We all make mistakes and go through tough times, but people who thrive during those times are the successful ones. They learn from their mistakes and find ways to turn things around quickly.

What do you do when you mess up or you’re simply out of sorts? When things just aren’t going your way?

I suggest that you become aware of your thoughts, realizing that if you’re unhappy for any reason, you’re focusing on the wrong things.

Change what you’re thinking about to something that will not only make you feel and act better in the present, but also improve your vision of the future.

Start by remembering that life is divided into three phases: the past—where you’ve been; the present—where you are now; and the future—where you are going.

Then do what many successful people do—learn from the past to profit in the present and live better in the future. They do that by combining the past, present and future in a winning way.

Adopt their way of thinking, and do these three things the next time you want to change your circumstances:

1. Remember the good times.

Reflect on positive experiences or successes from your past that will cause you to see the positive circumstances that exist in the present.

2. Mix things up.

Mentally mix the exciting experiences from your past with your present, so you feel and act better right away.

3. Create a vision.

Use your new “mental mix” to create an interesting and dynamic vision of your future.

Since each of us visits where we have been many times each day, get into the habit of giving your mental energy to your past accomplishments, your successes, the experiences that brought great joy into your life.

This allows you to see all of the opportunities that surround you. It makes where you are now suddenly become very exciting, and positive circumstances will pop up one after another.

Many of the successful people I know keep a win list, a record of their accomplishments. They carry it with them and read it periodically.

You might try this. Make your mental mix a winning combination. Then, when you look back, you will be certain of holding a beautiful picture.

To your success,

Bob Proctor