Why is it that so many people follow the negative path of life?

They smoke, they drink, they take mind-altering drugs, they eat junk food, they fill their heads with endless drivel flowing out of television sets, they do not exercise, they will not read intelligent books, they refuse to better themselves. Why does this happen? Is life so mundane, dull and boring for them that they need cheap "quick-fix" tricks to entertain themselves?

If I were selling cocaine or cannabis or amphetamines I would have people wearing down a trench to my front door (probably the police too!). But I would never deal in any of those things.

I believe that life is too short to be wasted. I look at people who smoke packets of cigarettes per day and drink to excess and those who take drugs as the (false) answer to all their problems and do you know what I see? I see people who age so quickly. I see people who are wracked with pain. I see people who are confused about who they are and who they want to be.

We live in a world where temptation is put before all of us on a continual basis. It takes strength to resist temptation. It takes strength to develop into a better person.

When so many people take the easy way out it is easy to see why those who become successful are relatively few.

When was the last time you saw a monument erected to a drug-dealer? Or a scholarship named after a negative thinker? Or a public building named after a bank robber? Or a foundation in memory of a murderer?

It's sad but if I were selling cocaine or cannabis or amphetamines I would have a never ending stream of clients. What does that tell you?

Engage in worthy pursuits and you will be remembered for it. Being involved in anything else is just an illusion.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.