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“How
to Develop Self-Confidence
In Speech and Manner” eBook Online Version
To get conscious possession of his powers, he is recommended first to cultivate poise. Then lie will subject himself to a rigid examination, in order to determine what qualities should be developed in his character and what repressed. It is important for a good beginning that he be optimistic, looking for the best both in himself and in others. The difference between seeing the bright and the dark side of life is almost the difference between success and failure. The student should remember that wisdom is not a mere accumulation of cold and dry facts, but that "In the lips of him that hath understanding wisdom is found." There can be no real self-culture without real earnestness. Half-hearted efforts produce nothing worth while. As the student's powers unfold, he will more and more realize what unlimited possessions he has for development. His enthusiasm, however, must not run away with his judgment, since patience and deliberateness will be a necessary part of his work. The lamp of faith should be kept constantly burning in order that no shadows of discouragement hinder his progress.
His unselfishness will manifest itself in systematic thinking of other people's interests. He will gladly share with them the results of his new-found knowledge. He will aim to do things promptly, and to put new resolutions into immediate practice; to build and guard his health; and to have frequent periods of silence for needful meditation and self-analysis. His self-confidence, meanwhile, will increase, and he will no longer depreciate himself, but think of the wonderful resources within him. Through sincerity he will cultivate his power of concentration, which will enable him to do thoroughly everything he undertakes.
A man without affection would become a mere machine. The student of self-culture develops his heart as well as his brain. He cultivates a genuine love for people, nature, books, music, painting, and sculpture, and for the good and beautiful everywhere. So his power grows and multiplies, and he becomes conscious of having increased his reserve force. In turn he cultivates temperance, sympathy, and geniality, until these qualities become conspicuous in his daily life and character. He seeks the truth and speaks it as he knows it. His purity of mind and heart renders his life pure.
He now works for definite ends. Integrity of thought, word, and deed, gives him profound enthusiasm for his work. He does justice to all alike. He uses tact and avoids giving offense. In his imagination he holds a picture of what he would be in his life. So by means of systematic self-culture, patiently and persistently building one stone at a time, there at length emerges a strong magnetic, self-confident personality. His foundation stones will be:
1. Poise
2. Optimism
3. Wisdom
4. Earnestness
5. Realization
6. Patience
7. Deliberateness
8. Faith
9. Unselfishness
10. Promptitude
11. Health
12. Silence
13. Self-confidence
14. Sincerity
15. Concentration
16. Love
17. Power
18. Temperance
19. Sympathy
20. Geniality
21. Truth
22. Speech
23. Duty
24. Purity
25. Definiteness
26. Integrity
27. Enthusiasm
28. Justice
29. Tact
30. Imagination
31. Personality
FOR THE FIRST DAY
Poise--To-day I will avoid all nervous and unnecessary movements of the body, and all thoughts that cause waste of nerve force; I will cultivate calmness, repose, peacefulness, and deliberateness.
Exercise--Sit still, thoroughly relax the body, empty the mind of distracting thoughts, and concentrate on the following:
1. Poise which gives power.
2. Poise which gives purpose.
3. Poise which gives self-control.
4. Poise which discloses possibilities.
5. Poise which accumulates mental force.
Memorize the following:
The star of the unconquered will, he rises in my breast, serene, and resolute, and still, and calm, and self-possessed.
--Longfellow.
FOR THE SECOND DAY
Optimism--Persist in seeing the bright side of life, remembering that'' He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Be optimistic; believe in the triumph of good over evil. "Today is mine.''
Exercise--Dwell intently upon these thoughts:
1. A smile disarms anger and discontent.
2. What I look for, that I find.
3. Believe in the world's betterment.
4. The best time to be happy is now.
5. There is no evil, but thinking makes it so.
Memorize the following:
Give us, oh, give us, the man who sings at his work! He will do more in the same time—he will do it better--he will persevere longer. One is scarcely sensible of fatigue while he marches to music. The very stars are said to make harmony as they revolve in their spheres.--Carlyle.
FOR THE THIRD DAY
Wisdom--Develop common sense; observe closely, think clearly, judge prudently; be discreet; think before you speak; be serious; to-day aim particularly to form judicious and accurate judgments; grow daily in mental power and discernment.
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