It’s also highly unlikely that you are a millionaire and you are hanging out with people that earn less than fifty thousand a year. There is nothing wrong with any financial class, but the point is, the way we think, shapes our life and those who think alike attract each other. Those who spend time together, influence each other–financially and morally. This is why millionaires seek out billionaires. They understand this. So, if you don’t come from a mindset of wealth or success, completely changing your whole outlook and the way you operate from the inside out will take some time. It’s not a quick process but it is possible. It takes constant learning and installing new data to change the way you think long term. This doesn’t mean that for one day out of the year you can think positive and magically get new results. You have to change the way you think all the time, everyday, all day. Your whole internal mechanism has to be re-geared so you are living a life that is fueled by a mind that thinks in a forward moving way. So how do you do this? You are on the right track. By reading this, you are seeking knowledge. You are further ahead than most. You start the journey by reading, listening to audio, attending seminars and spending time with people that will encourage your personal growth. Immerse yourself in success and wealth materials. It does take awhile, but at one point you will realize that the life around you has changed. You’ll look around you and see that the people in your life have changed for the better, your level of wealth has changed and the way you think about money has changed. You may be more articulate with money, you may have more of an investor’s mindset and you may find yourself focusing more on building wealth and creating assets. Then, every once in awhile you may find yourself looking back five, ten, fifteen years ago comparing your past to your new life. It is an amazing gift to see the stark comparison. You can’t help but smile. Once you start to see and recognize your results it gives you more fuel to do it again the next day and you start to develop a passion for the way you think. You may also develop a passion for setting and achieving goals because the achievement is a terrific feeling. Your life then starts to build momentum in a positive forward moving direction that is unstoppable. I saw a quote today that explains how some people keep them selves from acquiring wealth and prosperity. It read: “Why is it that people who have it all can’t be thankful for what they have? They always want more. While people who have nothing, count their blessings everyday.” This quote was clearly written by someone who has not acquired wealth and it is a very misleading and inaccurate statement, in my opinion. Let’s break this statement down, and I’ll explain why. You’ll also see why this type of thinking is destructive. For starters, let’s look at the first three words: “Why is it”, This is a clever way of encouraging the reader to automatically assume the rest of the statement is true. It sets the reader up for the rest of the statement. This is a trick that is used everywhere we look (if we look). It is used in the marketing of products, in politics, etc. In other words, by asking you “why something is”, your mind instantly starts searching for the answers to the question and completely overlooks the fact that there is no data backing up the claim. The statement could be completely false, but you are on the mission to find answers as to why it is true and never stop to question the validity of the statement itself. Make sense? If not, read that again. Next, the entire first sentence: “Why is it that people who have it all can’t be thankful for what they have? This line presupposes that people who live in abundance aren’t thankful for what they have. Not only that, it also says they can’t be thankful. In other words, they are not capable of being thankful. Almost like prosperity is some sort of affliction that debilitates the gratitude process. Nonsense. Besides the fact that this statement is just not true, it is completely ignorant. As a matter of fact, the wealthy people I know are extremely grateful for the abundance in their lives. They are also acutely aware of the areas they want to improve. I do agree however, that the media and Hollywood do a great job of portraying the rich as ruthless and criminal but the reality of the wealthy mindset is most often the exact opposite. Ok so far? Let’s take a peek at the next sentence:“They always want more.” This one is particularly disturbing. It presupposes that wanting more is bad. Of course they want more! Yes, prosperous people always want more. That’s the fuel that keeps them going and that is the same fuel that got them all the great abundance they now have in their lives. Wanting more is good. If poor people wanted more, they wouldn’t be poor! You see–here’s the thing. Poor people say they want more, if you ask them. But the reality is, they usually don’t want it bad enough. I’m not talking about starving children in Zimbabwe. I’m referring to people who are capable of doing great things and live in areas of the world where prosperity is attainable. Most people who complain about the wealthy are not committed to put in the time and effort to become wealthy. Lying around on the couch all weekend and buying lottery tickets is not effort. The wealthy and successful in this world work hard and smart. They are putting deals together, making things happen and contributing to society through business and other contributions while the broke sit around and complain. Wanting more is good. Always want more. Let’s look at the last sentence:“While people who have nothing, count their blessings everyday.” Again, there is a presupposition here, that the prosperous don’t count their blessings. Not true. As I said before, the wealthy are very thankful. That is a big part of why they are wealthy in the first place. This sentence also portrays the poor as a regal group. It says that they are grateful. Gratitude is an admiral thing and this sentence makes it appear that it is admiral to have nothing. All I know is that I would rather have a million blessings to count, than none. What’s the point to all this? There is a huge point. Those who fill their heads with negative nonsense like this will never allow themselves to acquire wealth, because in their minds, they turn wealth into a bad thing. Since no one wants to be a bad person, they avoid prosperity at all costs and will typically sabotage their own success. So, why do we believe things like this? My theory is that broke people hang out with other broke people, fill each other’s minds with negative beliefs, and complain about the wealthy because it justifies their own position in life. It makes them feel like the “good guys”. I understand the concept. What I don’t understand is how some people can justify this type of behavior their entire lives, even after seeing that the results are negative, time and time again. The writing is on the wall, but some people turn a blind eye to it. There is a world of abundance out there (especially in America). All you have to do is get it. Once you get it, you can share with the ones you love, help those who need help, and build a better world for your children, grandchildren and future generations down the line. Unfortunately, many don’t take that route. Instead they condemn those who have abundance and wonder why they can’t......
To purchase a copy of Defining Success in America, Click Here.
To your Success,Dan Wos
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