Home : Taking Control

Taking Control

Posted by Donald J. Trump on 8/11/2009 at 4:04 PM
Posted in Success

The way things are these days it seems a lot of people feel they’ve lost control. There are many things we can’t control, but I’ve learned that taking a positive outlook is a form of control that is available to everyone. It’s a way of keeping your fate in your own hands.

One effective technique is to make sure you define yourself versus allowing others to define you. They will limit you when instead you should see yourself as limitless when it comes to possibilities. I can remember when people and newspapers were saying I was done, finished and in total financial ruin. In fact, it was a front page story in both the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal--on the same day. That was a tough one, but I took control by refusing to believe for one second that I was finished. That’s not the definition I chose for myself which gave me a resiliency that probably surprised a lot of people.

Another point to consider is that when you allow others to define you, you become a bit of a puppet in their hands. Be very wary of this kind of strategy, because some people need to win by getting their competition out of the way instead of being superior to their competition. Be your own barometer of success. We all experience failures, but that doesn’t make us failures, even if the newspapers say so. Take control of the circumstance by seeing it in a different light.

Each of us has a different route to our destiny and challenges are part of the path. Keep your self image strong and intact by defining yourself in the best way possible, every day and no matter what the circumstances might be. Know from the inside out that you have the power to succeed--and you will. That’s taking control.

Donald J. Trump is Chairman of Trump University.

Please log in or join to comment.

20 Comments

Posted by Rachael Sutton #1253595 on 08/11/2009 8:35 PM

Thank you for this powerful message Mr. Trump.

I'm sure it took strength to go out and face the world during those days, and it must have been a humbling experience, but you did have the knowledge that you had been a success before, and you went on to prove you were right. Not everybody has a successful track record to draw on. The one great thing about being on the bottom is there is really only one direction you can go.

When I was a child, I came across a wonderful quote that helped me to move beyond others judgements. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." -- Eleanor Roosevelt, 'This Is My Story,' 1937 [US diplomat & reformer (1884 - 1962)]

That was a starting point. Who is better qualified to define me than myself? People who don't know me, or don't know everything there is to know about me are usually wrong or incomplete in their opinion, and I control which opinions I value and which I ignore - but it has taken me a lifetime to arrive at this place.

So, I guess the flip side of this coin is to always try to remember that our own words have the power to lift or repress others too. As human beings, we are quick to condemn others, but much more willing to overlook our own flaws.

They were wrong about you. I'm glad they were wrong about me too.

Posted by user28112 on 08/11/2009 10:19 PM

To you Trump: The "Captain of Control."

It is Our sincere desire that you and your compelling family continue to propel and excel.

We agree with your wise words as We usually do. Compelling wisdom is undeniable to the thinker.

Sincerely, your friend and "Revolutionary Entrepreneur"
Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-10)

Nimrod Erech M. Christ Nimrod, Ph.D.
Nimrodworldpeace@aol.com

Posted by member1989276 on 08/12/2009 1:46 AM

I agree that having a positive outlook in life will help you achieve all the goals that you had set for yourself. Despite of chaotic world be optimistic all the time, it is your strong faith that will keep you going. All we need to do is to have a very determined mind to pursue for your dream. Don't be afraid to take challenges, learn to discover opportunities, the more you explore things the stronger you become. In progressive city there is a high cost of living, there is much more expenses as compare to the rural areas. People tend to buy and socialize, there are more expenditure than savings, thus some of us might be having online payday loans to cover u the expenses. Just keeping up with rent in California period is a minor miracle, and people can get behind really quick, if a sudden expense jumps up and bites you in the wallet. Well, that's why there are payday loans – small loans to hold you over until your next payday. However, in a fast paced place like LA, you need your funding fast – and that's why lenders are online also. You can get direct deposit online payday loans in Los Angeles, or anywhere else, with an open and active checking account in hours.

For more info visit: http://personalmoneystore.com/locations/online-payday-loans-in-los-an...

Posted by member1815053 on 08/12/2009 4:40 AM

These blogs are coming more and more interesting and now they are that kind of when these advices can EVERYONE take to usefull consumption. With these simple advices your life will come better and better, but it will take a little time to realize the real mening of these advices . You will get more confidence, more self-respect. When you have no self-respect so others can use your talents for their own purposes when you have no courage to say that this or this idea was yours or you have no courage to say that some work could be better done by another way.

Be your own master, but in the same time consider other people´s feelings too. It is important.

The most important is anyway: "....taking a positive outlook is a form of control that is available to everyone. It’s a way of keeping your fate in your own hands."

You must not keep smiling all the time, when it is time to cry but TRY to keep positive. I must say that this positiveness was missing in my life a while, but I have thinked a lot about the meaning of life and what it can give to us and you must remember that you are the strongest among the group when you feel happy and get this happiness spread to your environment.

Today and this moment is unique!

Posted by Allan2000 on 08/12/2009 6:58 AM

Taking conrol is being focused on your task irregardless of what they say. Be diligent and creative, faults and mistakes come along but continue learning. No negative emotions must take place and you must stop complaining.

Posted by member11004345 on 08/12/2009 10:21 AM

Hello Mr. Trump and tank you for the great advice.

Posted by member11003782 on 08/12/2009 8:42 PM

This article inspire me. I been down in my life but by believing in myself I am able to stand up and be a better person today. I been told again and again that I am a total failure, failed marriage, failed business but being strong and knowing what you want in life make you stronger.

Today I am no push over.

Posted by member11004777 on 08/13/2009 2:22 AM

Great post! Control over oneself is really the only absolute control anyone has in life. Also visualization of the ideal outcome in any situation we can control as well...

Larry Roberts
http://insurancequotepro.com

Posted by Alf J. Lundgren on 08/13/2009 3:35 PM

It can be lethal to let people shape you. Even if people give you good critique that can mislead you, something like "oh, you would be a great blablabla", at the end of the day, you have to master yourself and know yourself. Ofcourse you can appreciate good critique and it can be accurate, but like I said, at the end of the day you have to master yourself.

But ofcourse the worst is bad critique, not only can it mislead you but strike down on your morale.

It''s sort of like propaganda. Often misleading and morale-desimating.

Posted by Cheryle on 08/13/2009 6:06 PM

Feeling out of control can be a "good thing" even if you don't think so at the time. It allows you to evaluate your progress, look for more direct solutions or come up with something entirely new.
Often people get too used to doing things more or less the same way, day after day until something comes up that upsets their routine. When things change, as they eventually do, instead of feeling like a failure by someone else's yardstick, you need to remember all the good that you have experienced.
You need to feel worthy of all these good things. Then you need to take action to replenish those good feelings. I pray every day through good times and bad. I ask for help when I need it and offer help to others who need it as well. I know I'm not the only person in the world of 7 billion and counting, who feels out of control at times or in need of a friend. Fortunately for me, I'm not afraid to change what's not working and try something new. Fear is the biggest obstacle to personal happiness. It is also necessary for finding better ways to live your life, however long or short that may be. The only competition I have is listening to my inner wisdom while watching the evening news on television.
Forget about the screaming commercials. When I turn off the cable box and read a good book, it's amazing how much more in control I feel. Turning off the noise really helps.

Posted by user28112 on 08/13/2009 6:11 PM

To you Trump: The "Captain of Control."

It is Our sincere desire that you and your compelling family continue to propel and excel.

We agree with your words of wisdom.

Sincerely, your friend and "Revolutionary Entrepreneur"
Dr. Nimrod (Gen. 10:8-10)

Posted by member11005328 on 08/14/2009 7:06 AM

Congratulations for your blog and for the wonderfull work you've doing worldwide.
Welcome in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Victor IDUMBA
Email:: victoridumba@yahoo.fr

Posted by member11005003 on 08/14/2009 11:38 AM

Well written message in educating all to take control of own in overcoming negative influences of others.

Failures are lessons for us to learn to be wiser and stronger. The attribute to achieve this success is a person with strong will and positive mindset!

Even when others think you can't, but you are sure you can, you will!

Posted by member1982261 on 08/17/2009 3:35 PM

Great advice, Mr. Trump! Most people are defined by their peers (peer pressure) and they usually get nowhere in life. To prosper you need self-confidence backed by smarts and actual business and life skills.

John,
http://forums.canadabanks.net

Posted by Leesa for (c) DB7 International (LLC) on 08/20/2009 1:14 AM

Life has thrown us all curveballs these past few years granting opportunity for self-evaluation, and perhaps redefining ourselves and altering values and beliefs and expanding ourselves.

We are all connected and the surge of the internet and globalization has proven that we are all within very close proximity of each other.
They say to keep your friends close and your enemies closer...and easier than ever today with modern technology and media. There seems to be a blur of business and personal becoming one.

Mr. Trump is not like the average person, he is in a league by himself with worries and responsibilities that he must be very keen to tend to.

But now that he has mastered the real estate sector, time to advance into oil.

Hint: Labrador

200 million will hit and then supply all of Atlantic Canada/US.
And why not go for marine diamonds there as well. Ekati diamonds have a revenue stream of 500 million per year for a lifespan of 25 years Mr. Trump and if Chuck Fipke can luck out and find the kimberlite pipes, you can too.
Change up the game plan and diversify.
Hint: diamond claims in Quebec.

Posted by member11007734 on 08/20/2009 3:37 PM

Thanks so much Donald for expressing so succinctly this fundamental element of success.

You were gutsy to not take on board the opinions of others, and you said this gave you a resiliency which surprised others. It seems to me it's this resiliency factor that's so often missing - isn't this why there is a thriving "shrink" industry?

You have demonstrated that the ability to bounce back starts in our minds.

Posted by member11008819 on 08/25/2009 12:03 AM

A wonderful posting....and I agree 110%. Your strength and confidence is inspiring!
Thank you!

Posted by u266082 on 09/02/2009 11:06 AM

Thank you for being sensitive to the droves of unemployed people who may feel they have lost thier way, or for people working for oppressive employers.

I am a person in between jobs, struggling to do what is required to stay in the field of teaching and keep my competitive edge. But being on the edge means meeting the requirements of the puppeteers. It is a field that is drenched in bureaucracy and lawsuits that will continually dictate what new requirements (hoops) will be made for the schools and administrators to jump through to satisfy a law. In the spirit of the law is reality. Some things of which we have control; other things we just do our best to make it look like we have control.

I just want to be the best I can be. As well, I want my students to be the best that they can be. That is my barometer: at the end of the day that is all we can ask of our selves. If we did our best, then we were in control. If things did not go according to Hoyle (the rules), I don't want to ever give up doing me best.

I see employers who mistreat their workers: for those who have bad bosses, know that you are the better person. Be at peace that you did not mistreat anyone. Be at peace looking for a better way. Find it and go that direction. As long as you are seeking and doing something about your situation, you are in control.

Posted by member11024680 on 10/09/2009 11:42 AM

Thanx Mr Trump for ur unforgettable advices..

Posted by member1434049 - JoAnne on 10/25/2009 1:11 PM

Your words are very inspiring to me. This past year I felt like my life was a diaster and I was totally out of control to the point that all the stress did take a total on my body. I am on the road to recover and I have turned a new page. I am now more focused on what I want to do with my life. Thanks for your inspiration.

Please log in or join to comment.

Newer

Older

Home

Why do you need a personal real estate coach? * To find profitable real estate investments * To negotiate deals like a pro * To close deasl and make money. Get Started Now!

Get the Feed

Subscribe in reader

Subscribe by email