by David Singhiser

Created on: December 14, 2009

"Forewarned, forearmed; to be prepared is half the victory." -Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

Success people think differently. They read different books. They respond to events and news differently. What are those differences?

Instead of reacting they take action based on sound principals and information. Successful people are realistic, but lean towards optimism. They are prepared for the future but are not paralyzed by uncertainty or fear. Neither are they blind optimists hoping that things that will work out with out taking proper precautions.

I have noticed a tendency among many of the people I talk to regarding the current economic. Some react as if I'm am terrified and tell me not to worry. I am not the one terrified. They are projecting their fear or assumption of terror onto me. Since there is nothing to they can do, it is better not to think or worry, so they do nothing, advising me to not worry or be scared. On the other hand, there are those who are so terrified they are paralyzed and do not take the precautions necessary to not only survive but to prosper.

The optimist and pessimist do nothing with the information and opportunities given to them. Though coming from two different mindsets they both refuse to take action.

The affluent and super affluent do not think or act this way. They are well informed and seek to use the information not only to protect themselves but to prosper. They see crisis as opportunity and take action.

When I was growing up I remember an old story my Lutheran Pastor told of the man who was warned of a coming flood. His neighbors came by in their truck as they moved to higher ground inviting him to join them. The old man said, "No, I'm trusting in the Lord." The rains came and the water reached the man's porch. Some other neighbors came by in a boat offering the man rescue. Again the man refused, telling them, "No. the Lord's going to save me. I prayed and asked Him and I have faith in Him." The waters finally reached the roof of the mans house. The old man was sitting on to of the roof as a helicopter flew by, stopped and called out to save him. Once again the man refused yelling up to the helicopter that he Lord would save him. The water's continued to rise and the man drowned. When the man arrived in heaven and found himself in the presence of God, the old man asked God, why He didn't get him. The Lord, answered. I sent you a truck, a boat, and helicopter. - What do you man I didn't try to save you?"

Successful people know what's going on, they seek to be forewarned. They are not paralyzed by fear. They are not ignorant of the dangers around them. Instead they use the knowledge to take advantage to not only protect themselves, they use it to as opportunity to further enrich themselves.

If you can be realistically optimistic in the ever changing world and consistently take informed and wise action, you'll be successful too.

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