It's really upsetting that so many individuals are filled with self doubt.

What's even more upsetting is that their doubts are caused by those close to them.

Are you letting them influence your decisions?

You have a new idea, or you're ready to make positive changes in your life and the doom and gloom crowd feels they have to protect you from yourself.

It's even worse when it's those closest to you.

* Your Friends
* Your Relatives
* Your Parents
* Your Spouse

Their are opinions hard to ignore, because they sincerely think they're helping you.

You're bubbling with enthusiasm over a new venture, or your new program for self improvement.

You're so excited you have to share the news with your friends and family.

That's your first mistake.

The negatives start chipping away at your resolve.

"Don't be foolish, don't you realize how bad the economy is?"

"Are you serious? You know all those self - improvement programs are a scam."

For every positive thought you have, they've have a counter thought.

They love you too much to allow you to fill your head with such foolishness.

So how can you take control of your mind and avoid having them rain on your parade?

The first step is to keep your own council. Keep your plans to yourself.

They'll notice the positive changes soon enough.

Your second step is to get out your shovel and bury the doom and gloom.

Become a "good news" merchant starting now.

You're being pounded with the message that this is the worst economy in history.

BULL!!!

There have been better economies and there have been worse.

The economy doesn't control your success.

The president doesn't control your success.

Remember, you control your success or failure.

Start acting like those little monkeys.

* See no evil
* Hear no evil
* Speak no evil

Your third step is to spend less time with the doom and gloom crowd. Spend more time with those who are doing what you want to do and going where you want to go.

Start modeling yourself after the successful.

Start reading the autobiographies of the most successful individuals past and present.

You'll find that they all have common traits.

Fill your mind with good news and successful images.

Grab a notebook or some 3 x 5 cards and post some positive quotes to feed your head every day.

We are bombarded 24 ... 7 ... 365 with can't, impossible and so many other negatives. We absorb them without even realizing what's happening.

James Allen, in "As A Man Thinketh," compares the task of controlling your mind to that of a master gardener.

You have to grab the negative weeds by their roots and rip them out. Start planting positive thoughts in their place and watch your garden flourish.

Take control of your mind and you've taken the first step on your road to success.

Bullet - proof your mind.

The choice is yours.

Your future hangs in the balance.

John Colanzi.