JOSEPH MURPHY: THINK GOOD AND GOOD FOLLOWS

Joseph Murphy, a pioneer in self-help and the power of positive thinking, is known for his teachings on the subconscious mind and the power of belief to shape our realities. His phrase “Think good, and good follows” embodies a foundational idea in his philosophy: that our thoughts are powerful forces capable of influencing our lives. To understand the depth of this quote, let's delve into Murphy’s core teachings on how our mental patterns, beliefs, and intentions direct the quality of our lives.

1. The Power of the Subconscious Mind

Murphy believed that the subconscious mind holds an immense influence over our actions, habits, and circumstances. According to him, the subconscious acts as a vast reservoir of stored beliefs and experiences, affecting how we react to the world. When you feed it positive thoughts, it will work tirelessly to align your outer experiences with these inner convictions. Thus, by thinking “good,” your subconscious mind interprets this as a directive, a blueprint for creating a harmonious reality.

Murphy teaches that when we consciously choose to focus on positive, constructive thoughts, we’re engaging the subconscious to attract positive outcomes. He compares the subconscious to fertile soil that will produce whatever seeds (thoughts) are planted in it, whether they are good or bad. When you “think good,” you’re planting seeds of positivity and abundance, which eventually bloom in the form of favorable events and opportunities.

2. The Law of Attraction: Like Attracts Like

One of Murphy’s main tenets is the idea that “like attracts like.” This means that whatever thoughts we concentrate on will eventually attract similar experiences in reality. So, if you think positively, you will naturally draw positive experiences. This principle is echoed in the phrase “Think good, and good follows.”

Murphy’s teaching goes beyond simply thinking positively. He emphasizes consistency in aligning thoughts with feelings. It’s not enough to think of good things occasionally; we must actively embody positive emotions and beliefs as well. When we wholeheartedly believe that good things are coming, our energy shifts, and we become magnets for good outcomes. This consistency in thought and belief creates an unwavering faith that good will indeed follow.

3. Faith and Visualization as Tools for Manifestation

Murphy underscores the importance of faith and visualization as keys to manifesting your desires. He suggests that you must believe in the good that you desire, as faith acts as a bridge between your current reality and your envisioned future. Visualization is a powerful tool for implanting positive ideas into the subconscious. By vividly imagining a desired outcome as if it has already come to pass, you reinforce your belief and set the stage for its manifestation.

In the context of “Think good, and good follows,” visualization and faith work together. When you visualize good things happening, you’re feeding your subconscious mind with mental images of positivity, peace, and success. This not only reinforces the belief that good things are coming but also tunes your mind to look for and act on opportunities that align with these positive outcomes.

4. Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Beliefs

Murphy recognized that everyone deals with doubt and negativity. His teachings encourage actively replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. He emphasizes the power of affirmations—short, positive statements that, when repeated with conviction, can reprogram the subconscious mind. This practice helps drown out negativity and fosters a mindset that anticipates and attracts positive events.

For Murphy, negative beliefs are obstacles that prevent the flow of good into our lives. By consciously affirming good thoughts and expecting good outcomes, we dismantle these mental blocks and open ourselves to receive more positivity. Repeating affirmations like “I am worthy of success” or “Good things are coming my way” helps shift focus from what we lack to what we can achieve, enhancing our confidence and attracting favorable situations.

5. The Role of Gratitude and Kindness

“Think good” is not only about self-focused thoughts but also about how we treat others. Murphy advocates for kindness, compassion, and gratitude as vital practices in nurturing a positive mindset. By expressing gratitude for what we have and showing kindness toward others, we reinforce the principle of abundance. This gratitude signals to the subconscious that we already possess good in our lives, creating a feeling of sufficiency and contentment that attracts even more positivity.

Murphy teaches that gratitude opens up space for receiving more. When you appreciate what you have and think positively about what’s yet to come, you’re aligning with a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity. The simple act of being thankful for good that you have now makes it easier for more good to follow.

6. Practical Application: Living by “Think Good, and Good Follows”

To integrate “Think good, and good follows” into your life, Murphy recommends making it a daily practice. Here are some practical steps based on his teachings:

• Start Your Day with Positivity: Begin each day with affirmations of gratitude and positivity. Set a mental intention that today will be filled with good events, and trust that they will come.

• Visualize Success: Take time daily to imagine your goals as though they’ve already been achieved. Feel the joy and satisfaction of accomplishment, and let these feelings reinforce your belief in good things.

• Use Affirmations: Whenever you catch yourself having a negative thought, replace it with a positive affirmation. This reprograms the subconscious and aligns it with the outcomes you desire.

• Practice Gratitude and Kindness: Make gratitude and kindness habits, as they are simple yet powerful ways to attract positivity. Appreciate what you have, express thanks often, and act with generosity toward others.

• Trust the Process: Remember that positive outcomes may not manifest immediately. Consistent positive thinking, faith, and patience will, however, bring about the results in due time.

Joseph Murphy’s phrase, “Think good, and good follows,” encapsulates the essence of his teachings: we have the power to shape our lives by consciously directing our thoughts. When we choose to think positively, embrace faith, practice gratitude, and visualize success, we activate a chain of events that align with these positive intentions. Murphy believed that the good we seek is already within us, waiting to be unlocked through the alignment of our conscious and subconscious minds.

So, let “Think good, and good follows” become a mantra to remind you of the transformative power of your thoughts. Cultivate a mindset of positivity and faith, and witness how life begins to mirror back the goodness you project into it. Murphy’s wisdom teaches us that by nurturing a good mind, we create a life filled with purpose, peace, and plenty.