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Directional Thinking: 10 Steps to Positive Thinking

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Directional Thinking – What’s The Point?
Directional Thinking is Forward Thinking in Action
• Gain insight into controlling the influences in your life
• Enrich your mind with positive thoughts
• Learn how to Map Goals through Mental Goal Mapping
• Be proactive instead of reactive to life

This book is a step-by-step guide to thinking positive daily
• Conquer bad thinking habits
• Free your mind from all clutter and issues
• Direct Focus onto what is Good
• Free yourself from negative influences that hold you back

The successful people in life have Directional Thinking
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” – Thomas A. Edison



Q & A
See if this Book is for you

Do you see people in the world full of negativity? This Book is for you

Do you want to spend countless hours talking to people about a poor work economy? This Book is Not for you

Do you want to live a life that has a sense of purpose and direction? This Book is for you

Do you want to live a life in which things in it just happen to you? This Book is Not for you

Do you want to have the confidence to press forward through the difficulties while keeping a smile on your face? This Book is for you

If your answer resulted in “This Book is Not for you”, please turn away now and do not read this book. This book is not for people who want to stay in their negative frame of mind. It’s not for the people who want to complain and whine about how life is knocking them down.

Instead, this book is for the people who want to take control of their life and move forward in a positive direction. I know it might be amusing to think some do not want to control their life, but it’s true. People hate change and plenty of people love the misery they are in. Come take a walk with me and see how the world can be different. I hope what I have learned and experienced will give you some insight into the world and help.


Chapters


Discovered Thought Life
Learn the in's and out's of your thought life and discover how much of an influence it has on your life.

Negativity and Its Role
Discover what negativity's role is and how it can be used to your advantage.


Opening the Positive Flood Gates
Find out the way to open the flood gates of positive influences in your life.

Identifying the Good and the Bad
Locate and decode the good and bad influences that are in your mind and in your life.

When to say “Yes” and when to say “No”
Learn the crucial timing of a "yes" and a "no". You will learn that both are equally important.

Consumption Junction
Consumption habits of the mind explained in detail.

Expanding the Mind
Acquire the knowledge and know how to expand your mind to new lengths.

50 pages, Paperback

First published March 26, 2014

13 people are currently reading
422 people want to read

About the author

Benjamin Chapin

23 books13 followers
Meet Benjamin: A husband, step dad and author. He sees the world a little differently then most people, he can see the quiet beauty in the mists of all the chaos. Benjamin loves to help people that are in need.

Benjamin's experience and expertise comes from his studies. For years Benjamin has been studying different elements of psychology, entrepreneurship, business, personal transformation and so on. He also spent a good deal of time listening to studying the Bible and listening to sermon's. He has absorbed much from these studies and wants to share it with the world.

In Benjamin's free time, he enjoys to spend time with his beautiful wife Crystal and his step daughter Emma. They enjoy to travel and visit family. They live in Idaho Falls, ID. It's a smaller sized town, but Benjamin says, "The summer makes the winter worth the pain."

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5 stars
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55 (29%)
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60 (32%)
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30 (16%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Ali Hussein.
114 reviews13 followers
January 16, 2021
The main thing to take away from this is to be careful of negative thoughts. Always try and stay positive and optimistic
Profile Image for Grant Barnes.
333 reviews19 followers
October 16, 2018
Benjamin Chapin is a first-time author and, at times, it showed.

He made some good points but, ultimately, each were covered superficially and were fairly elementary. I found it comical that the questions at the end of a very short chapter were in the vein of, “now that your outlook on (principle) has completely changed, how have you changed as a person?”
...maybe a little too grandiose an assumption for the impact of his writing!

Notes on the reading:

The 10 Rules for Directional Thinking:
1. Discovered “Thought Life”
What you spend your time thinking about & dwelling on welcome impact the way you look at your life.

Thoughts are like a movie trailer; a preview of coming attractions in your life.

You’re “thinking life” determines your reality.

2. Negativity and its roll
The scariest part of negativity is that it tells you you’re not good enough so you stop trying.

3. Opening the positive flood gates
Feed your brain positive thoughts

4. Identifying the good and the bad
Remember positive experiences and share positive thoughts.

If something is devoid of hope and trust, it’s a negative topic. Do what you can to help out but don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.

Avoid the pessimist; they constantly expect the worst but never prepare for the worst.

5. When you just say yes and when to say no
“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.“ -Bill Cosby

6. Consumption Junction
Just like how ‘you are what you eat’, your outlook on life depends heavily on what you ‘consume’ (think media).

7. Expanding the Mind
Never stop learning.

8. Mental Goal Mapping
First, set up your target (set a clear, reasonable goal). Second, set the target where you are going to be aiming (write the goal down where you will see it). Third, aim, fire, check your shot and adjust. Fourth, adjust your scope. Fifth, rinse and repeat (add more goals as you accomplish your previous ones).

9. Self-discipline
A self-disciplined mind is crucial for positive thinking. The fear of failure is a huge reason we don’t progress through challenging circumstances enough to develop self-discipline.

10. Ready, Mindset, Go!
“If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right.” - Henry Ford
Profile Image for Derek Gillespie.
222 reviews9 followers
June 5, 2015
This is a meager attempt at a self-help book as some reviewer's point out but you still get some gems from it.

"Thoughts are simply a preview of what's up next in your life." Simple, common-sense but still a good refresher.

It's a quick read and may inspire and that's all that matters.
Profile Image for Stacie.
66 reviews11 followers
December 5, 2015
Some good basic tips on being positive in an increasingly negative world. I listened to this as an audiobook and the narrator was great.

"Remember you are what you think. Your life is determined by your thoughts. Your actions and the decisions you make everyday are a direct result of your thought life. If you study your daily habits and keep the positive influences coming in at a higher rate than the negative ones, you will progress forward in the direction you desire for your life."

Basically the author points out how we don't value our brain b/c we haven't paid for it, and our society values expensive things. But it is the most amazing computer/tool/resource we could ask for. Therefore use it to change what you don't like in your life and solve your problems. Is it up to you.

We all personally deal with negative things, which is unavoidable. There is also a lot of outside negativity in the world, but unless you are working to change these things, try not to let it affect you personally (don't dwell on the world's problems).
Profile Image for Hussain AlMarkhi.
20 reviews5 followers
March 1, 2016
Good books many useful tips. The tips I really enjoy is the what if statement which is a big reason for failure because when you set this statement to your idea you set it negatively , What if we fail , what if we didn't get income , what if i fail in exam , what if people judge me and this statement is one of the main reason to procrastinate.The book talk short about this issue but I found it most useful.
Profile Image for Helfren.
941 reviews10 followers
January 10, 2022
The author emphasizes on positive thinking as the mindset have immense impact on our life. The book overall only stresses on how we can think positively when the title mentions, directional thinking that baited me to read this book.

Kind of so-so book a bit disappointing.
Profile Image for Peter.
34 reviews
May 10, 2015
One of the most ridiculous "self help" books I've read. Promotes an overly-simplistic, black-and-white, child-like view of the world. More "The Secret" type woo/fantastical nonsense.
Profile Image for Oscar.
305 reviews1 follower
December 9, 2025
I listen to this book and let me tell you--any book that can make us aware of those little things we do that, we may even say we don't do at all....is definitely a good book to read.

It is good to know where we are at all times. That way--it help us change those habits we know we need to change or eliminate altogether. There are tremendous benefits about choosing to remain in the positive side of everything. Amazing how easy is for us to think negative under most circumstances.

Recommend this book for anyone--even if you think you already are an eternal optimistic, and more if you are not.
24 reviews
January 29, 2020
Apparently this is the first book by this author, and it shows. Worst book I've read this year so far (out of nine this month). Mediocre self-help that's only made worse by the occasional injection of Christianity.
Profile Image for Marina.
94 reviews25 followers
September 25, 2018
A soothing read because of the practical positivity the author exudes. Some reminders of a healthy mind's behaviour.
Profile Image for Hanan Almahmoud.
46 reviews
July 14, 2019
It is good to start reading self-help especially if you are new to the genera. It is easy and fast to fly through. Loved it inspiring and helpful.
Profile Image for Lainey.
107 reviews3 followers
February 11, 2020
Author brings up some helpful points I haven't heard before.
Profile Image for Audiothing.
203 reviews17 followers
September 30, 2014
Publishers Summary
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky
Directional Thinking is not just another self-help book that strokes the ego of the listener. It's real life practical advice that the author used to change not only his thinking, but his life. The brain is your greatest asset and yet did not cost a dime to acquire it. Learn how to unlock the power of positive thinking in your life today.
Directional thinking is forward thinking in action:
Gain insight into controlling the influences in your life
Enrich your mind with positive thoughts
Learn how to Map Goals through Mental Goal Mapping
Be proactive instead of reactive to life
This book is a step-by-step guide to thinking positive daily.
Conquer bad thinking habits
Free your mind from all clutter and issues
Direct Focus onto what is Good
Free yourself from negative influences that hold you back
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time." -Thomas A. Edison
Q & A
Do you see and feel that people in the world are full of negativity?
Do you want to disengage from those talks about the down economy?
Do you want to live a life that has a sense of purpose and direction?
Do you want to learn how to be proactive instead of reactive to situations?
Do you want to have the confidence to press forward through the difficulties while keeping a smile on your face?
If you answered "Yes" to some or all of these questions, you are going to enjoy this audiobook. People like you and myself need positive thinking and influences in our life. It's not only healthy, but helps us stay productive and moving forward. Positive thinking is a key component in steering your life where you want to take it.
Listening Time: 1 hour 57 Minutes

My Review
To gain any benefit from this tutorial then one really needs to answer "yes" to the questions posed by the author (see Publishers Summary). If your answers are in the negative, then is there any point in reading or listening to it? For me the answer would be no, I would never have purchased this book, however, as it was gifted to me in return for this, my honest opinion, I listened well to the 1 hour and 57 minute production. It did take me a while to get in to it, but I'm glad I stayed with it as there were a few little gems I'd not heard.
I think if you are in need of something to help nudge you away from negativity and towards a more positive outlook, then this may be just the book for you. The author puts across his message with a brisk and upbeat manner, I liken it to note form, lots of important points for the reader/listener to either expand upon or discard. Plenty of pointers to further help should one need it.
Jay Pritchard is the well chosen narrator, I just love his voice, so easy to listen to, a storytellers voice I hope to hear again.
Profile Image for Pamela Fernandes.
Author 36 books107 followers
March 2, 2017
This is a short book with ten simple steps. You being the only one who has the power to pivot from a failure to success. The book has very simple ideas. The ones I liked best:
Not to dwell on fears.
Focus on the task at hand.
Be proactive not reactive.
Don't wait for a perfect time.
Profile Image for Teressa.
500 reviews8 followers
September 21, 2015

Audible audiobook review


"A Book That Delivers in a Positive Way"

This audiobook was an invaluable gem in positive thinking. It will help hone in on your skills to think and act in a positive direction. I loved the quotes and especially the one from Peter Pan. But aside from that, I don't think any person can ever have too much influence in learning and maintaining positiveness.

This book will teach you when it's appropriate to say no as well as when it's a good time to say yes. Saying no too often will land missed opportunities. I like the part about setting boundaries. This is priceless information. If a person doesn't set boundaries then they can open the door to becoming a doormat. And it's important to be aware of the message one's putting out with their thoughts and words. No one wants to be around the constantly negative or pessimistic person. If you're the person being negative and you know your not a negative person, then perhaps it's time to reassess what and who your influences are and trim the fat.

I don't think you can go wrong with this audiobook. It's one I know I'll listen to again when I need a boost of positivity. I found it very helpful and would definitely recommend. I love Benjamin Chapin's books. They're super helpful and interactive. He allows the listener to take an active role in moving forward.

Jay Prichard does another terrific job reading this book. I love when a narrator is interested in his or her work and he is clearly enthusiastic and passionate about what he does. He does it well. I enjoy listening to him and hope there's more to come from both him and the author.

Audiobook received in exchange for an honest review.


Profile Image for T. Laane.
757 reviews93 followers
May 1, 2025
THOUGHTS AND MINDSET. Getting control of your thoughts is how you get control of your entire life. Even negative thoughts can be used creatively, but always keep them from taking over. Masses will pressure you to fit in - there’s always social pressure and collective thinking trying to push you towards their path. Even if you mindlessly watch TV or scroll the internet, your brain is processing and storing all that garbage, which impacts your mood and thinking.
HONESTY AND PRODUCTION. Don’t sugarcoat your reasons for saying no - be direct, or you’ll just get dragged back into the same conversations. “Happy people produce, bored people consume”.
FAILURE AND FORWARD MOTION. “Your body can handle anything - it’s your mind you have to convince”, as Vince Lombardi said.
Profile Image for Jackie.
156 reviews13 followers
November 23, 2014
This narrator hits another home run with his highly professional delivery! He is well on his way to become part of my top ten to listen to! I was given this audiobook on exchange for fair review of the work of the narrator. Jay Prichard did great!
Profile Image for Joseph.
822 reviews
July 30, 2017
The book provides useful tips and a framework for improving one's cognition and attitude, but it is packaged in an overly trite and saccharine manner. The overuse of clichéd truisms and its lack of delving in life's grander problems and decisions limit its application.
Profile Image for Jordan.
24 reviews11 followers
December 2, 2015
A simple guide to rewiring the brain to be more positive and focused. Nothing we haven't heard before, but structured in a 10 step framework. The book is overly simplistic in some aspects, with the chapter content essentially re-hashing exactly what the chapter title is but in more words.
Profile Image for James.
296 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2015
Interesting read and very close to the positive take on life and work that I try to live everyday.
1 review
July 22, 2015
I've only recently started reading self help books so I don't have a lot to compare it to, however I did find it to be an overall good listen (audiobook).
Profile Image for Garen.
5 reviews
November 28, 2015
Gives some good advices. But actually we all know what makes us unhappy in our daily lives by hearth. The key is how to persistently apply this points and make them part of our lives.
110 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2015
A really remedial version of Tony Robbins work.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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