Imagine how much easier it would be to be successful and happy in life if you were constantly expecting the world to support you and give you opportunities. Successful people do just that. This sixth step to creating the life you want, Become a Reverse Paranoid, is not about being self-centered, it’s about being confident.

Too often, people who believe in themselves and their purpose (see yesterday’s post for more on how to find your life’s purpose) are sometimes labeled arrogant or just plain conceited and conceited. The opposite could not be more true. Those of us who expect great things from the world, from each other, and realize the importance of focusing inward to build and create the energy necessary to tell the world what we want and help others to do the same. As a result, reverse paranoids aren’t afraid to speak their mind or stand up for their beliefs and what they want out of life.

In general, the word “paranoid” means suspicious or fearful. In this context, however, the word takes on a completely different meaning. Truly paranoid people, in the sense that we usually think of them, always expect something bad to happen to them. In terms of creating the life you want, reverse paranoids expect good things to happen to them. They expect to have strong relationships and loving families; they expect rewarding careers; they expect to be happy and successful. Because? Because they have told the Universe that this is what they want and they are taking the necessary steps and doing the necessary things to make it happen.

You can easily spot reverse paranoids. These are the people who take the time to improve. They read, take courses, and attend conferences and seminars. They reach out to others who have achieved particular success to absorb as much as they can from people who are achieving the very things they want to achieve.

The encouraging point here is that you can learn to become a reverse paranoid. Start by believing that you deserve good things to happen to you. Get out there and start doing the things that successful and happy people do. It’s about taking time for yourself and investing time in yourself. However, it can be difficult to do. At first it may seem like you are being selfish and self-absorbed. But, as you start to progress and learn to balance all the demands on your time in a more productive way, it will become more natural.

After all, taking the time to improve will have positive residual effects for everyone in your life. From a reverse approach, you can tap into your life’s desire and passion, wait for it to happen, and then share it with whoever you choose. That, my friend, is not selfish at all. It’s a gift.