Creating Success

As an entrepreneur or chief executive officer, you may find yourself to be successful because you believe in yourself, a higher being, or you practice a daily routine of a healthful diet, exercise, and rest. Thus, you may feel that you are a master of your domain and in possession of an inner mental strength that is self-proven. Others may base the strength of their success solely on their religion.

However, what powers that strength: Is it the same as what powers the first words and steps of a toddler? What ignites that power: Is it similar to the toddler’s urgings of its parents? I proffer that the power is the subconscious mind and the ignition comes from the urgings of one’s environment. Thus, we all have the gift of a powerful subconscious mind. However, my question to you is have you learned to tap into the power of your subconscious mind, as well as that power instilled in others.

I believe that a wise leader and problem solver tends to use the power of the subconscious mind as a practical tool, knowingly or unknowingly. One working method is to recognize the power of communicating with the subconscious mind and its universal relationship to convey a need or desire. Some do this through silent prayer others do it through repetitive instruction to the subconscious mind—either way can be effective “if supported by belief and faith” (Murphy 1963).

My cognizance of this power became manifest during my daughter’s adolescence and during her young adulthood. For example, after graduating from college with a degree in business, my daughter had a crisis on one of her jobs. She had an order delivered that did not meet the specifications of her client. After listening intensely on the phone to her describing her problem, and without offering any solution, I encouraged her to get a good night’s rest. Concerned that she did not call me the next day, I contacted her later in the day. She responded to my concern with, “Oh Daddy! I took care of that first thing this morning and all is OK.

In fact, I received my greatest reward from including my methodology in my academic program for teaching accounting at Martin University. For example, I was conversing with several other professors in front of the university, when a student passed us sobbing. I called to her and she began to describe why she was so terribly upset. We all listened intensely, and when she finished, she suddenly said with eyes widening, “I know Doctor Medley! I need to go home, eat, exercise, and get plenty of rest.” The next day we all witnessed a happy young student who had resolved her dilemma overnight.           

On the receiving end of using this power, I became cognizant of a Colonel’s vision to turn around the effects of a poorly deployed and malfunctioning Army centralized pay system. That night I silently described my expected outcome to the Colonel’s vision, including how I would commit to achieving it. The next morning I committed to reaching the Colonel’s goal within three months. I achieved the plan despite the widespread opposition against the system’s survivability. Several years later, I met the Colonel at a reunion and he greeted me, “John Medley! You are my savior!”

I was delighted in hearing him address me and then listening to why he referred to me in that manner. He had been under severe threat of loss of career if he continued with his pursuit, even if he were successful. However, the Commanding General of the 82^nd Airborne Division became astounded with the Colonel’s success and prevented any harm to his career.

During my careers in the military, business, civil service, and academia, most of my resolutions to complex issues were resolved by describing to my employees at the end of the workday the expected outcome I envisioned to seemingly unsolvable problems. This would ignite the power of both their subconscious mind and mine. The next day after an hour or so of coffee time and informal chatter on ideas, we would meet and enjoy the synergy of a well thought-out solution.

I suggest that your cognizance of the subconscious mind and its ignition by your communication will establish your success environment as a leader. I base my beliefs in part on Norman Vincent Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking (1952) and The Power of Your Subconscious Mind (Murphy 1963).

About the Author

Dr. John Medley retired from the US Army as a decorated sergeant major. He is a certified public accountant, defense financial manager, government financial manger and chartered global management accountant. Medley holds an MBA and PhD in administration and management. He resides in Indiana with his wife.