University Of Success Ch 3

How to Count Your Blessings

• Dale Carnegie, author of “How to Win Friends and Influence People” and “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living”, advocates for focusing on the positive aspects of life to overcome worry and achieve happiness.
• He emphasizes the importance of appreciating what we have and not dwelling on what we lack, citing stories of individuals who learned to find happiness despite challenging circumstances.
• Harold Abbott, a former lecture manager, overcame financial hardship and gained confidence by observing a man without legs who remained cheerful despite his disability.
• The story of Eddie Rickenbacker, who survived 21 days in a life raft after a plane crash, illustrates that even in dire situations, one can find reasons for gratitude.
• A wounded sergeant during the Guadalcanal campaign similarly sought reassurance from his doctor and ultimately realized there was no need to worry.
• Carnegie encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and acknowledge the numerous blessings they possess, challenging them to shift their focus from the 10% of life's challenges to the 90% that is positive.
• Jonathan Swift, a renowned pessimist, paradoxically acknowledged the benefits of cheerfulness and happiness, aligning with Carnegie's central theme.
• Carnegie argues that appreciating our existing possessions, such as health and family, can be more valuable than material wealth, which we often take for granted.
• John Palmer, a businessman facing difficulties, learned from a disabled veteran to find gratitude and overcome his negativity.
• Lucile Blake, a writer and musician, discovered the importance of gratitude after a heart condition confined her to bed for a year.
• Dr. Samuel Johnson, a renowned writer who had experienced adversity, emphasized the value of focusing on the positive aspects of life.
• Logan Pearsall Smith, a philosopher, highlights the importance of both achieving one's goals and finding enjoyment in the process.
• Borghild Dahl, who lived with severe vision impairment for half a century, developed a positive outlook on life and found joy in simple everyday activities such as washing dishes and observing nature.
• Carnegie concludes by encouraging readers to adopt a grateful perspective, acknowledging that life is full of blessings that we often overlook.

Explore Dale Carnegie's insights on gratitude and finding happiness in difficult circumstances. This quiz delves into stories of resilience and encourages you to reflect on your own perspectives about appreciation. Discover how focusing on the positives can transform your outlook on life.