Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

I first read this book in my early adult years. I think my parents purchased for me perhaps because they saw my obsession in money and creating riches. At that time the content struck me as new and very abstract. It was insightful and inspiring yet at times a little over my head. Life moved on and in most part so did the teachings of this book.

Think and Grow Rich is an all-time best seller and the principles it teaches about success in this book are in most part timeless. For those seeking riches in life this is a powerful read with practices that I believe will bring results if followed consistently and correctly. However, it is not only about money creation. I believe it can bring riches to all aspects of life.

The book is largely about mastering the Self. Napoleon writes that, “Self-mastery is the hardest job you’ll ever tackle. If you do not conquer Self, you will be conquered by Self.” He further suggests that we can be our best friend and worst enemy. When it comes to personal improvement, in my experience, I couldn’t agree more.

Self-mastery is about becoming the “master” of the one place that we have control over, the mind. It requires one to be the captain of their ship. To hold the reins and better direct the course of their life. It starts with the power of thought.

There are benefits to all that partake in a journey of Self-mastery not just those for seeking “riches.” The term has several meanings but for the purpose of this title I believe it really relates in the modern world as existing having an abundance of positive qualities in life.

Towards the end of the book there is a paragraph that put the icing on the cake for me. I believe sincerely that happiness is the ultimate measure of success and not happiness created by short-term pleasures that bring on a flow of happy chemicals that soon subside but deeper happiness. A contentment with life in every moment no matter the pleasantness or unpleasantness of the situation.

Here is that paragraph:

Your business in life is, presumably to achieve success. To be successful, you must fine peace of mind, acquire the material needs of life, and above all attain happiness. All of these evidences of success begin in the form of thought impulses.

This reinforces my belief that success really is happiness. Society has a twisted perception on what success means and I think it drives people on unhealthy journeys in life. Success should be driven by a desire to achieve ultimate happiness and happiness as it relates to the individual must be Self-defined.

The second component to that paragraph that summarises the overriding theory behind this body of work is that success arises from thought. And Napoleon nails it sharing this message beautifully. Discussing why it’s the birthplace of the greatness of our reality and how we can go about conjuring up better thoughts.

To conjure up powerful thoughts isn’t magically nor only able by a select few, the truth is that we all have the ability to enhance the quality of our thoughts and as we do enhance the quality of our lives.

The book is a step by step guide in creating the life you desire and it starts off with creating and connecting with desire. Napoleon describes this as the turning point of all achievement. For whatever you want in this life, for the state of being that we all wish to obtain – happiness, there has to be an undeniable and powerful desire.

Desires can be small, lowly intense and for that reason short lived. You might have a desire to eat a certain meal that when fulfilled is replaced by another desire. It is in our genetic disposition to continually pursue desires. Most are perceived as being able to raise the quality of our life.

Only the desire that are found to rise from a deep place within that connect to our why are sustainable and powerful enough to motivate us and drive us forward to its attainment. When such a connection internally doesn’t exist one may cancel any progress at first signs of difficulty or to pursue those opportunities that smell better. Both for which I know too well.

It all begins with desire. I think finding what your desire in life is part of the journey. For some it takes longer, for others it seems to be realised sooner. If you haven’t found that deep uncontrollable burning desire that isn’t a result of external influence, keep searching for it. This is the key to success and ultimate happiness.

Napoleon then works through the process of bringing the desire into reality. Sharing principles of auto-suggestion, faith and visualisation, imagination, planning, organising, making decisions and persistence. Some of the ideas and concepts may be a little unusual to the unfamiliar but when understood I am convinced will have powerful effects on the quality of one’s life.

This is a powerful read!

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If this book sounds of interest you can purchase Think and Grow Rich here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

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Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

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The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.

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