“Have a prosperous New Year!”

This cheerful holiday declaration of future fortune is usually expressed with the best of intentions. Wouldn’t it be funny if someone replied honestly, “It would be great if you would tell me exactly how to have this prosperous New Year, because I’ve been broke for the last ten of them!”?

How did the tradition of wishing each other prosperity in the New Year originate?

According to www.answers.com, New Year’s is a time for resolutions, when people look forward and back in time. This practice can be attributed to the two-headed Roman god of beginnings Janus; of whom it was said “could see in the past with one face and into the future with the other.” The first month of the year is dedicated to his honour.

In many cultures, activities that are thought to bring future wealth are carried out on New Year’s Day. One interesting custom is the eating of cabbage leaves, which is considered a symbol of prosperity as it represents paper currency.

Another ritual is the baking of a coin into a loaf of bread, and then dividing it among the dinner guests. The recipient of the slice with the coin is expected to enjoy good fortune for the coming year.

Superstitions aside, how can we create this prosperity that we all desire?

Brian Tracy, one of the world’s leading authorities on personal achievement, declares that it is possible to initiate prosperity in your life, if you are willing to learn and practice certain principles of success. You don’t have to re-create the wheel to create wealth, just adhere to the time-tested concepts, and follow the actions which have brought success to others throughout history.

Let’s look at three of the principles which Tracy recommends:

The Law of Abundance

Achieving prosperity starts with believing that there is enough money in the world for everyone who knows how to get it and keep it. “We live in a generous universe and we are surrounded by blessings and opportunities to acquire all we truly desire,” says Tracy in his online newsletter. “People become wealthy because they decide to become wealthy.”

Want to learn how to ‘think and grow rich’? CLICK HERE!

Unfortunately, many people believe that money is scarce and that there is not enough to go around. Scarcity thinking will definitely prevent prosperity from entering your life, as Tracy points out that the law of abundance also states that “people are poor because they have not yet decided to become rich.” If you believe something strongly enough (good or bad), then you will act accordingly by taking the necessary actions to turn your belief into your reality.

Step #1:   Believe in your ability to be prosperous.

The Law of Attraction

Tracy believes that this principle is probably the most important of all mental laws. Fans of the hit DVD, The Secret will know that the law of attraction states “that your thoughts create a force field of energy that radiates out from you, and attracts back into your life people and circumstances in harmony with them.” In other words, what you think is what you get.

Tracy declares that “if you have a very clear idea in your mind of your desired goal to become wealthy, and you can hold that idea in your mind on a continuing basis, you will inevitably draw into your life the resources that you need in order to achieve it.”

Step #2:   Attract prosperity into your life by continually making it the focus of your thoughts.

The Law of Accumulation

This law states that every great achievement is an accumulation of hundreds of small efforts and sacrifices that no one ever sees or appreciates. Many people tend to forget this principle, in their constant search of ways to get rich quick.

Tracy cautions that the achievement of prosperity will require consistent personal effort. “To begin the process of accumulation, you must be disciplined and persistent,” he points out. “Initially, you will see very little change or difference but gradually, your efforts will begin to bear fruit.” Over time, he says, your finances and your whole life will improve.

To start the process going, he advises, “Take any amount of money that you can right now and begin to save it. This sets up a force field of energy and triggers the law of attraction.” You will begin to attract more money which will add momentum to your prosperity goal.

Step #3:   Start a consistent savings plan with whatever money you have right now.

I’m issuing a challenge to everyone who wishes to really have a prosperous New Year. Implement these success principles in your life and start creating prosperity!

“The strongest single factor in prosperity consciousness is self-esteem: believing you can do it, believing you deserve it, believing you will get it. – Jerry Gillies