About The Author
In 1937, Napoleon Hill wrote a classic self-help book, “Think and Grow Rich,” which is among the best-selling self-help books of all time and is his most famous work. All his life’s work has been spent explaining the missing links to achieving success. So one could rightly say he is an authority in the field of success worth listening to.
Hill stated that a 1908 assignment to interview a businessman and philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, had been a pivotal moment in his life. Carnegie was one of the most influential figures in the world at the time. His discussion with Carnegie is well captured in this summary. Get book here
A wise man once said, “If a man has continuous and consistent results, it will be foolish not to listen to him”.
Chapter 1 Intro
It is said that all achievements and all earned riches have their beginning in an idea. I have come to realize that ideas don’t come to just anyone; they come to a ready mind.
In this write-up, I will be sharing with you an inspiring and instructive summary, chapter by chapter, and if you stay through to the end, you will get my bonus tips on utmost values.
I can assure you that success comes to those who become success conscious. So sustain that mindset as I walk you through this book by a great mind and thinker, Napoleon Hill.
Chap 2 Desire
According to Napoleon Hill, desire is the starting point of all achievement. It is the first step towards success, the fuel that drives us towards our goals and the key to unlocking our full potential.
Without desire, we lack the motivation and determination necessary to pursue our dreams and overcome the obstacles that stand in our way.
Desire is more than just a wish or a dream; it is a burning passion that consumes us and propels us forward. It is the force that inspires us to take action, push ourselves beyond our limits and never give up, no matter how difficult the road may be.
One thing you should remember as you desire a financial increase, to grow in fitness(healthwise), to have a better relationship, to grow spiritually, all these must be backed up with a well-crafted plan by which to attain that desire.
But how can one actually turn that desire into a workable plan? Here is the exciting part. We will go through the step-by-step approach to that:
- Know what you want: A great revolutionary leader, Jesus of Nazareth, saw a blind man calling out to him for help. On turning to the man, he what his desire was, and the man replied: “I want to see”. So I will ask you: what do you desire? It should not be vague, but tangible and measurable.
- Determine what exactly you will give or sacrifice in return for that desire. As the popular say, “there is no reaping without first sowing”.
- Establish a definite date when you intend to possess that desire. Note: There is no unachievable desire; there can only be unachievable deadlines. So set achievable deadlines but don’t become complacent- that’s the risk.
- Create a definite plan to carry out the desire at once. Procrastination is not just bad; it spreads like cancer. Be the first to get alerted on the next article on our top 5 tricks in handling procrastination. Sign up now: click here.
- Write it down. Brian Tracy(author of the best-selling book: no excuses) also hinted at this.
- Revisit it once or twice daily. This keeps your mind busy searching out ways to achieve it.
To cultivate a strong desire, we must first identify our goals and be clear about what we want to achieve. We must then commit ourselves fully to the pursuit of those goals, with unwavering faith and belief in our ability to succeed. This leads us to the next chapter..
Chapter 3 Faith
“The subconscious mind will translate into reality a thought driven by fear, just as readily as it will translate into reality a thought driven by courage or faith.”
Faith is the fuel that powers every result we see amongst influencers. It is a state of mind that allows a person to harness the power of their subconscious mind to achieve their goals. He defines faith as “the eternal elixir which gives life, power, and action to the impulse of thought.”
The only restrictions on the mind are those we recognize. All “miracles” and mysteries that defy the laws of science have their roots in faith. Make a commitment to resist the impacts of any unfavorable surroundings and to create an orderly existence for yourself.
Faith can be linked to repeatedly practicing positive emotions, and this is vital. Any idea, plan, or desire placed in the mind via repetition of thoughts and faith is already a done deal. Faith is like the wiring needed to light the mind. Faith strengthens self-confidence. You can check out my article here on research from experts like Brian Tracy and John Maxwell’s counsel on how to build superb self-confidence.
Chapter 4 Autosuggestion
Autosuggestion is the process of influencing one’s subconscious mind by using positive affirmations or suggestions that are repeatedly impressed upon it. It’s a known fact and belief that the subconscious mind is responsible for shaping an individual’s thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours.
Through the use of autosuggestion, one can reprogram their subconscious mind to align with their desired outcomes and goals.
This process involves tapping into the power of the subconscious mind to create positive change and can be a powerful tool for achieving success and personal growth.
It’s a proven study that every dominant thought permitted into the conscious mind via the 5 senses will reach the subconscious mind and eventually influence initiatives. Autosuggestion is God’s gift to man, giving him the option of sowing creative seed into his mind or ignoring it, in which case a destructive seed will grow on it by default.
For instance, I told myself that I wanted to become a content creator in early 2022. Though fearful then, I kept telling myself that until I began envisioning myself as one. What this did to me was teach me to be expectant and alert because the subconscious mind will hand over the plan for that desire and it can come as a flash or inspiration via one of the 5 senses.
This is the place one must be careful: to respect and act upon it quickly. This is what produces the result—following through with the plan.
Chap 5 Specialized Knowledge
This involves personal experiences and observations gained through reading, seminars, and courses.
However, we must beware of the fallacy that knowledge alone is power or equals success. We must understand that knowledge is only potential power or success.
Knowledge will never attract money unless it’s organized and intelligently guided via workable plans and actions.
You must realize that specialized knowledge doesn’t work alone. It needs imagination in order to produce the needed success, and this leads us to our next point.
Chapter 6 Imagination
This is simply the workshop of the mind.
“First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination”. — Napoleon Hill
Imagination can be broken into two parts:
- Synthetic: This faculty works with old concepts, ideas, plans, experiences or materials and arranges them into new concepts. Nothing is actually created.
- Creative: This faculty is described as receiving direct communication with infinite intelligence.
However, let’s note the correlation between the two: The creative is the means through which fresh ideas & inspiration are received, and it functions at its zenith only when the conscious mind is working at a rapid rate.
This rapid rate can only be sponsored by strong desire, and strong desire is stirred by those synthetic forms—the old ideas/concepts, experiences/materials.
So, the two are in a significant relationship. It’s important to note that this creative imagination becomes more alert with use.
Chap 7. Organized Planning
“Knowledge will not attract money unless it is organized, and intelligently directed, through practical plans of action, to the definite end of accumulation of money.”
— Napoleon Hill
Organized planning Not just planning is what brings you to the zenith. It can be said to be the tool for the crystallization of desire into action.
Temporal defeat while on a plan doesn’t mean the desire is unattainable; it’s only an indicator that there is something wrong with the plan.
So, real and practical planners like Myles Munroe would say, “If a plan is not working, change it”. We must learn to rebuild our plan while being careful not to do so unnecessarily or always.
However, I have noticed how difficult it can be to craft a plan. Many thoughts going on in one’s mind trying to resist that move. This we will be looking into next.
Chap 8. Decision
“Successful people make decisions quickly (as soon as all the facts are available) and change them very slowly (if ever). Unsuccessful people make decisions very slowly, and change them often and quickly” —-Napoleon Hill
Friends, I have come to realize that decision-making is a skill that, when mastered, is the real antidote to procrastination. Making decisions is the key to talking less and doing more.
It’s worth noting that decisions are best made on the basis of available facts and information. This you may not readily have and might need to reach out to acquire it.
But this is the point at which you ought to be alert and wise.
Experts say that this is the point where the fire of desire can be reduced or even snuffed out—when trying to reach out.
It’s like a double-edged sword; it can either sharpen you or kill the desire.
Finding a way to get the needed facts or information (necessary to make that decision) without exposing the purpose is preferable.
Those who reach decisions promptly and definitely know what they want generally get it. So avoid being influenced by the opinions of others when you try reaching out. Everyone will always have an opinion. This is why you need a mastermind group, which will be discussed in the coming chapters. Generally, know what you want,t and you will know what counsel to take.
Chap 9 Persistence
“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” —Napoleon Hill
Persistence is the sustained effort necessary to induce faith. Lack of persistence is a weakness common to many, but the ease with which it may be conquered depends entirely upon the intensity of one’s desire.
Weak desire = weak result. Applying these rules occasionally won’t produce the needed result. It must be applied continuously until it becomes a habit.
To kill that mental inertia that wants to hold you back, start slowly at first and be persistent, then increase your speed until you gain complete control over your will.
Persistence is a state of mind and can be cultivated via:
- Desire
- Self-reliance (developed via autosuggestion)
- Definite plans
- Accurate knowledge
- Cooperation with others(don’t be a lone ranger)
- Will power
- Build habits (fear is conquered by positive habits)
Chap 10 Power of the Mastermind
“The Master Mind principle: Two or more people actively engaged in the pursuit of a definite purpose with a positive mental attitude, constitute an unbeatable force.” –Napoleon Hill
Recall that we had concluded that power is defined as organized and intelligently-directed knowledge, which could be synthetic or creative, as earlier explained. Now, “masterminding” is defined as the coordination of knowledge and efforts in the spirit of harmony between two or more people geared towards a definite purpose.
A mastermind group is a gathering of individuals who come together to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences with the goal of supporting one another in achieving their goals.
Hill believed that a mastermind group was essential to success, as it allowed individuals to tap into the collective intelligence and resources of the group. He cited examples of successful individuals who were part of mastermind groups, including Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie.
According to Hill, a mastermind group should consist of between two and six individuals who are committed to supporting one another in achieving their goals. Members should be selected based on their skills, knowledge, and experience, and should be willing to contribute to the group in a positive and constructive manner.
Through regular meetings, members of a mastermind group can share their ideas, provide feedback and support, and hold each other accountable for their progress towards their goals. This collective effort and focus on achieving success can be a powerful tool in helping individuals overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Chap 11 Mystery of sex transmutation
Napoleon Hill, in his book “Think and Grow Rich,” discusses the concept of sexual transmutation as a powerful tool for success. Sex transmutation refers to the process of channelling sexual energy towards productive endeavours.
According to Hill, sexual energy is the most potent creative force in the universe. When this energy is transmuted into a focused, constructive goal, it can help individuals achieve extraordinary success in all areas of life.
Hill believed that successful individuals throughout history, from Leonardo da Vinci to Thomas Edison, practised sex transmutation to achieve their goals. By sublimating their sexual desires and channelling that energy into their work, they were able to achieve extraordinary success.
However, Hill also emphasized that sex transmutation is not about repressing or denying sexual desires. Rather, it is about harnessing that energy and using it to fuel personal growth and success.
To practice sex transmutation, Hill recommended several techniques, including meditation, visualization, and positive affirmations. By focusing on positive, productive goals, individuals can tap into the power of their sexual energy and use it to achieve success in all areas of life.
Overall, Hill’s concept of sex transmutation is a powerful tool for personal and professional success. By harnessing the creative energy of our sexuality, we can unlock our full potential and achieve extraordinary success in every aspect of our lives.
Chap 12 The subconscious mind
It is believed that the subconscious mind plays a crucial role in shaping our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours, and ultimately determines our success or failure in life.
Hill argued that the subconscious mind is like a powerful tool that can be trained and directed to achieve our goals. By filling our minds with positive thoughts and affirmations, we can reprogram our subconscious to work towards our desired outcomes.
Hill also believed that the subconscious mind is highly receptive to suggestion, and can be influenced by the thoughts and actions of others. Therefore, it is important to surround ourselves with positive, supportive people who can help us achieve our goals.
To tap into the power of the subconscious mind, Hill recommended several techniques, including visualization, positive affirmations, and goal-setting. By setting clear, specific goals and visualizing ourselves achieving them, we can train our subconscious to work toward those outcomes.
Chap 13 The Brain
Hill emphasized the crucial role that the brain plays in achieving success. Hill believed that the brain is the most powerful tool we have and that it can be trained to achieve any goal.
According to Hill, the brain is capable of infinite growth and development. By using our minds to focus on specific goals and visualizing success, we can create new neural pathways that help us achieve those goals.
Hill also emphasized the importance of positive thinking in training the brain. By focusing on positive thoughts and beliefs, we can reprogram our minds to work for us rather than against us.
Furthermore, Hill believed that the brain operates on the principle of the Law of Attraction. This law states that we attract into our lives whatever we focus on and give our energy to. Therefore, by focusing on positive thoughts and beliefs, we can attract success and abundance into our lives.
The teachings on the brain emphasize the power of the mind in achieving success. By training our brains to focus on positive thoughts and beliefs, we can create new neural pathways that help us achieve our goals and attract success into our lives.
Chap 14 The sixth sense
The sixth sense, according to Hill, is an intuitive faculty that allows individuals to tap into their subconscious minds and access a higher level of consciousness.
Hill believed that successful individuals throughout history possessed a strong sixth sense, which allowed them to make intuitive decisions, solve problems, and achieve their goals with ease. He argued that the sixth sense is a natural ability that can be developed and harnessed by anyone who is willing to work at it.
To develop the sixth sense, Hill recommended several techniques, including meditation, visualization, and positive affirmations. By quieting the mind and focusing on positive, productive thoughts, individuals can access their subconscious minds and tap into their intuition.
Hill also emphasized the importance of having an open mind and being receptive to new ideas and opportunities. He believed that individuals with a strong sixth sense were able to recognize and seize opportunities that others overlooked, giving them a competitive advantage in business and in life.
Chap 15 How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear
“Take Inventory of Yourself, As You Read This Closing Chapter, and to find out how many of the “ghosts” are standing in your way”.
Here, Hill identifies the six basic fears that can hold individuals back from achieving success. These fears are poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of love, old age, and death.
Hill believed that these fears could be conquered by developing a positive mental attitude and taking action towards achieving our goals. He outlined several strategies for outwitting these “six ghosts of fear.”
The first step is to recognize the specific fears that are holding us back. By identifying and acknowledging our fears, we can begin to develop strategies for overcoming them.
Next, Hill recommends developing a positive mental attitude by focusing on our strengths and achievements, rather than dwelling on our fears and weaknesses. This can be done through daily affirmations, visualization, and surrounding ourselves with positive influences.
Another strategy is to take action towards achieving our goals, even in the face of fear. By breaking down our goals into smaller, manageable steps, we can build momentum and confidence in our ability to succeed.
Hill also recommends seeking out the advice and support of others who have successfully overcome similar fears. By learning from their experiences and strategies, we can gain valuable insights and inspiration for our own journey.
Get the full book here
Here is an amazing reality: It would interest you to know that a Man, Og Mandino, was on the verge of committing suicide when he read the book, “Think and grow rich”. Today, he is one of the best seller authors. Check out his best-seller book summary, “The greatest salesman”. Click here
That’s a wrap. Sign up free today for weekly updates of the latest book summaries.
Like and share.
