One thing that is important to realize about thought: one thought always leads to another. It is impossible to have one thought without having another one. What does this have to do with positive and negative thinking?

Everything. The thoughts usually follow one after another--usually in a similar vein, until there is some type of interruption that changes the thought pattern. Sometimes the interruption is outside of ourselves. Other times, the interruption is something we initiate when we take conscious control of our thoughts.

So, the point is this. Thoughts follow one another and eventually create a stream of thought. A stream of consciousness. The question I have ask is how clear (positive) is your stream? If you are protecting your thoughts, consciously keeping them positive, then positive circumstances will generally flow. If you just "go with the flow," without consciously taking control of your own mind, it is almost inevitable that a high percentage of pollution (negative thinking) will find it's way into your "stream."

So, if you want to keep your thoughts positive, it is absolutely crucial that you feed your mind success related thoughts every day. It could be books, audio programs, affirmations...whatever. The more positive material you feed it, the less time your mind will have to wander. Eventually, your mind will be so positive, there won't be any room left for negative thoughts.

You cannot afford the penalty of a negative thought. Because there is no such thing as just a single negative thought. Resolve to take control of your mind this moment and fill your mind, and the world around you, with positive thought.