Rule 3. Do something constructive at once about solving the problem.
After that interview, I did a bit of constructive planning. Instead of worrying because I
had failed to pass physics, I now asked myself why I had failed. I knew it wasn't because
I was dumb, for I was editor-in-chief of The Virginia Tech Engineer.
I figured that I had failed physics because I had no interest in the subject. I had not
applied myself because I couldn't see how it would help me in my work as an industrial
engineer. But now I changed my attitude. I said to myself: "If the college authorities
demand that I pass my physics examination before I obtain a degree, who am I to
question their wisdom?"
So I enrolled for physics again. This time I passed because instead of wasting my time
in resentment and worrying about how hard it was, I studied diligently.
I solved my financial worries by taking on some additional jobs, such as selling punch at
the college dances, and by borrowing money from my father, which I paid back soon
after graduation.
I solved my love worries by proposing to the girl that I feared might marry another cadet.
She is now Mrs. Jim Birdsall.
As I look back at it now, I can see that my problem was one of confusion, a disinclination
to find the causes of my worry and face them realistically.
Jim Birdsall learned to stop worrying because he ANALYSED his troubles. In fact, he
used the very principles described in the chapter "How to Analyse and Solve Worry
Problems."
I Have Lived By This Sentence
By
Dr. Joseph R. Sizoo
President, New Brunswick Theological Seminary (The oldest theological seminary in the
United States, founded in 1784)
Years ago, in a day of uncertainty and disillusionment, when my whole life seemed to be
overwhelmed by forces beyond my control, one morning quite casually I opened my
New Testament and my eyes fell upon this sentence: "He that sent me is with me-the
Father hath not left me alone." My life has never been the same since that hour.
Everything for me has been for ever different after that. I suppose that not a day has
passed that I have not repeated it to myself. Many have come to me for counseling
during these years, and I have always sent them away with this sustaining sentence.
Ever since that hour when my eyes fell upon it, I have lived by this sentence. I have
walked with it and I have found in it my peace and strength. To me it is the very essence
of religion. It lies at the rock bottom of everything that makes life worth living. It is the
Golden Text of my life.
I Hit Bottom And Survived
By
Ted Ericksen