Power of the Creed
Optimism as a Way of Life
By James M. Rankin
10th Anniversary Edition
Revised and Expanded
Power of the Creed - 10th Anniversary Edition
Copyright © 2017 James M. Rankin
This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 978-1-4566-2950-2
Left Brain/Right Brain Publishing, Inc.
9096 Jamaica Beach
Galveston, Texas 77554
(409) 370-9975
Typesetting/Design by Jo Landers - www.jolanders.com
Cover Design by Octavio Tierranegra
Edited by Jackie Kirsch - [email protected]
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
In 1912 a prolific new self-help author by the name of Christian D. Larson published one of his most influential books, entitled Your Forces and How to Use Them. It contained several italicized lines on one single page that transformed millions of people for almost an entire century. That one page held twelve lines of such incredible power that Optimist International still uses it as their motto for inspiration and motivation. James Rankin, a Texas entrepreneur and author of many books, saw such a rich depth in Larson’s lines that he decided to write his own book about them called the Power of the Creed. Taking each line as a springboard into a new chapter, Rankin has written ten insightful essays of his own, each bringing added life to the wisdom of Larson’s original messages. The result is thoughtful, inspiring, motivational, soul enriching and mind expanding. Rankin did well. I think Larson would not only approve, but also enjoy and even benefit from Power of the Creed.
— Joe Vitale, co-author of The Secret
Acknowledgements
It is hard to believe that it has been ten years since the publication of The Power of the Creed. It has indeed been a real joy to share with Optimists all around the world the genius of the Optimist Creed author Christian Larson. His writing and wisdom is the foundation for this book. Over the years many people have gone through the Philosophy of Optimism workshops that I have conducted at the International conventions and have commented that the small changes in their attitudes have made a huge difference in their business, community and personal lives.
Adopting Optimism as a way of life is the initial objective of an Optimist member. It is my heartfelt belief that if each of us can share this compassion with our fellow man our organization would be the largest fastest growing civic organization in the world.
I want to thank a few people who have been instrumental in the construction and distribution of the Power of the Creed. Jo Landers for her talent in the typesetting of this project along with Jackie Kirsch in the editing of the book. A special thanks to Ed Finn, Past International Vice President, for getting the organization to put Power of the Creed into the PGI program, and for his diligent commitment to building our organization. Also, I would like to recognize Past Governor Craig Kelley who was the first Governor to invite me to his district meeting when I felt the love and appreciation from the great people of Mr. Larson’s home state of Iowa. I would like to send out a sincere appreciation for the unselfish work of our International Vice President Ron Graves who has internalized the creed in his life.
I hope that you will read, study and absorb the important message in this book. I want to invite you to read a few of my other works pertaining to the power of optimism including Living the Creed, which has been translated into Chinese and French. My newest novel is entitled The Source of the Shining Light of Optimism.
May you grow into the person that you always dreamed of becoming in your life. As Emerson taught many years ago that a thought is the seed of an action, so I hope that you will enjoy the Power of the Creed 10 Year Edition and the result of that endeavor will create positive momentum for your life that will materialize into something of true beauty.
Other Works by James M. Rankin
The Magic of Method Selling
Living the Magic
Inner Renaissance Rediscovered
Poems from the Spirit of Hope
Dawning of the Day
The Philosopher Poet
Power of the Creed
Living the Creed
The Source of the Shining
Optimism, A Life Enriching Philosophy
The Cherished Fruit
The Poet’s Rhyme
Sun, Sand and Saltwater Poetry Collection
Coming Attractions
The Collection of Short Stories and Plays
The Power of the Creed for the Sales Pro
The Power of the Creed for the Financial Professional
Living the Creed for the Teen
Introduction
I would like to introduce to you a great friend and author, James Rankin. James is a electrifying speaker that keeps his audience in the palm of his hand. His inspirational sessions from his books Living the Creed, The Power of the Creed, and Living the Magic are shared from the heart. It is hard not to go away inspired and uplifted by sharing his passion for the Optimist Creed. James will make a tremendous difference to your Optimist District meetings or Regional training sessions.
Craig Kelley
Past Governor
Certified Trainer Board
How often we hear that one became a member of Optimist International once they read the Creed. Now in his book, James Rankin magnifies each Tenet of the Creed as a guide to live by.
Ed Finn
Past Governor
Executive Vice President for Optimist International
When I was first introduced to Optimism I was intrigued by the
