PERSONAL MAGNETISM. 169 entering into the creation of what we term success? What we characterize as Personal Magnetism cannot spring from good looks, from fine appearance, from gentlemanly demeanor, nor from interested attention, though it cannot be denied that these enter as constituents into the summa summarum of the seemingly inexplicable thing that so impresses all. That a power to impress is evinced in some, and an entire lack of it is observed in others, there can be no mistaking. One man possesses power over others, and another possesses none. We look on and say: "What does it mean?" The power of personal magnetism is so gentle, and yet so effective, that the person controlled knows nothing of the process; he believes himself acting from spontaneous motives and impulses, and yet he does the very things that the impelling mind of another dictates. The chief secret of this so-called Personal Magnetism lies in the positive and consistent nature of its possessor. In some it is inborn and characterizes them from childhood. But it can be developed in all. You ask me how? I could give a series of exercises, which, faithfully followed, would make the weakest and most unimpressive strongly magnetic. But this is not the time and place to do so. Suffice it to say that the general principles of culture best calculated to develop personal magnetism lies in the direction of self-discipline with associated auto-suggestion. This means a consentaneous development of will-power through the setting of hard tasks and the faithful performance of them. The men who have moved the world are those who have first brought themselves to a point where nothing was rated too hard as a condition of success. They have always been those in whom habit was the servant rather than the master. They could forego personal ease and pleasure in order to win a coveted prize, and count the involved self-denial a delight. They have always been those who could marshal their forces, could concentrate their energies, could focus their thought, with the accuracy, the energy and the pointedness of a Yogi. They were men of purpose, and so must we be to acquire power. Let me give some of the most important principles lying at the root of personal command over others. 1. Have a purpose in all that you do. Do not waste your energies on meaningless thoughts, words and actions. This does not mean that you should never enter into the frivolities of life. It only means that you should "work while you work and play while you play." 2. Do nothing without conscious thought. Do not so much as touch a patient without thought. When examining, when treating, when operating, let the thought be: "You are under my restorative power.' "I can see your troubles." "I can cure your ailments." "I am doing this for your good." "I expect to make you well," etc. 3. Do not be found inattentive, no matter what you have in hand. Do not allow yourself to fall into a reverie, save on proper occasions. At all other times have your conscious mind on the thing in hand, even though it be nothing more than eating. PERSONAL MAGNETISM. 171 This will be found an exceedingly hard task. The mind will wander and the more it follows its own bent the less obedient will it prove on rightful occasions. Therefore keep it well in hand. It should be a servant and not a master of the true Ego. 4. Be strong and of good courage. Suggest to yourself many times a day: "I can and I will." "I am my own master. "I can compel events. "I am a true healer." "The power to awaken curative energy is in me, and I can use it on occasion. Not only think it, but speak it aloud to yourself. If at any time you feel peculiarly weak and irresolute, clinch your fist and stamp your foot while you put all the earnestness into the sentiment at your command. Let 5. Always evince confidence in yourself. It is not enough that you feel it. Show it. every word and every act disclose self-reliance. Egotism is despicable wherever seen. That is quite another thing. Self-reliance impresses. 'Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. Read what has been said elsewhere concerning faith. Faith is self-reliance; and it is something more: it is assurance of results. "Faith, absolute, dogmatic faith, is the only condition of true success." 6. Sincerity contributes much to personal magnetism. Without it we cannot grandly achieve. "Be sincere, but don't be serious. The man whom nature has appointed to do great things is, first of all, furnished with that openness of nature which renders him incapable of being insincere."-Carlyle. The way to all this is through dogged determination, reinforced, emphasized, made real, by frequent auto-suggestion. It will be recalled in this connection that autosuggestion is most effective when given in silence. "Let us be silent, for so are the gods." Thus runs an ancient sentiment. The Foregoing Neither Unimportant Nor Too Elementary. For some the foregoing may seem better suited to students than to physicians of years and experience. It may be It so, but I venture to say that the earnest searcher after truth will not so regard it, even though it expresses nothing not already familiar to him. Do not forget that to speak truisms often serves a good purpose. It is hoped that these principles will be studied until they become indelibly impressed on the memory and will be practiced until they become ingrained into every-day life. |