The Secret to Success
The secret to success is simple, but you’ll need to read this article to uncover it! The book that inspired me isn’t a novel. It’s a book meant to be studied, digested, and meditated upon. Strangely enough, I found many of my own thoughts echoed within its pages. Anyway, I assure you, it’s worth your time.
What do you desire the most? Is it money, fame, power, contentment, personality, peace of mind, or happiness?
Many argue that money is essential for freedom of body and mind, while others believe that the greatest riches lie in lasting friendships, harmonious family relationships, or understanding between business partners. Oh, when I was young, I wished for it all.
So, the question is, what are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your deepest desires? As Napoleon Hill said, there is no such thing as something for nothing. The price, though, in this case, is far less than its value.
All achievements start with an idea and a desire to make it real. But be careful; success is possible only if you choose a definite purpose and stand by it until it becomes an all-consuming obsession, like a bulldog’s determination. Only this kind of persistence will bring you the opportunities you seek.
What you need to understand is that opportunities often disguise themselves, slipping in through the back door. They may appear as misfortune or temporary defeat or come from an unexpected direction. This is why many fail to recognize them. I made this mistake myself, as many others likely have. One instance I will never forget is when I was offered a very good price to sell my first company. Believing I had everything, I did nothing and missed a unique, one-time opportunity. Life is strange and unpredictable. I’ve learned that both successes and failures stem from simple experiences.
How do you turn failure into stepping stones for opportunity?
I used to think that money only comes to those who work tirelessly for long hours. But when you stop and reflect, you’ll see that wealth starts with a mindset. As Napoleon Hill wisely said, success comes to those who are success-conscious, while failure visits those who let themselves become failure-conscious. Another challenge people often face is the habit of measuring everything and everyone by their own perceptions and beliefs. I’ve met many who envy others’ achievements, attributing them to luck, genius, or good fortune. So, how do you shift your mindset from failure to success consciousness?
Desire
The starting point of all achievements.
In the beginning, your desire might start as a simple wish. But remember, wishing alone won’t turn dreams into reality. If you choose a specific goal and pour all your energy, power, and effort into it, your dream can become a reality. You must hold on to your desire until it becomes your life’s obsession, backed by relentless persistence that refuses to acknowledge failure. This kind of commitment often means burning all bridges behind you, which is alright because it will propel you forward.
Every human being who reaches the age of understanding of the purpose of money, wishes for it.
It’s easier said than done, isn’t it? Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire, or whatever goal you wish to achieve. Be clear about what you’re willing to give in return for it. Create a plan, and whether you’re ready or not, put that plan into action. Write it down and read it every night before bed and every morning when you wake up. As recommended by Thomas A. Edison, these steps will help you understand that a certain amount of dreaming, hoping, wishing, desiring, and planning is necessary before reaching your goals. Dreams are not born from indifference, laziness, or lack of ambition.
The key to success is knowing what you want. If you’re afraid of new ideas, you’re doomed before you start. Don’t let anyone make you ignore the dreamer within. Beethoven was deaf, Milton was blind, yet their names endure because they dreamed and turned those dreams into organized thoughts. Remember Columbus? He dreamed of an unknown world, risked his life on its existence, and discovered it. Or think of Henry Ford, who dreamed of a horseless carriage, and now look at what Ford became.
Success requires no explanation
Failure permits no alibis
There is a difference between wishing for something and being ready to receive it. You must believe in it. A strong desire acknowledges no word like “impossible” and accepts no such reality as failure.
Faith
The state of mind induced by auto-suggestion.
How often have you heard advice to “have faith” in something? Probably quite a few times. But have you ever been shown how to truly cultivate that faith?
Your belief is what guides your subconscious mind’s actions. Think of it like this: if you repeatedly tell yourself something that isn’t true, you’ll eventually start to believe it. Similarly, if you let fear, doubt, and disbelief fill your mind, you’ll limit yourself. However, if you use repetition positively, it can shape your thoughts and actions to help you become more self-reliant and successful. Having faith removes limitations. Remember this when you’re ready to bargain with life for whatever it’s that you ask in return.
Auto-suggestion
Let’s talk about auto-suggestion, a tool we all have from birth. This tool can either be a great ally or a formidable adversary, depending on how we use it. The key to harnessing its power is unwavering persistence.
Think about the role of emotions in your life. Are you aware of how they shape your thoughts and actions? Emotions—both positive and negative—rule most people’s lives. Positive emotions like desire, faith, love, enthusiasm, romance, and hope can uplift and motivate you. On the flip side, negative emotions like fear, jealousy, hatred, revenge, greed, superstition, and anger can hold you back. The thing is, positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. Take that into consideration when giving instructions to your subconscious mind.
Auto-suggestion is a powerful tool that, if used wisely, can bring about great changes in your life. However, it can also be risky if mismanaged. The secret lies in knowing that you can influence your own mind. If you believe you can achieve something, you’ll find a way to make it happen, no matter how tough it seems. If you try and fail, make another effort, and then another, until you succeed.
Mind control is the result of self-discipline and habit. You either control your mind or it controls you. Keep it busy with a definite purpose backed by a definite plan. Without this control, nothing is possible.
Specialized knowledge
Knowledge comes in two forms: general and specialized. While general knowledge has its value, it’s like having raw potential. It’s only when you turn that knowledge into specific plans and focus it towards a clear goal that it becomes truly powerful. Many educational institutions fall short in teaching students how to effectively use their knowledge after they acquire it.
To succeed, you need specialized knowledge related to the service or profession you’re pursuing. If you lack this expertise, find reliable sources to acquire it. While returning to school is a great option if you have the time and resources, it’s not always the quickest path. Often, you can gain valuable knowledge from the experiences and teachings of others, books, or reputable articles. Though these resources might not seem impressive since they are free, they can be incredibly useful.
Never stop learning. Otherwise, you will forever be doomed to mediocrity.
If you struggle to gain specialized knowledge on your own, consider partnering with someone who possesses it. By aligning yourself with knowledgeable individuals, you can benefit from their intelligence and experience. The key is to know how to harness and direct this collective knowledge effectively. If you have ambition, this approach can be a powerful motivator
Here’s a bit of advice for those of you who have just graduated and are about to start your careers. I understand how challenging it can be to land a job after school, but remember, starting at the very bottom is not always the best approach. While it might seem wise to begin at the lowest level and work your way up, this can often lead to a tedious and underpaid position that takes years to overcome.
Instead, consider crafting a well-thought-out job application that allows you to start a few steps higher. Take some time to determine what unique value you can offer to a potential employer. This might involve gathering information and developing a strong plan, which could take days or even weeks. Companies are always on the lookout for individuals who bring something valuable to the table—be it innovative ideas, useful services, or valuable connections. Keep in mind that the quality and quantity of what you offer, along with the attitude you bring to your work, will influence how you are valued and how long you stay employed.
Remember, the core of it all is the idea. Specialized knowledge can be found all around us, but it’s imagination that makes the difference. So, it’s wise to learn how to acquire and use knowledge effectively, and understand that thoughtful planning can help you rise above humble beginnings.
Imagination
The workshop of the mind
Think of imagination as the workshop of your mind, where you shape, mold, and bring ideas to life. There are two kinds of imagination: Synthetic and Creative. Synthetic imagination helps you rearrange what you already know, combining old ideas in new ways. It’s like putting together a puzzle with pieces you already have. But Creative Imagination is where the magic really happens. It’s the source of those flashes of inspiration, those gut feelings that lead you to new possibilities. This kind of imagination is especially powerful in business, though not everyone is naturally gifted with it.
Our minds thrive on stimulation, things like music, love, and even more intense experiences. For instance, the energy of love can elevate our thinking to extraordinary levels, while the misuse of other forces can lead us astray. Remember, love is one of life’s greatest experiences.
If you find your imagination isn’t as active as you’d like, don’t be discouraged. Like any muscle, it strengthens with practice. Keep nurturing both your synthetic and creative imagination, and you’ll find them becoming sharper and more effective over time.
Organized Planning
Smart planning is crucial for achieving any form of success. Sadly, many people drift through life without reaching their goals. Napoleon Hill’s research reveals that there are thirty major reasons why people fail and thirty principles that lead to success. We’ll delve into these details later, but remember this: thoughtful planning is the key to unlocking your potential and achieving your dreams.
Let’s keep moving forward by surrounding yourself with as many knowledgeable people as you can. None of us have all the education or experience we need on our own, so it’s wise to tap into the knowledge and creativity of others. Choose those who approach failure with resilience rather than fear. Remember, before seeking their help, think about what you can offer in return. No one will work with you indefinitely without some form of compensation.
In life, there are two kinds of people: leaders and followers. It’s up to you to choose which path you want to take. If you have unyielding courage, self-discipline, a sharp sense of fairness, the knack for making clear decisions and plans, the habit of going above and beyond what’s expected, a friendly demeanour, empathy, attention to detail, and a willingness to take full responsibility, then you have what it takes to be a leader. If you find you don’t quite fit this description, don’t worry, there’s no shame in being a follower. Remember, no matter which role you choose, achieving success requires effort and commitment.
Money without brains, is always dangerous.
The surest way to succeed is by offering valuable service to others. We’re lucky to live in a land brimming with opportunities. Decide what you want, craft a solid plan, and take action with unwavering persistence. To ensure success, your plans must be flawless, practical and achievable. Share them with your trusted partners and be ready to adjust if needed. If your first plan doesn’t work out, don’t see it as failure; it’s simply a sign that you need to refine your approach. Remember, your goals should match the value of the service you provide. Wanting more money is one thing, but being truly worth more is another. Strive to ensure that you are worth more than what you receive.
Decision
The Mastery of Procrastination
Many people who struggle or fail often let themselves be swayed by the opinions of others. They rely too much on gossip, the latest headlines, or even well-meaning friends and family, rather than thinking for themselves. Remember, you have a brain, so use it to make your own decisions.
If you need to gather information, do so discreetly and keep your goals to yourself. There’s no satisfaction in watching others act on your plans before you do. Avoid those who talk more than they listen, they often lack real knowledge but will try to convince you otherwise. Instead, trust your own judgment and stay focused on your own path.
Tell the world what you intend to do, but first show it.
Making decisions is a task that demands courage, sometimes a great deal of it. Almost always, making significant decisions involves taking considerable risks. Success comes to those who dare to expect, plan, and assertively pursue their goals. People who have achieved great things share a common trait: they make decisions swiftly and adjust them only gradually if needed. If you find yourself making decisions slowly and frequently changing them, it might be a sign that you’re still figuring out what you truly want.
Persistence
The Power of Will
Many bright and capable people stumble because they lack persistence. This vital trait helps you keep going, even when things get tough. So, remember, it’s okay if you start slowly. The key is to stick with it. Your unwavering effort will eventually lead you to the goals you’re striving for.
Do you truly understand who you are and what you’re capable of? Take a moment to reflect and see where you might need to grow. If you’re not achieving what you want, it might be because you haven’t clearly defined your goals or you tend to come up with endless excuses. And that’s not all: self-satisfaction, indifference, blaming others, quitting at the first hurdle, wishing instead of taking action, looking for shortcuts, and failing to plan are all barriers to success. If persistence is lacking, seek out supportive allies who will encourage you to stay committed to your plans and goals. You might be surprised at what you can achieve when necessity drives you forward.
How else can you develop persistence? There are four simple steps: first, have a clear purpose and a strong, burning desire to achieve it. Second, create a specific plan and stick to it with consistent action. Third, keep your mind resilient and don’t let negative influences from relatives, friends, or acquaintances deter you. Finally, surround yourself with supportive allies who encourage you.
No matter how good your plans might be, they are useless without sufficient power to translate them in action. This power must be mixed with faith, it must be mixed with desire, it must be mixed with persistence, it must be applied through a plan, and that plan must be set in action. It’s called the thinking process.
Remember, life is like a checkerboard, and you are playing against a partner who will not tolerate indecision, the time.
