Think and Grow Rich in 10 pages: by Brad Baker
SPEECHSTREET BLOG
"ANYTHING you can CONCEIVE and BELIEVE you can ACHEIVE"
- Edison's greatest strength -
THINK AND GROW RICH
By Napoleon Hill
Author of THE LAW OF SUCCESS philosophy
1938
This is a synopsis of the book Think and Grow Rich - teaching the famous Andrew Carnegie formula for money-making based upon proven steps to riches organized through 25 years of research, and the study of more than 500 men of great wealth.
[Brad - personal note:
WEALTH IS ECONOMIC FREEDOM
MONEY, LOVE and HEALTH are the most important things in life to me. While money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness, it allows you to live where and how you like - it enables freedom and power in one's life. I heard Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) say... Money is not the most important thing, but it affects EVERYTHING that IS important.]
DESIRE
All men become what they are because of their DOMINATING THOUGHTS AND DESIRES
Steps essential for building DESIRE and attainment of any definite goal:
1. Know specifically WHAT you want (DEFINITE PURPOSE)
Know the exact goal; eg. amount of money you desire.
2. Know what you will give in return.
3. Establish a target date
4. Create a plan and begin AT ONCE! even if not ready to take action on the plan
5. Write a clear concise statement of 1-4
6. Read it twice a day, when you awake and before going to sleep.
WHEN YOU READ, SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOU ALREADY HAVE IT!
ASK AND ANSWER - DO I HAVE A BURNING DESIRE? YES.
ASK AND ANSWER - WILL I SUCCEED? YES.
Have a BURNING DESIRE for (IT) so strongly that it will be easy to convince yourself that you will acquire it. To accumulate great riches, your mind must become so thoroughly saturated with the DESIRE for (IT), that you can see yourself in possession of it. You will never have (IT) unless you can create a white-heat of DESIRE for (IT) and actually/truthfully BELIEVE you will possess it.
EVERY GREAT LEADER FROM THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION DOWN TO THE PRESENT WAS A DREAMER. If you do not see great riches in your imagination, you will never see them in your bank account.
DREAMS ARE THE SEEDLINGS OF REALITY.
A BURNING DESIRE TO BE AND TO DO is the starting point. You cannot be indifferent, lazy, or lack ambition.
DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT - WEAK DESIRES BRING WEAK RESULTS
FAITH and SELF-CONFIDENCE
FAITH IS THE STARTING POINT FOR ALL ACCUMULATION OF RICHES
ALL THOUGHTS WHICH HAVE BEEN EMOTIONALIZED (given feeling) AND MIXED WITH FAITH begin immediately to convert themselves into reality.
Your mind must be dominated by positive emotions - refuse to think about negative things.
FAITH IS A STATE OF MIND WHICH MAY BE INDUCED BY SELF-SUGGESTION
FAITH IS (THE) ANTIDOTE FOR FAILURE - but the MANTRA is...THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE.
INFINITE INTELLIGENCE (creative genius) CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED THROUGH FAITH
Thoughts mixed with any of the feelings of emotions create a "magnetic" force that attracts other similar thoughts.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS IS LACK OF SELF-CONFIDENCE - this can be surmounted through self-suggestion. Throw off bad influences and build a life to ORDER. How? By writing, memorizing, and repeating, thereby PLANTING in your subconscious mind the SELF-CONFIDENCE FORMULA.
NOTHING AND NOBODY CAN INDUCE OR CONVINCE ME TO ACCEPT FAILURE AS A REALITY. EVERY FAILURE BRINGS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT SUCCESS.
SELF-CONFIDENCE FORMULA
1. I know I have the ability to achieve my objective of my Definite Purpose of life and I DEMAND of myself PERSISTENT, CONTINUOUS ACTION towards its attainment, and I here and NOW PROMISE to render such ACTION.
2. I realize my dominating thoughts will eventually induce physical action and produce physical reality, so I WILL CONCENTRATE FOR THIRTY MINUTES PER DAY on the person I intend to become creating a clear mental picture of that person.
3. I WILL DEVOTE TEN MINUTES PER DAY, DEMANDING the development of SELF-CONFIDENCE. I KNOW that this self-suggestion will eventually result in the attainment of my objective through some practical means.
4. I have clearly written down a description of my PRIME OBJECTIVE in life, and I will NEVER STOP TRYING, until I have sufficient self-confidence for its ATTAINMENT.
5. I will not engage in transactions which do not benefit all parties involved since the benefits derived from them do not last long. I will attract the forces I wish to use and the cooperation of other people. I will attract others to serve me because of my willingness to serve others and will endeavor to create harmony, cooperation, and positive attitudes in others because that breeds success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.
I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory, and repeat it aloud once a day, with full FAITH that it will gradually influence my THOUGHTS and ACTIONS so that I will become a self-reliant, and successful person.
"If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will--
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've go to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!"
Somewhere in you there lies (sleeping), the seed of achievement, which if aroused and put into action, would carry you to heights, such as you may never have hoped to attain.
AUTO-SUGGESTION
THOU SHALT NOT COMPROMISE! DEMAND PROSPERITY.
Through self-suggestion you can DECEIVE your subconscious mind by giving it instructions. To create DECEIT, conduct yourself as if YOU ARE IN POSSESSION OF WHAT YOU ARE DEMANDING.
When visualizing the money you intend to accumulate, (with closed eyes), see yourself rendering the service, or delivering the merchandise you intend to give in return for this money.
AUTO-SUGGESTING THE SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS
FIRST
Repeat aloud with eyes closed in a quiet spot the amount of MONEY or GOAL, TARGET DATE, and SERVICE you intend to give. As you do, SEE YOURSELF ALREADY IN POSSESSION OF THE MONEY OR GOAL.
For example:
"By the first day of Jan., 2002, I will have in my possession $200,000, which will come to me in various amounts from time to time during the interim. In return for this money I will give the most efficient service of which I am capable, render the largest quantity and quality of service in the capacity of salesman of ..... (describe service or product). I believe I will have this money in my possession. My faith is so string that I can now see this money before my eyes. I can touch it with my hands. It is now awaiting transfer to me at this time, and in the proportion that I deliver the service I intend to render in return for it. I am awaiting a plan by which to accumulate this money, and I will follow that plan, when it is received."
SECOND
Repeat this program night and morning until you can see, (in your imagination) the money you intend to accumulate or goal you intend to achieve.
THIRD
Place a written copy of your statement where you can see it night and morning, and read it just before retiring, and upon arising until it has been memorized. Particularly remember to do this before sleeping as your subconscious will absorb and work on ideas while you sleep.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
The accumulation of great fortunes calls for POWER, and power is acquired through highly organized and intelligently directed specialized knowledge, but that knowledge does not, necessarily, have to be in the possession of the man who accumulates the fortune.
Thomas Edison had only three months of "schooling" during his entire life!
Specialized Knowledge is plentiful and cheap - look at the payroll of a University.
Knowledge has no value except that which can be gained from its application to-ward some worthy end.
YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO PURCHASE KNOWLEDGE AND WHAT SORT OF SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE YOU REQUIRE.
YOU NEED TO ACQUIRE ACCURATE INFORMATION CONCERNING DEPENDABLE SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE - through others, libraries, web, brain-trust (master-mind group), universities, etc.
IMAGINATION
MAN CAN CREATE ANYTHING WHICH HE CAN IMAGINE.
IDEAS ARE THE BEGINNING POINTS OF ALL FORTUNES
SYNTHETIC IMAGINATION - arranging old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations.
CREATEIVE IMAGINATION - faculty where "hunches" and "inspirations" comes from. All human basic, or new ideas come from here. It can be facilitated through interaction with others where an individual may "tune in" with the subconscious mind of others.
Riches, when they come in huge quantities, are never the result of HARD work! Riches come, if they come at all, in response to definite demands, based upon the application of definite principles, and not by chance or luck.
Ideas. First you give life and action and guidance to ideas, then they take on power of their own and sweep aside all opposition. Ideas are intangible forces, but they have more power than the physical brains that give birth to them.
ORGANIZED PLANNING
OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION
1. Take life seriously. You are engaged in an undertaking of MAJOR importance to you. To be SURE of SUCCESS, you MUST have PLANS which are FAULTLESS.
2. You MUST have the ADVANTAGE of the experience, education, native ability and imagination of OTHER MINDS. This is true of the methods of every person who has accumulated a great fortune.
NO INDIVIDUAL HAS SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, NATIVE ABILITY, AND KNOWLEDGE TO INSURE SUCCESS WITHOUT THE COOPERATION OF OTHER PEOPLE.
(a) Ally yourself with a sufficient group of people for the creation and execution of your plan, building your BRAINTRUST or MASTERMIND GROUP. This is absolutely essential.
(b) Before forming this group, decide what advantages and benefits (you) offer the individual members of your group, in return for their cooperation. What do you bring to the table?
(c) Arrange to meet with this group at least twice a week, and more if possible, until you have jointly perfected the necessary plan.
(d) Maintain PERFECT HARMONY with every member of the group - failure to do this will negate the purpose.
You may originate your own plans, in whole or in part, but SEE THAT THOSE PLANS ARE CHECKED AND APPROVED BY MEMBERS OF YOUR "BRAINTRUST" or "MASTERMIND GROUP".
NEVER FAIL TO REPLACE A PLAN THAT FAILS APPROVAL, OR TO WORK, WITH ONE THAT (DOES WORK) - the majority of men fail here because of their lack of PERSISTENCE.
NO man is ever whipped, until he QUITS - in his own mind.
MAJOR ATTRIBUTES OF LEADERSHIP
UNWAVERING COURAGE
SELF-CONTROL
A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE
DEFINITENESS OF DECISION
DEFINITENESS OF PLANS
THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN EXPECTED OR PAID FOR (the WOW! Factor)
A PLEASING PERSONALITY
SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING
WILLINGNESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY
COOPERATION - leadership calls for POWER and power calls for COOPERATION
10 MAJOR CAUSES OF LEADERSHIP FAILURE
INABILITY TO ORGANIZE DETAILS
UNWILLINGNESS TO RENDER HUMBLE SERVICE
EXPECTATION OF PAY FOR WHAT THEY "KNOW" INSTEAD OF WHAT THEY DO WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE
FEAR OF COMPETITION FROM FOLLOWERS (higher pay goes to who inspire others to perform)
LACK OF IMAGINATION
SELFISHNESS (men will work harder for recognition that for money)
INTEMPERANCE
DISLOYALTY
EMPHASIS OF THE "AUTHORITY" OF LEADERSHIP
EMPHASIS OF TITLE
When making PLANS and DECISIONS, STAY FOCUSED on the OBJECTIVE. It’s important to USE YOUR TIME WISELY - FOCUSED ON THE PLAN AND OBJECTIVE.
DECISION
THE VALUE OF A DECISION DEPENDS UPON THE COURAGE REQUIRED TO RENDER IT.
Fact - LACK OF DECISION is near the head of list of over 25,000 people studied, who experienced FAILURE.
Every one of several hundred millionaires studied had the HABIT of REACHING DECISIONS PROMPTLY, and of changing these decisions SLOWLY, if, and when they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, IF AT ALL, very slowly, and of changing these decisions quickly and often. Henry Ford had the habit of reaching decisions quickly and definitely and changing them slowly, practically to the point of obstinacy.
The majority of people who fail to accumulate money sufficient for their needs are generally easily influenced by the “opinions” of others.
If you are influenced by “opinions” when you reach DECISIONS, you will have no DESIRE of your own and you will not succeed.
Keep counsel with ONLY your “BrainTrust” or “MasterMind” group when you begin to put into practice the principles described here, by reaching your own decisions and following them and in selecting this group be VERY SURE you choose ONLY those who will be in COMPLETE SYMPATHY AND HARMONY WITH YOUR PURPOSE.
Avoid nay-sayers: Acquire necessary decision-making information from others without disclosing your purpose, then USE your own mind to reach your own decisions.
Beware the weak advice of people who do TOO MUCH talking and TOO LITTLE listening.
Keep YOUR eyes and ears wide open - and your mouth CLOSED, if you are to acquire the habit of prompt DECISION.
GENUINE WISDOM IS USUALLY CONSPICUOUS THROUGH MODESTY AND SILENCE. When you talk in the presence of a knowledgeable person, you show to them your exact stock of knowledge or LACK of it!
Deeds, not words, are what counts most.
Place the following where you will see it daily…
“TELL THE WORLD WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO, BUT FIRST SHOW IT”
Only by DECISIONS made in great FAITH , can men solve their personal problems, and win for themselves high estates of material and spiritual WEALTH.
DEFINITENESS OF DECISION ALWAYS REQUIRES COURAGE, sometimes very great courage.
The directions of ORGANIZED PLANNING will be USELESS to you unless you DEFINITELY DECIDE to ORGANIZE them in a PLAN OF ACTION.
You MUST NOW realize your capacity to reach quick and definite DECISIONS by beginning to put into ACTION the ideas of this writing.
PERSISTENCE
WITH PERSISTENCE WILL COME SUCCESS
LACK OF PERSISTENCE IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF FAILURE.
LACK OF PERSISTENCE IS A WEAKNESS COMMON TO THE MAJORITY OF MEN - but it can be overcome by EFFORT. The ease with which it is overcome is entirely dependant upon the INTENSITY OF YOUR DESIRE.
DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT - keep this in mind.
The principles of this writing must be UNDERSTOOD and APPLIED WITH PERSISTENCE to succeed.
POWER OF WILL is the basis of PERSISTENCE.
WILL-POWER combined properly with DESIRE makes a POWERFUL FORCE.
Henry Ford was misunderstood as ruthless and cold-blooded because he PERSISTED to follow through with ALL his plans.
Most give up easy, at the first sign of opposition or failure - few carry on DESPITE all opposition, until they attain their goal. These few are the Fords, Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Edison’s.
CARBON IS TO STEEL WHAT “PERSISTENCE” IS TO MAN
The eagerness with which you START IMMEDIATELY to carry out the instructions (six steps above) will show how much, or how little you really DESIRE to SUCCEED. If you are indifferent, you do not have the sufficient “mind-set” which you MUST possess before you can be SURE of success.
If your PERSISTENCE is weak, concentrate on the cooperative efforts of your master-mind group. Also, focus on self-suggestion util your habit nature programs your subconscious mind a clear picture of your DESIRE or GOAL. From that point you will not be handicapped by a lack of persistence.
To get RESULTS, you MUST APPLY ALL THE RULES until their application becomes HABIT. Intermittent application of the rules will be of no value to you.
Without PERSISTENCE, you will be defeated, even before you start.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSISTENCE
The hidden Guide lets no one SUCCEED without passing the PERSISTENCE TEST.
With PERSISTENCE comes a hidden gift - “EVERY FAILURE BRINGS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT ADVANTAGE”
THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND OF FAILURE OR DEFEAT - TEMPORARY!
SUCCESSFUL MEN ARE THOSE WHO APPLY THEIR DESIRES SO PERSISTENTLY THAT DEFEAT IS FINALLY CHANGED INTO VICTORY. The take the punishment of “defeat” as an urge to apply greater effort.
PERSISTENCE is a state of mind that can be cultivated by:
a. DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE - knowing what you want
b. DESIRE - intense desire makes persistence easy
c. SELF-RELIANCE - believe in yourself to carry out a plan with persistence.
d. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS - even weak or impractical plans encourage persistence.
e. ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE - guessing instead of knowing destroys persistence.
Knowing plans are sound based on knowledge and experience encourages persistence.
f. CO-OPERATION - understanding and co-operation with others helps persistence
g. WILL-POWER - habit of concentration on goal plans, leads to persistence
h. HABIT - Persistence is the result of habit. Forced repetition cures fear.
IF YOU REALLY WISH TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE, AND WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF DOING, study the list of:
SYMPTOMS OF LACK of PERSISTENCE
1. Failure to clearly define exactly what you want.
2. Procrastination, with or without cause. (usually with a list of excuses/alibis)
3. Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge
4. Indecision and the habit of “passing the buck” instead of facing issues.
5. The habit of relying on alibis instead of definite plans for a solution.
6. Self-satisfaction. There is no hope for those who suffer from this.
7. Indifference and willingness to compromise rather than fight opposition.
8. The habit of blaming others and accepting bad circumstances as unavoidable.
9. WEAKNESS OF DESIRE due to neglect in choosing MOTIVES that impel action.
10. Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat (based on fear)
11. Lack of ORGANIZED PLANS, placed in writing where they may be analyzed.
12. The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp presented opportunities.
13. WISHING instead of WILLING
14. Settling for POVERTY and a general absence of ambition to be, to do, and to own.
15. Searching for short-cuts and trying to GET without GIVING a fair equivalent.
16. Sub- or conscious FEAR OF CRITICISM and failure to create plans because of this.
Four ESSENTIAL steps which lead to the HABIT OF PERSISTENCE and SUCCESS in ALL walks of life:
1. DEFINITE PURPOSE AND A BURNING DESIRE FOR ITS FULFILLMENT.
2. A DEFINITE PLAN, EXPRESSED IN CONTINUOUS ACTION.
3. A MIND CLOSED TIGHTLY AGAINST ALL NEGATIVE AND DISCOURAGING INFLUENCES.
4. A FRIENDLY ALLIANCE WITH PEOPLE WHO ENCOURAGE YOU TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH BOTH PLAN AND PURPOSE
MASTER MIND (TEAM) POWER
Carnegie attributed his entire fortune to the POWER he accumulated by surrounding himself with a staff of 50 men, with a DEFINITE PURPOSE, who he called his “Master Mind”.
GREAT POWER AND WEALTH CAN ONLY BE ACCUMULATED THROUGH THE “MASTER MIND” PRINCIPLE.
PLANS are useless without sufficient POWER to translate them into ACTION.
POWER is “organized and intelligently directed KNOWLEDGE” - or ORGANIZED EFFORT.
ORGANIZED EFFORT - the “Master Mind” - is the coordinated effort of two or more people who work in harmony toward the attainment of a DEFINITE AND MUTUAL GOAL.
Plans of large proportion require that you must, generally, induce other to cooperate, before you can inject into them the necessary element of POWER.
Source of “organized knowledge”:
1. CREATIVE IMAGINATION - your creative mind and that of others
2. ACCUMULATED EXPERIENCE - books, libraries, web, people
3. EXPERIMENT AND RESEARCH - gathering new data, etc
POWER must be mixed with FAITH.
It must be mixed with DESIRE.
It must be applied through a plan,
And that plan must be set into ACTION.
YOU MUST INDUCE PEOPLE TO COOPERATE IN A SPIRIT OF HARMONY TOWARD A COMMON GOAL.
YOU MUST CREATE YOUR MASTER MIND - YOUR TEAM AND ADVISORS.
SEX TRANSMUTATION
NO MAN IS HAPPY OR COMPLETE WITHOUT THE MODIFYING INFLUENCE OF THE RIGHT WOMAN - believe this or deprive yourself of the POWER which has done more to help men achieve success than ALL other forces COMBINED.
Keep in your mind that the primary objective in attaining your goal is to secure the long-term ability to have sex (get laid), even if that means pleasing your wife or girlfriend. The desire to have sex is one of the strongest human feelings. Using self-suggestion to trigger this feeling is a great help in goal attainment.
Enthusiasm is one of the most important requisites of selling ANYTHING - people who lack sex energy will never be enthusiastic.
There has never been a great leader, builder, or artist lacking in the driver force of sex.
Sex-energy is communicated through: hand-shake, tone of voice, posture, thought, body adornment.
MAGNETISM is the first requirement of a salesman.
SUB-CONSCIOUS MIND
Your subconscious mind works continuously, while you are awake AND asleep.
THOUGTS CREATE THEIR KIND - they will endeavor to create themselves in physical reality whether you want them to or not.
SENSE BUT AVOID THE NEGATIVE THOUGTS (know when you have them and discard or deal with them quickly!):
FEAR
JEALOUSY
HATRED
REVENGE
GREED
SUPERSTITION
ANGER
FOCUS ON AND SELF-SUGGEST THE POSITIVE AND MOST POWERFUL THOUGHTS:
DESIRE
FAITH
LOVE
SEX
ENTHUSIASM
ROMANCE
HOPE
SIXTH SENSE
The SIXTH SENSE is Infinite Intelligence.
The SIXTH SENSE is CREATIVE IMAGINATION - where ideas, plans, and thoughts "flash" into the mind. Where ideas and solutions (flashes, hunches, and inspirations) seem to come from nowhere.
The SIXTH SENSE comes closer than anything else to what appears to be a "miracle", but it is not.
The SIXTH SENSE, if developed is a guardian angel that will open the door to the Temple of Wisdom.
Understanding the SIXTH SENSE comes only from meditation and mind development from within. It is the mixture of the mental and the spiritual.
The SIXTH SENSE must be developed yourself. Techniques might be to create imaginary counselors (even with differing opinions!), imitating other people you admire, or making decisions you think some other successful person would do given a situation or obstacle.
OVERCOMING FEAR
Without a doubt, the most common weakness of all human beings is the habit of leaving thier minds open to the negative influence of other people
There are three ENEMIES you have to UNDERSTAND and ELIMINATE:
INDECISION
INDECESION is the seedling of FEAR. It crystalizes into DOUBT and then the two blend to become FEAR. This happens slowly without you even realizing or noticing it. Decisive action and positive thoughts keep the mind active and DOUBT from forming.
DOUBT
* Nature has endowed man with absolute control over but one thing, and that is THOUGHT *
IF YOU FAIL TO CONTROL YOUR OWN MIND, YOU MAY BE SURE YOU WILL CONTROL NOTHING ELSE
IF YOU WANT RICHES, YOU MUST REFUSE TO ACCEPT ANY CIRCUMSTANCE THAT LEADS TOWARD POVERTY
ALL THOUGHT HAS A TENDENCY TO CLOTHE INTSELF IN ITS PHYSICAL EQUIVALENT
FEAR
OF: poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love, old age, death
CRITICISM - The fear of criticism robs man of his initiative, destroys his power of imagination, limits his individuality, takes away his self-reliance, and does damage in many other ways.
OLD AGE - The truth is that man's most useful years, mentally and spiritually, are those between forty and sixty. People at this age should feel gratitude for having reached the age (lived long enough) of wisdom and understanding.
WORRY - Worry is a form of sustained FEAR caused by INDECISION and is therefore a STATE OF MIND which can be controlled by being DECISIVE or ACTING! Do not WORRY over conditions once you have reached a decision to follow a definite line of action.
WHETHER VOLUNTARY OR INVOLUNTARY - THOUGHTS EMMEDIATELY TRY TO TRANFORM INTO THEIR PHYSICAL EQUIVALENT
AVOID SUSCEPTIBILITY TO NEGATIVE INFLUENCES. Examine yourself carefully, to determine if you are susceptible to negative influences. If you NEGLECT this self-analysis, you will forfeit your right to attain the object of your desires.
HOW:
Recognize the fact that you, and every other human being, are, by nature, lazy, indifferent, and susceptible to all suggestions which harmonize with your weaknesses.
Set up habits for the purpose of counteracting all these fears.
Deliberately seek the company of people who influence you to THINK AND ACT FOR YOURSELF.
FAILURE
Have NO DOUBT: Both Ford and Edison thought for THEMSELVES, CONCEIVED, BELIEVED... and ACHIEVED (produced the desired outcome)
There is no such thing as CHANCE - CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY AND BACK IT WITH PERSISTENCE UNTIL YOU SUCCEED.
YOU EITHER CONTROL YOUR OWN MIND OR IT CONTROLS YOU. The most practical method is the habit of keeping it busy with a DEFINITE PURPOSE, backed by a DIFINITE PLAN.
IN CLOSING
"Life is a checkerboard, and the player opposite you is TIME. If you hesitate before moving, or neglect to move promptly, your men will be wiped off the board by TIME. You are playing against a partner who will not tolerate INDECISION!"
THE MASTER KEY
The Master Key is intangible, but it is powerful! It is the privilege of - creating (in your own mind), a BURNING DESIRE for a definite form of riches. There is no penalty for the use of the Key, but there is a price you must pay (if you don not use it). The price is FAILURE. There is a reward of stupendous proportions if you put the Key to use. It is the satisfaction that comes to all who CONQUER SELF AND FORCE LIFE TO PAY WHATEVER IS ASKED.
~~~ from Napoleon Hill's book Think and Grow Rich ~~~
As derived from his two volume set: The Law of Success - In Sixteen Lessons
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Master these sixteen forces or personal qualities and YOU MAY HAVE WHATEVER YOU WANT IN LIFE:
DEFINITE CHIEF AIM
HABIT OF SAVING
SELF CONFIDENCE
IMAGINATION
INITIATIVE
LEADERSHIP
ENTHUSIASM
SELF CONTROL
DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR
PLEASING PERSONALITY
ACCURATE THOUGHT
CONCENTRATION
CO-OPERATION
FAILURE
TOLERANCE
GOLDEN RULE
BUILD A BRAINTRUST (team or group of people to help you make good decisions)
- Edison's greatest strength -
THINK AND GROW RICH
By Napoleon Hill
Author of THE LAW OF SUCCESS philosophy
1938
This is a synopsis of the book Think and Grow Rich - teaching the famous Andrew Carnegie formula for money-making based upon proven steps to riches organized through 25 years of research, and the study of more than 500 men of great wealth.
[Brad - personal note:
WEALTH IS ECONOMIC FREEDOM
MONEY, LOVE and HEALTH are the most important things in life to me. While money doesn’t necessarily bring happiness, it allows you to live where and how you like - it enables freedom and power in one's life. I heard Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) say... Money is not the most important thing, but it affects EVERYTHING that IS important.]
DESIRE
All men become what they are because of their DOMINATING THOUGHTS AND DESIRES
Steps essential for building DESIRE and attainment of any definite goal:
1. Know specifically WHAT you want (DEFINITE PURPOSE)
Know the exact goal; eg. amount of money you desire.
2. Know what you will give in return.
3. Establish a target date
4. Create a plan and begin AT ONCE! even if not ready to take action on the plan
5. Write a clear concise statement of 1-4
6. Read it twice a day, when you awake and before going to sleep.
WHEN YOU READ, SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOU ALREADY HAVE IT!
ASK AND ANSWER - DO I HAVE A BURNING DESIRE? YES.
ASK AND ANSWER - WILL I SUCCEED? YES.
Have a BURNING DESIRE for (IT) so strongly that it will be easy to convince yourself that you will acquire it. To accumulate great riches, your mind must become so thoroughly saturated with the DESIRE for (IT), that you can see yourself in possession of it. You will never have (IT) unless you can create a white-heat of DESIRE for (IT) and actually/truthfully BELIEVE you will possess it.
EVERY GREAT LEADER FROM THE DAWN OF CIVILIZATION DOWN TO THE PRESENT WAS A DREAMER. If you do not see great riches in your imagination, you will never see them in your bank account.
DREAMS ARE THE SEEDLINGS OF REALITY.
A BURNING DESIRE TO BE AND TO DO is the starting point. You cannot be indifferent, lazy, or lack ambition.
DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT - WEAK DESIRES BRING WEAK RESULTS
FAITH and SELF-CONFIDENCE
FAITH IS THE STARTING POINT FOR ALL ACCUMULATION OF RICHES
ALL THOUGHTS WHICH HAVE BEEN EMOTIONALIZED (given feeling) AND MIXED WITH FAITH begin immediately to convert themselves into reality.
Your mind must be dominated by positive emotions - refuse to think about negative things.
FAITH IS A STATE OF MIND WHICH MAY BE INDUCED BY SELF-SUGGESTION
FAITH IS (THE) ANTIDOTE FOR FAILURE - but the MANTRA is...THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS FAILURE.
INFINITE INTELLIGENCE (creative genius) CAN ONLY BE ACCESSED THROUGH FAITH
Thoughts mixed with any of the feelings of emotions create a "magnetic" force that attracts other similar thoughts.
SELF-CONFIDENCE
YOUR GREATEST WEAKNESS IS LACK OF SELF-CONFIDENCE - this can be surmounted through self-suggestion. Throw off bad influences and build a life to ORDER. How? By writing, memorizing, and repeating, thereby PLANTING in your subconscious mind the SELF-CONFIDENCE FORMULA.
NOTHING AND NOBODY CAN INDUCE OR CONVINCE ME TO ACCEPT FAILURE AS A REALITY. EVERY FAILURE BRINGS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT SUCCESS.
SELF-CONFIDENCE FORMULA
1. I know I have the ability to achieve my objective of my Definite Purpose of life and I DEMAND of myself PERSISTENT, CONTINUOUS ACTION towards its attainment, and I here and NOW PROMISE to render such ACTION.
2. I realize my dominating thoughts will eventually induce physical action and produce physical reality, so I WILL CONCENTRATE FOR THIRTY MINUTES PER DAY on the person I intend to become creating a clear mental picture of that person.
3. I WILL DEVOTE TEN MINUTES PER DAY, DEMANDING the development of SELF-CONFIDENCE. I KNOW that this self-suggestion will eventually result in the attainment of my objective through some practical means.
4. I have clearly written down a description of my PRIME OBJECTIVE in life, and I will NEVER STOP TRYING, until I have sufficient self-confidence for its ATTAINMENT.
5. I will not engage in transactions which do not benefit all parties involved since the benefits derived from them do not last long. I will attract the forces I wish to use and the cooperation of other people. I will attract others to serve me because of my willingness to serve others and will endeavor to create harmony, cooperation, and positive attitudes in others because that breeds success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.
I will sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory, and repeat it aloud once a day, with full FAITH that it will gradually influence my THOUGHTS and ACTIONS so that I will become a self-reliant, and successful person.
"If you think you are beaten, you are,
If you think you dare not, you don't
If you like to win, but you think you can't,
It is almost certain you won't.
If you think you'll lose, you're lost
For out of the world we find,
Success begins with a fellow's will--
It's all in the state of mind.
If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've go to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!"
Somewhere in you there lies (sleeping), the seed of achievement, which if aroused and put into action, would carry you to heights, such as you may never have hoped to attain.
AUTO-SUGGESTION
THOU SHALT NOT COMPROMISE! DEMAND PROSPERITY.
Through self-suggestion you can DECEIVE your subconscious mind by giving it instructions. To create DECEIT, conduct yourself as if YOU ARE IN POSSESSION OF WHAT YOU ARE DEMANDING.
When visualizing the money you intend to accumulate, (with closed eyes), see yourself rendering the service, or delivering the merchandise you intend to give in return for this money.
AUTO-SUGGESTING THE SIX STEPS TO SUCCESS
FIRST
Repeat aloud with eyes closed in a quiet spot the amount of MONEY or GOAL, TARGET DATE, and SERVICE you intend to give. As you do, SEE YOURSELF ALREADY IN POSSESSION OF THE MONEY OR GOAL.
For example:
"By the first day of Jan., 2002, I will have in my possession $200,000, which will come to me in various amounts from time to time during the interim. In return for this money I will give the most efficient service of which I am capable, render the largest quantity and quality of service in the capacity of salesman of ..... (describe service or product). I believe I will have this money in my possession. My faith is so string that I can now see this money before my eyes. I can touch it with my hands. It is now awaiting transfer to me at this time, and in the proportion that I deliver the service I intend to render in return for it. I am awaiting a plan by which to accumulate this money, and I will follow that plan, when it is received."
SECOND
Repeat this program night and morning until you can see, (in your imagination) the money you intend to accumulate or goal you intend to achieve.
THIRD
Place a written copy of your statement where you can see it night and morning, and read it just before retiring, and upon arising until it has been memorized. Particularly remember to do this before sleeping as your subconscious will absorb and work on ideas while you sleep.
SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE
The accumulation of great fortunes calls for POWER, and power is acquired through highly organized and intelligently directed specialized knowledge, but that knowledge does not, necessarily, have to be in the possession of the man who accumulates the fortune.
Thomas Edison had only three months of "schooling" during his entire life!
Specialized Knowledge is plentiful and cheap - look at the payroll of a University.
Knowledge has no value except that which can be gained from its application to-ward some worthy end.
YOU NEED TO KNOW HOW TO PURCHASE KNOWLEDGE AND WHAT SORT OF SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE YOU REQUIRE.
YOU NEED TO ACQUIRE ACCURATE INFORMATION CONCERNING DEPENDABLE SOURCES OF KNOWLEDGE - through others, libraries, web, brain-trust (master-mind group), universities, etc.
IMAGINATION
MAN CAN CREATE ANYTHING WHICH HE CAN IMAGINE.
IDEAS ARE THE BEGINNING POINTS OF ALL FORTUNES
SYNTHETIC IMAGINATION - arranging old concepts, ideas, or plans into new combinations.
CREATEIVE IMAGINATION - faculty where "hunches" and "inspirations" comes from. All human basic, or new ideas come from here. It can be facilitated through interaction with others where an individual may "tune in" with the subconscious mind of others.
Riches, when they come in huge quantities, are never the result of HARD work! Riches come, if they come at all, in response to definite demands, based upon the application of definite principles, and not by chance or luck.
Ideas. First you give life and action and guidance to ideas, then they take on power of their own and sweep aside all opposition. Ideas are intangible forces, but they have more power than the physical brains that give birth to them.
ORGANIZED PLANNING
OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION
1. Take life seriously. You are engaged in an undertaking of MAJOR importance to you. To be SURE of SUCCESS, you MUST have PLANS which are FAULTLESS.
2. You MUST have the ADVANTAGE of the experience, education, native ability and imagination of OTHER MINDS. This is true of the methods of every person who has accumulated a great fortune.
NO INDIVIDUAL HAS SUFFICIENT EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, NATIVE ABILITY, AND KNOWLEDGE TO INSURE SUCCESS WITHOUT THE COOPERATION OF OTHER PEOPLE.
(a) Ally yourself with a sufficient group of people for the creation and execution of your plan, building your BRAINTRUST or MASTERMIND GROUP. This is absolutely essential.
(b) Before forming this group, decide what advantages and benefits (you) offer the individual members of your group, in return for their cooperation. What do you bring to the table?
(c) Arrange to meet with this group at least twice a week, and more if possible, until you have jointly perfected the necessary plan.
(d) Maintain PERFECT HARMONY with every member of the group - failure to do this will negate the purpose.
You may originate your own plans, in whole or in part, but SEE THAT THOSE PLANS ARE CHECKED AND APPROVED BY MEMBERS OF YOUR "BRAINTRUST" or "MASTERMIND GROUP".
NEVER FAIL TO REPLACE A PLAN THAT FAILS APPROVAL, OR TO WORK, WITH ONE THAT (DOES WORK) - the majority of men fail here because of their lack of PERSISTENCE.
NO man is ever whipped, until he QUITS - in his own mind.
MAJOR ATTRIBUTES OF LEADERSHIP
UNWAVERING COURAGE
SELF-CONTROL
A KEEN SENSE OF JUSTICE
DEFINITENESS OF DECISION
DEFINITENESS OF PLANS
THE HABIT OF DOING MORE THAN EXPECTED OR PAID FOR (the WOW! Factor)
A PLEASING PERSONALITY
SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING
WILLINGNESS TO ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY
COOPERATION - leadership calls for POWER and power calls for COOPERATION
10 MAJOR CAUSES OF LEADERSHIP FAILURE
INABILITY TO ORGANIZE DETAILS
UNWILLINGNESS TO RENDER HUMBLE SERVICE
EXPECTATION OF PAY FOR WHAT THEY "KNOW" INSTEAD OF WHAT THEY DO WITH THAT KNOWLEDGE
FEAR OF COMPETITION FROM FOLLOWERS (higher pay goes to who inspire others to perform)
LACK OF IMAGINATION
SELFISHNESS (men will work harder for recognition that for money)
INTEMPERANCE
DISLOYALTY
EMPHASIS OF THE "AUTHORITY" OF LEADERSHIP
EMPHASIS OF TITLE
When making PLANS and DECISIONS, STAY FOCUSED on the OBJECTIVE. It’s important to USE YOUR TIME WISELY - FOCUSED ON THE PLAN AND OBJECTIVE.
DECISION
THE VALUE OF A DECISION DEPENDS UPON THE COURAGE REQUIRED TO RENDER IT.
Fact - LACK OF DECISION is near the head of list of over 25,000 people studied, who experienced FAILURE.
Every one of several hundred millionaires studied had the HABIT of REACHING DECISIONS PROMPTLY, and of changing these decisions SLOWLY, if, and when they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, IF AT ALL, very slowly, and of changing these decisions quickly and often. Henry Ford had the habit of reaching decisions quickly and definitely and changing them slowly, practically to the point of obstinacy.
The majority of people who fail to accumulate money sufficient for their needs are generally easily influenced by the “opinions” of others.
If you are influenced by “opinions” when you reach DECISIONS, you will have no DESIRE of your own and you will not succeed.
Keep counsel with ONLY your “BrainTrust” or “MasterMind” group when you begin to put into practice the principles described here, by reaching your own decisions and following them and in selecting this group be VERY SURE you choose ONLY those who will be in COMPLETE SYMPATHY AND HARMONY WITH YOUR PURPOSE.
Avoid nay-sayers: Acquire necessary decision-making information from others without disclosing your purpose, then USE your own mind to reach your own decisions.
Beware the weak advice of people who do TOO MUCH talking and TOO LITTLE listening.
Keep YOUR eyes and ears wide open - and your mouth CLOSED, if you are to acquire the habit of prompt DECISION.
GENUINE WISDOM IS USUALLY CONSPICUOUS THROUGH MODESTY AND SILENCE. When you talk in the presence of a knowledgeable person, you show to them your exact stock of knowledge or LACK of it!
Deeds, not words, are what counts most.
Place the following where you will see it daily…
“TELL THE WORLD WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO, BUT FIRST SHOW IT”
Only by DECISIONS made in great FAITH , can men solve their personal problems, and win for themselves high estates of material and spiritual WEALTH.
DEFINITENESS OF DECISION ALWAYS REQUIRES COURAGE, sometimes very great courage.
The directions of ORGANIZED PLANNING will be USELESS to you unless you DEFINITELY DECIDE to ORGANIZE them in a PLAN OF ACTION.
You MUST NOW realize your capacity to reach quick and definite DECISIONS by beginning to put into ACTION the ideas of this writing.
PERSISTENCE
WITH PERSISTENCE WILL COME SUCCESS
LACK OF PERSISTENCE IS ONE OF THE MAJOR CAUSES OF FAILURE.
LACK OF PERSISTENCE IS A WEAKNESS COMMON TO THE MAJORITY OF MEN - but it can be overcome by EFFORT. The ease with which it is overcome is entirely dependant upon the INTENSITY OF YOUR DESIRE.
DESIRE IS THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT - keep this in mind.
The principles of this writing must be UNDERSTOOD and APPLIED WITH PERSISTENCE to succeed.
POWER OF WILL is the basis of PERSISTENCE.
WILL-POWER combined properly with DESIRE makes a POWERFUL FORCE.
Henry Ford was misunderstood as ruthless and cold-blooded because he PERSISTED to follow through with ALL his plans.
Most give up easy, at the first sign of opposition or failure - few carry on DESPITE all opposition, until they attain their goal. These few are the Fords, Carnegies, Rockefellers, and Edison’s.
CARBON IS TO STEEL WHAT “PERSISTENCE” IS TO MAN
The eagerness with which you START IMMEDIATELY to carry out the instructions (six steps above) will show how much, or how little you really DESIRE to SUCCEED. If you are indifferent, you do not have the sufficient “mind-set” which you MUST possess before you can be SURE of success.
If your PERSISTENCE is weak, concentrate on the cooperative efforts of your master-mind group. Also, focus on self-suggestion util your habit nature programs your subconscious mind a clear picture of your DESIRE or GOAL. From that point you will not be handicapped by a lack of persistence.
To get RESULTS, you MUST APPLY ALL THE RULES until their application becomes HABIT. Intermittent application of the rules will be of no value to you.
Without PERSISTENCE, you will be defeated, even before you start.
THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR PERSISTENCE
The hidden Guide lets no one SUCCEED without passing the PERSISTENCE TEST.
With PERSISTENCE comes a hidden gift - “EVERY FAILURE BRINGS WITH IT THE SEED OF AN EQUIVALENT ADVANTAGE”
THERE IS ONLY ONE KIND OF FAILURE OR DEFEAT - TEMPORARY!
SUCCESSFUL MEN ARE THOSE WHO APPLY THEIR DESIRES SO PERSISTENTLY THAT DEFEAT IS FINALLY CHANGED INTO VICTORY. The take the punishment of “defeat” as an urge to apply greater effort.
PERSISTENCE is a state of mind that can be cultivated by:
a. DEFINITENESS OF PURPOSE - knowing what you want
b. DESIRE - intense desire makes persistence easy
c. SELF-RELIANCE - believe in yourself to carry out a plan with persistence.
d. DEFINITENESS OF PLANS - even weak or impractical plans encourage persistence.
e. ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE - guessing instead of knowing destroys persistence.
Knowing plans are sound based on knowledge and experience encourages persistence.
f. CO-OPERATION - understanding and co-operation with others helps persistence
g. WILL-POWER - habit of concentration on goal plans, leads to persistence
h. HABIT - Persistence is the result of habit. Forced repetition cures fear.
IF YOU REALLY WISH TO KNOW WHO YOU ARE, AND WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF DOING, study the list of:
SYMPTOMS OF LACK of PERSISTENCE
1. Failure to clearly define exactly what you want.
2. Procrastination, with or without cause. (usually with a list of excuses/alibis)
3. Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge
4. Indecision and the habit of “passing the buck” instead of facing issues.
5. The habit of relying on alibis instead of definite plans for a solution.
6. Self-satisfaction. There is no hope for those who suffer from this.
7. Indifference and willingness to compromise rather than fight opposition.
8. The habit of blaming others and accepting bad circumstances as unavoidable.
9. WEAKNESS OF DESIRE due to neglect in choosing MOTIVES that impel action.
10. Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat (based on fear)
11. Lack of ORGANIZED PLANS, placed in writing where they may be analyzed.
12. The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp presented opportunities.
13. WISHING instead of WILLING
14. Settling for POVERTY and a general absence of ambition to be, to do, and to own.
15. Searching for short-cuts and trying to GET without GIVING a fair equivalent.
16. Sub- or conscious FEAR OF CRITICISM and failure to create plans because of this.
Four ESSENTIAL steps which lead to the HABIT OF PERSISTENCE and SUCCESS in ALL walks of life:
1. DEFINITE PURPOSE AND A BURNING DESIRE FOR ITS FULFILLMENT.
2. A DEFINITE PLAN, EXPRESSED IN CONTINUOUS ACTION.
3. A MIND CLOSED TIGHTLY AGAINST ALL NEGATIVE AND DISCOURAGING INFLUENCES.
4. A FRIENDLY ALLIANCE WITH PEOPLE WHO ENCOURAGE YOU TO FOLLOW THROUGH WITH BOTH PLAN AND PURPOSE
MASTER MIND (TEAM) POWER
Carnegie attributed his entire fortune to the POWER he accumulated by surrounding himself with a staff of 50 men, with a DEFINITE PURPOSE, who he called his “Master Mind”.
GREAT POWER AND WEALTH CAN ONLY BE ACCUMULATED THROUGH THE “MASTER MIND” PRINCIPLE.
PLANS are useless without sufficient POWER to translate them into ACTION.
POWER is “organized and intelligently directed KNOWLEDGE” - or ORGANIZED EFFORT.
ORGANIZED EFFORT - the “Master Mind” - is the coordinated effort of two or more people who work in harmony toward the attainment of a DEFINITE AND MUTUAL GOAL.
Plans of large proportion require that you must, generally, induce other to cooperate, before you can inject into them the necessary element of POWER.
Source of “organized knowledge”:
1. CREATIVE IMAGINATION - your creative mind and that of others
2. ACCUMULATED EXPERIENCE - books, libraries, web, people
3. EXPERIMENT AND RESEARCH - gathering new data, etc
POWER must be mixed with FAITH.
It must be mixed with DESIRE.
It must be applied through a plan,
And that plan must be set into ACTION.
YOU MUST INDUCE PEOPLE TO COOPERATE IN A SPIRIT OF HARMONY TOWARD A COMMON GOAL.
YOU MUST CREATE YOUR MASTER MIND - YOUR TEAM AND ADVISORS.
SEX TRANSMUTATION
NO MAN IS HAPPY OR COMPLETE WITHOUT THE MODIFYING INFLUENCE OF THE RIGHT WOMAN - believe this or deprive yourself of the POWER which has done more to help men achieve success than ALL other forces COMBINED.
Keep in your mind that the primary objective in attaining your goal is to secure the long-term ability to have sex (get laid), even if that means pleasing your wife or girlfriend. The desire to have sex is one of the strongest human feelings. Using self-suggestion to trigger this feeling is a great help in goal attainment.
Enthusiasm is one of the most important requisites of selling ANYTHING - people who lack sex energy will never be enthusiastic.
There has never been a great leader, builder, or artist lacking in the driver force of sex.
Sex-energy is communicated through: hand-shake, tone of voice, posture, thought, body adornment.
MAGNETISM is the first requirement of a salesman.
SUB-CONSCIOUS MIND
Your subconscious mind works continuously, while you are awake AND asleep.
THOUGTS CREATE THEIR KIND - they will endeavor to create themselves in physical reality whether you want them to or not.
SENSE BUT AVOID THE NEGATIVE THOUGTS (know when you have them and discard or deal with them quickly!):
FEAR
JEALOUSY
HATRED
REVENGE
GREED
SUPERSTITION
ANGER
FOCUS ON AND SELF-SUGGEST THE POSITIVE AND MOST POWERFUL THOUGHTS:
DESIRE
FAITH
LOVE
SEX
ENTHUSIASM
ROMANCE
HOPE
SIXTH SENSE
The SIXTH SENSE is Infinite Intelligence.
The SIXTH SENSE is CREATIVE IMAGINATION - where ideas, plans, and thoughts "flash" into the mind. Where ideas and solutions (flashes, hunches, and inspirations) seem to come from nowhere.
The SIXTH SENSE comes closer than anything else to what appears to be a "miracle", but it is not.
The SIXTH SENSE, if developed is a guardian angel that will open the door to the Temple of Wisdom.
Understanding the SIXTH SENSE comes only from meditation and mind development from within. It is the mixture of the mental and the spiritual.
The SIXTH SENSE must be developed yourself. Techniques might be to create imaginary counselors (even with differing opinions!), imitating other people you admire, or making decisions you think some other successful person would do given a situation or obstacle.
OVERCOMING FEAR
Without a doubt, the most common weakness of all human beings is the habit of leaving thier minds open to the negative influence of other people
There are three ENEMIES you have to UNDERSTAND and ELIMINATE:
INDECISION
INDECESION is the seedling of FEAR. It crystalizes into DOUBT and then the two blend to become FEAR. This happens slowly without you even realizing or noticing it. Decisive action and positive thoughts keep the mind active and DOUBT from forming.
DOUBT
* Nature has endowed man with absolute control over but one thing, and that is THOUGHT *
IF YOU FAIL TO CONTROL YOUR OWN MIND, YOU MAY BE SURE YOU WILL CONTROL NOTHING ELSE
IF YOU WANT RICHES, YOU MUST REFUSE TO ACCEPT ANY CIRCUMSTANCE THAT LEADS TOWARD POVERTY
ALL THOUGHT HAS A TENDENCY TO CLOTHE INTSELF IN ITS PHYSICAL EQUIVALENT
FEAR
OF: poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love, old age, death
CRITICISM - The fear of criticism robs man of his initiative, destroys his power of imagination, limits his individuality, takes away his self-reliance, and does damage in many other ways.
OLD AGE - The truth is that man's most useful years, mentally and spiritually, are those between forty and sixty. People at this age should feel gratitude for having reached the age (lived long enough) of wisdom and understanding.
WORRY - Worry is a form of sustained FEAR caused by INDECISION and is therefore a STATE OF MIND which can be controlled by being DECISIVE or ACTING! Do not WORRY over conditions once you have reached a decision to follow a definite line of action.
WHETHER VOLUNTARY OR INVOLUNTARY - THOUGHTS EMMEDIATELY TRY TO TRANFORM INTO THEIR PHYSICAL EQUIVALENT
AVOID SUSCEPTIBILITY TO NEGATIVE INFLUENCES. Examine yourself carefully, to determine if you are susceptible to negative influences. If you NEGLECT this self-analysis, you will forfeit your right to attain the object of your desires.
HOW:
Recognize the fact that you, and every other human being, are, by nature, lazy, indifferent, and susceptible to all suggestions which harmonize with your weaknesses.
Set up habits for the purpose of counteracting all these fears.
Deliberately seek the company of people who influence you to THINK AND ACT FOR YOURSELF.
FAILURE
Have NO DOUBT: Both Ford and Edison thought for THEMSELVES, CONCEIVED, BELIEVED... and ACHIEVED (produced the desired outcome)
There is no such thing as CHANCE - CREATE AN OPPORTUNITY AND BACK IT WITH PERSISTENCE UNTIL YOU SUCCEED.
YOU EITHER CONTROL YOUR OWN MIND OR IT CONTROLS YOU. The most practical method is the habit of keeping it busy with a DEFINITE PURPOSE, backed by a DIFINITE PLAN.
IN CLOSING
"Life is a checkerboard, and the player opposite you is TIME. If you hesitate before moving, or neglect to move promptly, your men will be wiped off the board by TIME. You are playing against a partner who will not tolerate INDECISION!"
THE MASTER KEY
The Master Key is intangible, but it is powerful! It is the privilege of - creating (in your own mind), a BURNING DESIRE for a definite form of riches. There is no penalty for the use of the Key, but there is a price you must pay (if you don not use it). The price is FAILURE. There is a reward of stupendous proportions if you put the Key to use. It is the satisfaction that comes to all who CONQUER SELF AND FORCE LIFE TO PAY WHATEVER IS ASKED.
~~~ from Napoleon Hill's book Think and Grow Rich ~~~
As derived from his two volume set: The Law of Success - In Sixteen Lessons
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Master these sixteen forces or personal qualities and YOU MAY HAVE WHATEVER YOU WANT IN LIFE:
DEFINITE CHIEF AIM
HABIT OF SAVING
SELF CONFIDENCE
IMAGINATION
INITIATIVE
LEADERSHIP
ENTHUSIASM
SELF CONTROL
DOING MORE THAN PAID FOR
PLEASING PERSONALITY
ACCURATE THOUGHT
CONCENTRATION
CO-OPERATION
FAILURE
TOLERANCE
GOLDEN RULE
BUILD A BRAINTRUST (team or group of people to help you make good decisions)
