According to the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations, nine out of 10 Filipinos have high hopes for 2009 despite dire economic forecasts worldwide.

That’s a good sign. Positive thinking gets positive results.

But it would be better if Filipinos were to translate their positive thinking into positive words about themselves.

Most Filipinos don’t watch what they say about their financial condition.

A typical Pinoy always says, “Ang hirap ng buhay, walang tayong patutunguhan (Life is hard, we’re not getting anywhere)” when confronted with difficulties.

“Wala akong pera (I’m broke).” “Mahirap ang buhay (Life is hard).” “Buwisit na buhay ito (My life is jinxed).” These are the words we hear from most Pinoys.

As a result, the universe gives Filipinos more of the things they complain about.

Words are very powerful. If you say something over and over, they become true after a while.

If you keep telling your brother or neighbor who tries to borrow money from you that you’re broke to keep them off your back, you will soon go broke even if at the moment money is coming out of your ears.

You’re inviting poverty because of your words, “I’m broke.” Eventually, you become penniless.

Why can’t Filipinos say, “Mayaman tayo (We’re rich)” or “Malapit na tayong yumaman (It’s just a matter of time before we get rich)”?

Merely replacing negative words (I’m broke) with positive ones (I’m rich) will make one prosperous in the long run.

Imagine millions of Filipinos affirming in unison every day, “We’re a rich nation.” These words will eventually make the Philippines a developed country.

Of course, it will take time.

And the best time to start changing the mass consciousness of Filipinos is now.

After all, we’re really a rich nation that chooses to be poor.

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During the time of President Fidel, the country became an economic tiger cub in Asia because of his slogan, “Kaya natin ito (We can get through this),” with a thumbs-up sign.

Mr. Tabako drummed the slogan into the consciousness of the Filipinos, and we became prosperous.

But then when President Erap took over, he replaced FVR’s slogan with “Kaya nating magtiis (We can get through the hard times).”

While he was telling the poor Filipino masses to bite the bullet, Erap was drinking the most expensive wine, gambling with his cronies and womanizing.

The result was that the country became poor again.

Poverty became worse under President Gloria. You’re naive if you don’t know why.