The great American president Abe Lincoln was once asked, "What would you do if you were given six hours to cut a tree?" After thinking for a moment, he replied, "I'd spend the first four hours sharpening the axe."

Of course Lincoln's point was that before embarking on a goal or a project, it is important to plan and prepare. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.

Earlier on in this decade when I reflected on that Lincoln's point, I came to believe that my days would turn out better if I rose up early in the morning everyday to sharpen my mind by reading, writing, praying, singing, playing the piano or listening to inspirational stuff.

I am also thinking that another key to personal effectiveness lies in thinking happy, quality thoughts. Several prominent people in the past pointed out the importance of happy thoughts in their teachings and writings.

Like Marcus Antoninus, the great Roman politician, said that "the happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts."

Then Sir Sidney (whoever that was) wrote, "They are never alone who are accompanied by pleasant thoughts."

And then Bishop John Williams advised, "Garner up pleasant thoughts in your mind, for pleasant thoughts make pleasant lives."

But perhaps the pleasure of thinking was best expressed by the wise and much-quoted lawyer of another generation, John Foster, who wrote, "The pleasantest things in the world are pleasant thoughts, and the greatest art in life is to have as many of them as possible."

Now that I am of the opinion that they key to personal effectiveness lies in harbouring quality thoughts, I have made a covenant with myself to be nurturing my mind with great thoughts. I will be reading quality literature, be listening to inspiring music and be meditating on life in a stimulating way.

Also, I will be striving to think well of myself by thinking of my good qualities and to get rid of all resentment. And in an effort to enforce that self-discipline, I will be pinching myself painfully if I happen to catch myself putting myself down or thinking of past hurts.

My dear reader, I also beseech you to join me in this journey of personal effectiveness. Let us entertain only positive thoughts in our beautiful minds. And let us guard our thinking against negative thoughts. Life is too short for bad vibes. Adieu!

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RECOMMENDATION: If you've found this story of mine on personal effectiveness thought-provoking, you might also be provoked more by another one I wrote at the beginning of this year titled "My New Year Resolution". Just click on that link in blue to dive straight into the story.