Positive Thinking

by Dermot McConkey of McConkey Development and Training Limited

You are what you think

It is generally accepted today that all of our feelings, beliefs, knowledge and information to date are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not. Sadly, some people choose not to believe they are in control.

We can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or down-beat, active or passive. The biggest difference between people in this world in which we live is their attitudes. 


Our present attitudes are habits, built from the feedback of parents, friends, society and self, that form our self-image and our world-image. These attitudes are maintained by the inner conversations we constantly have with ourselves, both consciously and subconsciously.

Planning to change - Where To Start

The old saying that people don’t plan to fail but often fail to plan is true. If you do not know where you are going any road will get you there. It makes good business sense in this day and age to plan the best use of your time and thinking to achieve the goals nearest and dearest to you.

Among the main reasons listed why people do not plan their future are :

  • They don’t know how to plan (negative expectations)
  • They are afraid of the changes a plan may demand (negative expectations)
  • They are afraid of the “hard work” it might entail (negative expectations)

If these are the reasons why YOU do not plan, think again. The above three problems can be overcome. Its not that difficult. The best way to get a job done is to START!. So start.

Planning your Life

A number of years ago I came across this piece of writing. It is taken from the crypt of Westminster Abbey. It is the inscription on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop. It is very thought provoking.

“When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits. I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser I discovered the world would not change. So I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me. But alas they would have none of it.

And now as I lay on my deathbed I suddenly realise if only I had changed myself first then by example I would have changed my family, from their inspiration and encouragement I would have been able to better my country who knows I may have changed the world."

The greatest potential for change in your life lies within yourself. Change the quality of your thinking and you can change your world.

What should we do?

Be committed: 
Make a positive commitment to yourself, to on-going learning, to work, to family, to friends, and other worthwhile causes. Don’t be afraid to praise yourself and others. Remember this. When you talk you dream. When you visualise you get excited. When you plan you make it possible. When you do, you achieve.

Never are the psychological effect of colour be more important then when trying to impress! The common wearing of black for interviews may be perceived as confident or powerful, but if black is not in harmony with your overall colouring, you could come across in a negative way. Contrary to what those in the fashion industry insist on telling us, black does not suit everybody. Usually people instinctively know when black is not their best colour and will look far more approachable in other shades, navy and grey are great all round colours for business attire and suit most complexions.

Take control:
Keep your mind focused on important things. Set goals and priorities for what you think and do. Visualise your actions. Develop a strategy for dealing with problems. Learn to relax. Enjoy successes. Be honest with yourself.

Take the challenge head on:
Be courageous. Change and improve each day. If things do not change, they will stay the same. Don’t forget that. Do your best and don't look back. See learning and change as opportunities. Try new things. Consider several options. Meet new people. Ask lots of questions. Keep track of your mental and physical health. Be optimistic.

My Psychology of Success

There are four keys to success in life

  • Think you can (Positive thinking – no negatives allowed)


Thinking positively means admitting into your mind only those thoughts, words and images that are conductive to growth, expansion and success. It is the positive expectation of good and favourable results. A positive mind anticipates happiness, joy, health and a successful outcome of every situation and action. Whether you think you can or can’t, you are right. Think in Ink helps also. By this I mean commit your goals to paper and review them regularly. It will act as your mental road map.

  • Know you can


Knowledge and skills for your chosen path are needed and you must enlist feedback on both over time to grow and advance. The feedback should be from a reputable source. Someone who has your best interests at heart.

  • Do it

Usually, an activity plan (written down on paper) broken down into actions per year, per month, per day. It should incorporate the who, what, when and where)

  • Be persistent

To make something a habit it is recommended it is done, continuously every day for a 6 week period. The average attempt at change shows that people cannot maintain change beyond 14 to 18 occasions and then they stop. Typical examples are people giving up cigarettes, people going on a diet or people joining a health club. People start with the best intentions but stop after 14 occasions. Keeping your copy book neat and tidy in school was another example of this. You started neatly. After 6 weeks it all changed for many people. Why? Persistence? Remember: You are judged in life not by your intentions, rather by your actions.

In a world of constant and ever evolving change, maintaining a positive attitude is vital. Your thoughts control your words. Your words impact on your actions and your actions produce your results. Yes, simply using the grey matter effectively can create a situation where you are more likely to win than lose. Therefore if you are not happy with your results in life, change your thought process and you are on the Success Cycle.

About Dermot

Dermot McConkey is Managing Director of Dermot McConkey Development & Training Limited. He is a Fellow of the Sales Institute of Ireland, A member of the Irish Institute of Training and Development and a Member of the Irish Management Institute. His clients include many of Ireland’s leading companies including most of the major Irish Banks, Building Societies & Insurance Companies. His company also work with companies in the Manufacturing, Optical, Building, Hotel and Service Industries. Dermot, produced his first book – “Onwards and Upwards In Words”in 2001 and recently launched an innovative new sales course with supporting inter-active software called Go sell whatever you want to sell.

For further information on their sales and management courses email or phone (01) 8403059