Chapter 1: The Lens Principle

1. If asked to write a statement describing human nature and people in general, what would you say? Would you describe your philosophy as optimistic, skeptical, tentative, detached, etc.? What does your personal philosophy concerning others say about you?

I feel that on the whole, people are good. They desire to be good, do right, and achieve higher levels in their world. I feel that no man is a complete work; he is always growing and changing through his experiences, and that if chosen wisely, he can accomplish anything. My perspective is optimistic almost to a fault because I can tend to push people to new levels without receiving agreement from the individual that they want to go there. My philosophy indicates that I feel that I can become anything I desire with the right input. I feel that I am in my core, a good person – even though I sometimes struggle with my choices.

2. Would you describe your attitude as generally positive or negative? Do you see your attitude as an asset or a liability? What could you do to improve your attitude?

Generally, I see my attitude as positive. I choose to look for the positive traits to an experience or circumstance, and frequently can find them. As such, I find my attitude to be an asset. With the positive outlook, people enjoy my company, and I am subsequently offered an opportunity to help change their view about the event. A way that I could improve my outlook is to be more consistent with my enthusiasm (I feel that enthusiasm is part of an attitude.) If I were to do so, I would find myself gravitating towards my desired results more quickly than without the consistency.

3. Think back to your childhood. What experiences have especially marked you as an individual? Did they inspire you to trust or mistrust people? How has that outlook colored your relationships as an adult? If it has negatively affected your relationships, what positive experiences can you pursue to create a new, more positive history?

There are several experiences that have colored my perspective towards others. Growing up with the World Wide Dream Builders training organization has exposed me to resources to identify successful characteristics that I might pursue to accomplish my goals. I recall the Tom Miller Seminar teaching me to be not so critical of my perspective of an event with someone, but to slow down and consider options of interpretation. These things have positively affected my outlook of people, and continue to do so.

4. Do you agree with the statement that the difference between who you are today and who you will be in five years will be the people you spend time with and the books you read? What other factors do you believe to be equally (or more) important?

I do believe that to a very large extent. Input creates thoughts, thoughts create words, which in turn creates action, which leads to habit, character and destiny. Changing your input changes your output. Another important element that I would add is that a person must choose to change their input. As Neo says in the Matrix, the problem is choice.

5. Think about the personal qualities you would like to cultivate. List them. Now create a plan for growth to develop those qualities. First dedicate time on your calendar with people who possess the qualities you desire. Second select a book a month to read to help you grow.

Boundless enthusiasm. Strong self awareness. Immense self love. Intense self discipline. Bulldog-like consistency.

People that can elevate these things for me: Sahar Gorbanpour, Tina Rice, Lisa Miles, Barbara Hyde, Paul Kraft, Michael Ciri, Bill Wildes, & Bill Peters.

Books that can assist in the improvement of these traits: Enthusiasm Makes A Difference, Created for Excellence, The Go-Getter, Self-Love, & University of Success.