How to Make Positive Imaging Work For You

by Norman Vincent Peale

The concept that changed Norman Vincent Peale's life can change yours, too. When the imaging concept is applied steady and systematically, it solves problems, strengthens personalities, improves health, and greatly enhances the chances for success in any kind of endeavor.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) was a minister and author (most notably of The Power of Positive Thinking) and a progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking".

Peale was born in Bowersville, Ohio. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School, Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has earned degrees at Ohio Wesleyan University (where he became a brother of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta) and Boston University School of Theology.

Raised as a Methodist and ordained as a Methodist minister in 1922, Peale changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America in 1932 and began a 52-year tenure as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. During that time the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5000, and he became one of New York City's most famous preachers.

Reviews

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was encouraged by this book. Norman Vincent Peale, the author, is one of the people living or dead (he died in 1993) that I would choose to have dinner and a conversation with.

We can be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2) and this book will definitely point you in the right direction if you are fed up with negative thinking. We have to get rid of "stinkin thinkin" like Joyce Meyer says.

It was a quick read, but left me with many quotes in my writing notebook to think about. While I loved the anecdotes throughout the book, there were a couple of statements that challenged me.

Ones is "When someone irritates you, practice patience and then carefully observe him until you can identify the reason for irritation." I would rather stay focused on Jesus/God and have Holy Spirit reveal to me what is causing the irritation and what to do about it, than to focus on the person who is irritating me.
I don't want to spend my time or energies focused on a person, I believe it elevates the person to an idol. Observation is a good research tool, but revelation is transforming.

The second statement by Peale is: "If you put others first and yourself last, everyone will be your friend."
This is almost laughable. Do I want everyone to be my friend? This idea sounds like people pleasing behavior to me. I can respect every individual because he or she is made in the likeness and image of God or love them because they have value being created by God, but should I expect everyone to be my friend? No, my friends are chosen and they are people I can trust and those may be few or many at different seasons my life and the lives of the individuals I am in relationship with.

Thank you Norman Vincent Peale, for some "food for thought."

[Christopher Lewis Kozoriz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"...first the gem of the idea, then the image of the idea, then the energy and determination to clothe it with reality, and finally, the triumphant reality." (Norman Vincent Peale, How to Make Positive Imaging Work for You, Page 188)

"Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve". That is the premise of this book; however, it includes so much more. Part of making your dreams a reality is also having a healthy self-image. The author gives concrete examples of people who have achieved their hearts desires by the power of positive imaging. When I first looked at the title, it kind of put me off and I thought it was kinda a corny title; however, after I dived in, there was no returning to shore. This is a practical book and if heeded can transform your life. It is all about having a vision and visualizing that vision, until it becomes like an obsession and everything you do in your life is taking you towards this burning desire you have in your heart.

Excellent reading!