Emotions are powerful human forces. Under the power of emotions, human beings can perform the most heroic (as well as barbaric) acts. To a great degree, civilization itself can be defined as the intelligent channeling of human emotion. Emotions are fuel and the mind is the pilot, which together propel the ship of civilized progress.
There are four basic emotions, each, or a combination of several, can trigger the most incredible activity. The day that you allow these emotions to fuel your desire is the day you’ll turn your life around.
Disgust
You wouldn’t typically equate the word “disgust” with positive action; and, yet, properly channeled, disgust can change a person’s life. The person who feels disgusted has reached a point of no return. That’s what I said after many humiliating experiences at age 25, “I don’t want to live like this anymore. I’ve had it with lying and being broke and embarrassed.”
Yes, productive feelings of disgust come when a person says, “Enough is enough; no more mediocrity.” There is nothing so life changing as gut-wrenching disgust!
Decision
Most of us need to be pushed to make decisions, but, when we do, we must then manage the conflicting emotions. When we reach that fork in the road, making a decision can create knots in your stomach, keep you awake or produce a cold sweat.
Making life-changing decisions can be likened to internal civil war. Conflicting armies of emotions, with arsenals of reasons, battle for supremacy of your mind. Your resulting decisions can either set your course of action or blind it.
Whatever you do, don’t camp at the fork in the road. Decide. It’s far better to make a wrong decision than to make none. Confront your emotional turmoil and sort through your feelings.
Desire
Desire comes from the inside, not the outside and it can be triggered by outside forces. It might be a song that tugs at the heart, a memorable sermon, a movie or a bitter experience; therefore, while searching for your “hot button” of pure, raw desire, welcome into your life each positive experience. Don’t erect a wall to protect you from experiencing life. Let life touch you. The next touch could be the one that turns your life around.
Resolve
“I will” are two of the potent words in the English language. The mountain climber says, “I will climb the mountain. You’ll soon see me waving from the top or you’ll never see me again, because unless I reach the peak, I’m not returning.” Who can argue with such resolve?
The best definition for “resolve” I’ve ever heard came from a schoolgirl in Foster City, California. During my lecture to a group of bright kids at a junior high school, I asked, “Who can tell me what ‘resolve’ means?” I received some good definitions, but the last was the best, from a shy girl, who said with quiet intensity, “I think resolve means promising yourself you will never give up.” That’s the best definition I’ve ever heard: PROMISE YOURSELF YOU’LL NEVER GIVE UP.
Think about it! How long should a baby try to learn how to walk? How long would you give the average baby before you say, “That’s it, you’ve had your opportunity?” Of course, that’s crazy. Any mother would say, “My baby will keep trying until he learns how to walk!” No wonder everyone walks.
There is a vital lesson in this. Ask yourself, “How long will I work to make my dreams come true?” I suggest your answer should be, “As long as it takes.”
