If you’re like most people, these thoughts do occur to you from time to time. But what is answer to these questions? Is it a question of luck, could it be fate or is there something else going on here of which most people are unaware?

The answer is both all around us and within us, and is called Universal Law. Just like there are Natural Laws that govern nature (such as gravity), there are other Laws which govern all that happens in universe. From spiritual to physical to mental, everything that happens does so according to Law.

You see, Universe around us is a very orderly place in which nothing occurs by chance. Even though one cannot see Laws, or hear them, smell them or taste them, they are there. They apply to everything and everyone – nothing is exempt. Whether one is aware of these Laws or not, they still apply - just like Law of Gravity. Even though one may not be aware of or understand Gravity, it always works. No matter who you are, if you decide to step off top of a tall building, you will fall at an increasing rate of speed until you reach terminal velocity or until you impact ground.

So what are these Laws and how do they work? There are literally dozens of Universal Laws that exist, but for ease of understanding, they can be distilled down to a main seven:

1.Law of Control

2.Law of Accident

3.Law of Cause & Effect

4.Law of Belief

5.Law of Expectation

6.Law of Attraction

7.Law of Correspondence

From these seven, everything else flows. The beauty of Laws is that once one understands and lives in accordance with them, life becomes extremely simple.

Law of Control The Law of Control simply states that we have high self-esteem and feel good about ourselves to exact degree that we feel we are in control of our lives. Unfortunately, majority of population does not live according to Law of Control, but rather by its inverse, Law of Accident. The truth of matter is that every one of us is in total control of our life, but until one takes step to determine that they are personally responsible for what happens to them, then they cannot help but live by Accident.

Law of Accident This Law states that we feel badly about ourselves and have low self-esteem to degree that we feel events and circumstances control our lives. In other words, we are victims of whatever else happens around us. If good things happen, then we benefit, but if bad things happen, we play victim.

Law of Cause & Effect This Law is also known as Iron Law of Human Destiny because it is so profound and powerful. Simply stated, Law of Cause & Effect says that everything happens for a reason. All actions have consequences, as do all inactions. Distilled down to simplest possible terms, this law states that for every effect in one’s life, there is a specific cause. The law can also be applied in physical sense through examination of Sir Isaac Newton’s third Law of Motion, which states that “for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” If, for example, you were to hold your hand over a candle’s flame (the cause) effect would be that your hand would burn and it would hurt!

"I proceed with a courageous and honest analysis of situation. Then I determine what worst consequences of my failure could be. After imagining most disastrous consequences that could result, I resign myself to accept them in case it becomes necessary. From that moment on, I concentrate all my time and energy to looking for ways that could alleviate consequences which, mentally, I have already accepted". Dale Carnegie, American orator

Problems: You either love 'em or hate 'em. For some they represent a challenge, something from which to learn. For others problems are beginning of end, a reason to 'down tools' for day. This is what distinguishes winners from losers, business successes from failures.

Positive thinkers act in a similar way to Carnegie, namely recognising that a problem exists, understanding possible consequences, anticipating worst possible scenario, and formulating their objectives on this.

Recognising That a Problem Exists

All problems share one characteristic. All are deviations from norm. For example, where your average/anticipated sales during a given period are Ј200, you have a potential problem where actual sales are significantly less.

All successful businesses set standards. The first step towards solving problems presupposes that you have determined measurable standards against which to measure progress and performance. From this, you periodically compare actual against projected performance. This is best achieved as a team exercise, including management and staff, as appropriate.

Analysing Problem: Defining its Scope

Here you are locating and determining extent of your problem, deciding whether it has short-term or long-term consequences. A well-defined problem is almost solved and frequently solution is obvious. A useful tip is to draw up a 'Problem Analysis Worksheet', including vertical columns where aspects of problem can be recorded: what problem is, who was responsible for it, when it occurred, what its consequences might be, what ideal situation would be (your objectives), how serious problem is, and so on. Having considered all aspects of problem, as a team, group then lists possible solutions.

Focus on Objectives: Classify these as 'Essential' or 'Desirable'