Morris Goodman is a man I heard speak at a motivational conference before Rhonda Byrne's book The Secret was released.  He is The Miracle Man she interviewed as part of her book project. His life testafies to how our lives evolve based on us.

Back in 1981, Morris survived a serious plane crash. In hospital, Morris could only initially blink his eyes. The medical diagnosis was grim. He had lost control of his arms and legs and he also experienced other significant injuries. Doctors told him he would only ever blink his eyes and he would never regain control of the rest of his physical body. He refused to buy into that image. He desired another kind of life.

Morris became aware of the greatest understanding within himself. He chose to believe in his potential to defy everyone's predictions, from doctors and physiotherapists, to most people who knew him.  He realized the way to truly help himself was not to focus on or even think about negative possibilities. Morris discovered he could tap into a hidden power in his thoughts and feelings.  This was an infinite source of motivation that led him to walk and become a very popular motivational speaker and writer. Based on his experience, I've learned a few things:

1) Don't lie to yourself. Rather than buy into fear, or believe there isn't enough love to go around, that you don't have enough energy to overcome whatever obstacles come your way, Morris chose to ignore and rise above these lies. Rather than fall victim to an unhealthy mindset, he decided to believe in his own inner strength.

2) Realize thoughts mean everything. He somehow became aware of his own infinite nature. He refused to allow feelings enter his mind that were contrary to his belief in recovery. Instead, he realized his life would evolve based on the power and orientation of his mind.  He opted to create results that were worthy of his spirit.

3) Focus on what you want. At the deepest level, Morris learned he could focus energy in specific directions and draw circumstances toward him. How he saw his life was directly proportional to energy he channelled align his spirit to heal his body.

4) Block out diversions. Any flare up of problems or setbacks discourages some hospital patients.  Many around Morris chose to give up challenging rehabilitations. Yet, Morris was an inspiration and source of motivation to himself and others.  He refused to listen to anyone who said he wouldn't succeed. That wasn't his way.

5) Visualize progress. Morris' life demonstrates how decisions you make remain in effect unless you change your mind. He reminds us we have the will to choose based on how we visualize where we're headed. Time as we see it is out of our control, but the direction of our mental focus and energy flow are completely within our scope.