I’ve always kept my columns away from “personal growth” or what others might call “psycho-pop”. This doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t use “positive psychology” in my daily life, quite the contrary. So I’ll make an exception this time and tell you a little anecdote.

Over thirty years ago, I was a successful young dairy farmer in the St-Hyacinthe area. The salesman in me worked hard, I solicited continuously and my business was doing well. So much so that my old 18′ delivery truck was loaded to capacity.

So I ordered a brand new one. The logical thing to do would have been to buy a 22ft truck, which would have met my immediate and future needs, as well as my budget. But, as a good entrepreneur, I tended to see the potential rather than the limits. So I ordered a 26ft truck, which was way over my budget. Since the truck took three months to build, I figured I’d use those three months to fill this new truck that was a little “too empty” for me.

Of course, as you can guess, three months later I had increased my clientele and sales so much (by my own efforts and also by luck!!!) that when my new truck arrived, it was full and paying for itself.

I’ll explain the “luck” part. One of the dairymen who used to buy from the same dairy suddenly fell ill. The dairy’s owner had to find a replacement quickly, so that the volume of customers would not be taken over by the dairy’s competitors.

Knowing that I had just ordered a “very large truck”, he simply offered me (free of charge) this volume of customers. Naturally, I accepted, and overnight my route doubled, as luck would have it.

I put into action what I call “the law of emptiness”. In other words, I made sure that there was enough space to serve more customers, and that customers came running to fill the void.

This same principle was also applied by several companies who, having to expand their warehouse to meet their immediate needs, chose to expand it beyond their requirements. In doing so, they were able to take on a huge customer who needed more warehouse space.

Nature abhors a vacuum. As soon as there is a vacuum, it fills it. Why not apply this simple principle to your own life or career?

Don’t have the money to buy new clothes and your wardrobe and drawers are full of old clothes you no longer wear? Get rid of your old clothes and you’ll have room to add new ones. Won’t that give you more money, you say? That’s the magic of the law of emptiness. Believe it or not, the money will show up one way or another. Try it, you’ll see!

You have always dreamed of going into business and having your own office at home. I invite you to set up an office in your home or in a new flat (or house) that will have an extra room to go into business, even if you don’t need it at the moment. Let the magic of the law of emptiness do the rest.

I’m sure you can think of other such ideas. Put them into action quickly and watch the magic happen.

As 2017 begins, it’s the perfect time to clear the air around you.

I wish you a very busy year!