Our imagination is one of the most powerful tools we have.  We see vivid pictures in our minds but are they the right images?  What is the mental picture you see for you life?  If it is a negative picture, you will never rise above what you imagine.  Joel Osteen in his 90 day Devotional Book, Your Best Life Now recommends that you:
1. Start seeing yourself the way you want to be.
2. Paint a new picture.
3. See yourself as more than a conqueror.

Years ago, a famous golfer was invited by the king of Saudi Arabia to play in a golf tournament.  He accepted the invitation, and the king flew his private jet over to the United States to pick up the pro.  They played golf for several days, and enjoyed a good time.  As the golfer was getting on the plane to return to the United States, the king stopped him and said, “I want to give you a gift for coming all this way and making this time so special.  Anything you want.  What could I get you?”

Ever the gentleman, the golfer replied, “Oh please; don’t get me anything.  You’ve been a gracious host.  I’ve had a wonderful time.  I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

The king was adamant.  He said, “No, I insist on giving you something so you will always remember your journey to our country.”

When the golfer realized that the king was resolute, he said, “Okay, fine.  I collect golf clubs.  Why don’t you give me a golf club?”

He boarded the plane, and on his flight back home, he couldn’t help wondering what kind of golf club the king might give him.  He imagined that it might be a solid gold putter with his name engraved on it.  Or maybe it would be a sand wedge studded with diamonds and jewels.  After all, this would be a gift form the oil-rich king of Saudi Arabia.

When the golfer got home, he watched the mail and the delivery services every day, to see if his golf club had come yet.  Finally, several weeks late, he received a certified letter from the king of Saudi Arabia.  The U. S. professional thought that rather strange.  Where’s my golf club?  He wondered.  He opened the envelope, and to his surprise, inside he discovered a deed to a five-hundred-acre golf club in America.8

Moral of the story: kings think differently than you and I.  Change what you are seeing and you will change what you are producing.  Start thinking like a king.