I've learned that positive thinking and encouragement are

Hear these words, O seekers of wisdom and bearers of hope: “I’ve learned that positive thinking and encouragement are essential for leadership and progress.” Thus spoke Richard M. DeVos, a man who built not only enterprises but human spirits. In this truth lies no shallow optimism, but a deep and sacred strength — the understanding that the human soul, like a flame, grows brightest when fed by faith, not fear. For leadership, at its heart, is not a throne of command, but a wellspring of courage that flows from one heart to another.

DeVos lived in the world of business, yet his wisdom belongs to every age and every soul. He saw that no structure stands without spirit, no plan endures without purpose, and no people rise without encouragement. The greatest armies falter when despair eats at their hearts, and even the most brilliant minds fail when they are clouded by doubt. Thus, positive thinking — that inward conviction that light will prevail — becomes not naïveté, but the discipline of the strong. It is the armor of the spirit in the face of hardship, the choice to see the dawn even while standing in the dark.

So too, the ancients knew this truth. Recall Winston Churchill, standing before a trembling world in the fires of war. The bombs fell, the cities burned, and yet his words became shields to his people: “We shall never surrender.” He led not merely with strategy, but with encouragement, igniting courage in millions. For though the enemy’s weapons were mighty, it was positive conviction that proved mightier still. When despair threatened to crush a nation, one man’s belief that victory was possible rekindled hope — and from hope came progress, and from progress, triumph.

To think positively, then, is not to deny struggle, but to confront it with faith. It is to look upon chaos and say, “I will build.” It is to see weakness in others and speak life instead of judgment. The leader who understands this becomes a cultivator of souls, planting seeds of confidence where fear once grew. Such a leader sees beyond failure to the lesson hidden within it, beyond defeat to the courage waiting to rise again. This is the alchemy of encouragement — it turns discouragement into endurance, and endurance into greatness.

But let none think this path is easy. To remain positive when storms rage and hearts grow weary is the test of every true leader. When those around you lose faith, you must become faith itself. When they fall silent, you must speak words that lift them. Encouragement is not merely a gift to others — it is a sacred duty. It demands strength of heart and steadiness of spirit, for it is easier to criticize than to inspire, easier to command than to uplift. Yet only the latter builds kingdoms that endure beyond a lifetime.

Consider this lesson, O listener: leadership is not the loudness of one’s voice, but the warmth of one’s vision. The ruler who governs by fear commands obedience for a season; the one who governs by hope commands devotion for generations. Every home, every workplace, every circle of friends contains within it the chance for positive leadership — not through rank or wealth, but through kindness, affirmation, and unwavering belief in the good that others can achieve.

Therefore, practice the art of encouragement daily. Speak words that build, not break. When you see despair in another’s eyes, lend them a spark of your faith. When you face failure, lift your gaze and say, “This too shall pass, and I shall rise stronger.” Make your thoughts your allies, not your enemies, for the mind that dwells in darkness cannot lead others into light. Choose instead to be a beacon — small at first, but steadfast — and others will find their way by your glow.

So let DeVos’s wisdom echo in your heart: positive thinking is not a mere sentiment — it is a force of creation. Encouragement is not flattery — it is fuel for the soul. Together they form the twin pillars of true leadership and enduring progress. Therefore, live by faith, speak with kindness, lead with light — and watch the barren fields of despair bloom once more beneath the radiance of your hope.