Why is it that so many people follow the negative path of life?

They smoke, they drink, they take mind-altering drugs, they eat junk food, they fill their heads with endless drivel flowing out of television sets, they do not exercise, they will not read intelligent books, they refuse to better themselves. Why does this happen? Is life so mundane, dull and boring for them that they need cheap "quick-fix" tricks to entertain themselves?

If I were selling cocaine or cannabis or amphetamines I would have people wearing down a trench to my front door (probably the police too!). But I would never deal in any of those things.

I believe that life is too short to be wasted. I look at people who smoke packets of cigarettes per day and drink to excess and those who take drugs as the (false) answer to all their problems and do you know what I see? I see people who age so quickly. I see people who are wracked with pain. I see people who are confused about who they are and who they want to be.

We live in a world where temptation is put before all of us on a continual basis. It takes strength to resist temptation. It takes strength to develop into a better person.

When so many people take the easy way out it is easy to see why those who become successful are relatively few.

When was the last time you saw a monument erected to a drug-dealer? Or a scholarship named after a negative thinker? Or a public building named after a bank robber? Or a foundation in memory of a murderer?

It's sad but if I were selling cocaine or cannabis or amphetamines I would have a never ending stream of clients. What does that tell you?

Engage in worthy pursuits and you will be remembered for it. Being involved in anything else is just an illusion.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web.

I won't offer you cocaine or cannabis or amphetamines but I will offer you a pathway to success. If that is too much for you right now how about some inspiration to make your life more positive.