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The 'secret' in Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich"

by bnorton2010
36 replies
Think and Grow Rich is an incredible book. I think that anyone who desires to be extremely successful should read it over and over again, because it's important that your subconscious mind absorbs the underlying concepts.

The most profound realization that the book gave me was this:

Achievement of any goal must be preceded by a burning desire for its attainment and unfailing belief in your ability to attain it.

Why is this so profound? So many people are concerned with "how" to achieve success. But Napoleon Hill along with many other people explain clearly that the how is not nearly as important as the "why". It's the why that gives you the burning desire, and it's the burning desire that gives you the belief required to go take action. Therefore, your focus should be on cultivating a burning desire, not on the actions you need to take. The necessary actions will result naturally when you create a burning desire for something.

Personally, I've seen far greater results in my life from simply focusing on thinking the right thoughts rather than focusing on strategies and tactics. I believe that success is purely a mindset. Actions are secondary and not really important because no action can occur without a preceding thought.

Think the right thoughts and the right actions will ensue.

What do you think?
#napoleon hill #personal develoment #success 101 #the secret #think and grow rich
  • Profile picture of the author Arina
    You're right, actions are the consequences of our thinking. In order to be successful you need to invest 80% of your resources (time, money, efforts) into your way of thinking changing your mindset, your core beliefs, your attitudes.

    Actions will happen as a result of your attitude shift.
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    • Profile picture of the author slingingshot15
      I agree but at the end of the day it is mostly about action. If we never take any action our lives will never get any better
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      • Profile picture of the author bnorton2010
        Originally Posted by slingingshot15 View Post

        I agree but at the end of the day it is mostly about action. If we never take any action our lives will never get any better
        Of course the action is necessary, but the point I was trying to make is that you don't need to think about the actions when you have a strong desire for something because your desire will force you to take the necessary actions. In my opinion, 99% of focus should be on thoughts, because thoughts come before action always.
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  • Profile picture of the author DWaters
    It is really a combination of two things - the right attitude and thoughts will / can lead you to take the proper actions. One without the other will not do much for you.
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  • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
    Exactly, here are the steps:

    1. Release blockages: meditation, letting go, relaxing, resting, releasing of pain, fear, anger and greed

    2. Establish high vibration: intentions, goals, desired outcomes. Allowing of joy, wellness, prosperity and feeling good

    3. Only then comes right action, and it will come effortlessly if done in this order.

    People usually start out thinking action will create circumstances that will create good feeling and relieve suffering, but that is exactly opposite of what works.
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    • Profile picture of the author bnorton2010
      Originally Posted by dndoseller View Post

      Exactly, here are the steps:

      1. Release blockages: meditation, letting go, relaxing, resting, releasing of pain, fear, anger and greed

      2. Establish high vibration: intentions, goals, desired outcomes. Allowing of joy, wellness, prosperity and feeling good

      3. Only then comes right action, and it will come effortlessly if done in this order.

      People usually start out thinking action will create circumstances that will create good feeling and relieve suffering, but that is exactly opposite of what works.
      Perfect. I agree. I wish more people knew this.
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      • Profile picture of the author dndoseller
        Originally Posted by bnorton2010 View Post

        Perfect. I agree. I wish more people knew this.
        Also important to note... once you start to establish that new high vibration though focus on what you want, low vibrations still continual come up.

        Until the high vibration is completely practiced, and your mind is completely trained in it... there is a mix.

        The key is to know that the existence of a mix of low/high internal vibration (and the mixed external manifestations of this) is NOT an indication of failure. Its just part of the process of moving from one mental space to another. You have to be patient with yourself and just keep practicing the new focus no matter what.

        What you focus on and will always eventually and inevitably manifest. Its just there is a time lag of making your mind completely absorbed in the new thoughts / focus.

        Beginner LOA mistake is like:

        I have no money for bills - low vibe feels bad
        I want a million dollars - high vibe feels fun and good which is great
        Where is my million dollars - low lack vibe which feel bad
        I guess law of attraction does not work - still stuck in low lack vibe
        I need to get back to my job and stop fooling myself - now stuck in worse low lack vibe
        Life is actually hard and it is a dog eat dog world - getting into depression
        Whats the point, how am I going to get through this month and why is life so darn hard - fear, overwhelm and anger, etc... in a potentially never ending downward spiral -

        Scary stuff and will manifest continued lack

        More Practiced LOA:

        I have no money for bills - low vibe feels bad
        I want a million dollars - high vibe feels fun and good which is great
        Where is my million dollars - low lack vibe which feel bad
        It takes time, I'll keep focusing on my million - feels better
        A million dollars is maybe possible - high vibe feels fun and good which is great
        Where is my million dollars - low lack vibe which feel bad
        It takes time, I'll keep focusing on my million - feels better
        I want a million dollars - high vibe feels fun and good which is great
        Hey I started a small online business I am passionate about - feels exciting
        It takes time, I'll keep focusing on my million - feels better
        Other people like me have made a million - high vibe feels fun and good which is great
        So then where is my million dollars? - low lack vibe which feel bad
        At least I love to think of all the things I can buy with my million - feels fun and better
        I'll keep focusing on my million because its just really fun - feels even better
        I really enjoy being the kind of person that focuses on wealth and giving - feels great
        Focusing on making a million has really opened my mind up to the vast potential of the world - feels incredible
        I am breaking down mental barriers that I never knew I had, I am becoming more and more aware of limiting beliefs that I can let go forever and transform into a new person - feels transcendent
        I am starting to realize how incredibly wealthy I already am. Each morning I have a fresh start, a beautiful world, food in the fridge, hot water, family, friends, music, love and the chance to contribute to the higher energy of all living things. In fact when I write down everything I appreciate in life I am in awe of how long the list is - feels amazing.

        etc... in a never ending upward spiral

        This line of thinking will inevitably manifest wealth and true well being. Just be patient, keep focus, stay open and never close off your heart.

        You need to believe that whatever you focus on will eventually and inevitably manifest. That is the key. Once you know that you will spend every spare minute you have focusing on what you want.

        If you are frustrated or mad, you are focusing on the lack of what you want. If you are having fun and feel excited then you are on the right track.

        This is all Abraham-Hicks LOA combined with "Untethered Soul" practice.
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      • Profile picture of the author Wizardofwisdom
        Originally Posted by bnorton2010 View Post

        Perfect. I agree. I wish more people knew this.
        Me too! It's why I keep writing books and self help programs. It's a great and very important message. Thanks for highlighting it.
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    • Profile picture of the author art72
      Originally Posted by dndoseller View Post

      Exactly, here are the steps:

      1. Release blockages: meditation, letting go, relaxing, resting, releasing of pain, fear, anger and greed

      2. Establish high vibration: intentions, goals, desired outcomes. Allowing of joy, wellness, prosperity and feeling good

      3. Only then comes right action, and it will come effortlessly if done in this order.

      People usually start out thinking action will create circumstances that will create good feeling and relieve suffering, but that is exactly opposite of what works.
      I agree, it starts with 'quieting ones mind'.

      Back in my early teens, I was one of those who got sick and tired of people attempting to 'have all the answers' - when in reality, they were all just as blind as the rest of us.

      Without getting into great detail, I was taught the practice of meditation by a therapist appointed to me in an 'expensive' drug rehabilitation program I attended at age 16.

      Though I didn't know it then, that practice has significantly enhanced my intelligence, understanding, and ability to appreciate the greater mysteries of our being.

      Through several 'meditational journeys' (*call them out-of-body experiences, astral traveling, or what you will) - I sincerely believe we possess the ability to "Tap-In" to a higher source of intelligence.

      Napoleon Hill, amongst several other accredit their success, special talents, gifts, skills, inventions, predictions, and insights to that which has been called many, many things... (i.e. God, Akashic Records, Alien Intelligence, Spirtual Guidance, etc...) and though it may seem impractical to some, I believe such ability to attain knowledge can indeed be achieved through meditation practices.

      Hence, if one learns to 'quiet their mind' - remove the pollutants of all the overwhelming external influences they acquired by virtue of human ignorance, it all starts to make perfect sense.

      At the end of the day, we all must stand accountable for our actions, and the results that follow.

      Thus, if you pursue 'positive' mental messages (*which I've yet to master, lol) - you increase the output 'energy' to receive 'messages' in accordance to the applied thought.

      The 'tricky' part is being able to filter through that which may appear negative to find the positive, and harmonize the results to be acceptable to the outcome you seek.

      As they say; "Careful what you wish for... you might just get it!"

      In my opinion, sitting around talking about helping others find solutions, and actually helping others find the solutions may be the same 'in thought' - but in practice, they are far from one in the same.

      Therefore, bridging the gaps between ones 'spirit' and ones 'reality' can be an exhausting journey.

      Not all of us can simply rely on 'realist theories' - I for one, am more inclined to believe we are far more capable and intelligent to rely solely on that which our 5 senses can grasp, but rather, enjoy exploring the infinite possibilities so many dismiss, as they cannot lay hold upon the true source.

      Lastly, Napoleon admits; (forgive the Led Zeppelin swipe here); to having sat with elders of a gentle race. *And I don't mean those among the living!
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    • Profile picture of the author Old-Man-Of-Hoy
      Originally Posted by dndoseller View Post

      Exactly, here are the steps:

      1. Release blockages: meditation, letting go, relaxing, resting, releasing of pain, fear, anger and greed

      2. Establish high vibration: intentions, goals, desired outcomes. Allowing of joy, wellness, prosperity and feeling good

      3. Only then comes right action, and it will come effortlessly if done in this order.

      People usually start out thinking action will create circumstances that will create good feeling and relieve suffering, but that is exactly opposite of what works.
      This is very true. Thanks for cramming up volumes of LOA books in a neat nutshell.
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  • Profile picture of the author David Black 68
    The 'Law of Attraction' as discussed in films like 'The Secret' has got taken out of proportion. People think success will just land at their feet.
    I'm sure that truly believing in getting what you want helps to focus the mind, however,
    if I sit in a locked room all day visualizing my new life style, do you know what I'll get?
    Sweet FA, so to speak, unless I actually get out there and focus on doing something constructive.
    Sure, believe you can do it, but then you must get on and do it, and keep doing it..
    Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author bnorton2010
      I understand what you're saying David. It's not magic. But if I sit in a room visualizing my future all day every day, you know what will happen? I'll be so excited about it that I will have no choice but to eventually take action.
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    • Profile picture of the author AlexD79
      Originally Posted by David Black 68 View Post

      The 'Law of Attraction' as discussed in films like 'The Secret' has got taken out of proportion. People think success will just land at their feet.
      I'm sure that truly believing in getting what you want helps to focus the mind, however,
      if I sit in a locked room all day visualizing my new life style, do you know what I'll get?
      Sweet FA, so to speak, unless I actually get out there and focus on doing something constructive.
      Sure, believe you can do it, but then you must get on and do it, and keep doing it..
      Good luck.
      That is actually the whole point: Inspired Action.

      You are right, but I have yet to hear that people want to watch things happen to success.

      Everyday we are inspired. Do we follow the inspiration, or do we think that it couldn't possibly be the inspiration we were waiting for since that is far too far out of our comfort zone? These are, in my opinion, what everyone should do.
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      • Profile picture of the author Gec
        Originally Posted by AlexD79 View Post

        That is actually the whole point: Inspired Action.
        Aye aye :-). That's the whole point.

        "Taking action" that's forced and done "because it has to be done" rarely (if ever) works.

        Taking the inspired actions gets us there, and quickly too.

        One "inspired action" which may only take minutes to execute does more for our goals than years of "just action".
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  • Profile picture of the author montozza
    don't like napoleon hill and all those "easy psychology" writers. it is like "if today is raining, dont you worry, tomorrow will be sunny day...and even if tomorrow is not a sunny day, it surely will be the day after tomorrow..or the day after, or the day after...don't know when, but you will see the sunny day, i can guarantee you"

    if you are not persistent in what you are doing and you don't have a passion...if you are not serious and you are constantly in a lack of focus -then there is no book which can help you.

    on the other side, if you have all that...then you don't need motivational books.

    the greatest motivation comes inside. you don't need these kind of books to find something you already have inside yourselves

    i hope nobody's gonna be mad at me because i just said my opinion. peace.
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    • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
      Originally Posted by montozza View Post


      if you are not persistent in what you are doing and you don't have a passion...if you are not serious and you are constantly in a lack of focus -then there is no book which can help you.

      on the other side, if you have all that...then you don't need motivational books.

      the greatest motivation comes inside. you don't need these kind of books to find something you already have inside yourselves

      i hope nobody's gonna be mad at me because i just said my opinion. peace.
      Don't know if you realize it, but essentially, this is the message in Napoleon Hill's book. Peace.
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      • Profile picture of the author wrr954
        Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

        Don't know if you realize it, but essentially, this is the message in Napoleon Hill's book. Peace.
        Exactly! This guy should read the book before passing judgment!
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      • Profile picture of the author Vahagn Aris
        Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

        Don't know if you realize it, but essentially, this is the message in Napoleon Hill's book. Peace.
        Agree with you! As he says, he didn't even read the book
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      • Profile picture of the author Young Financier
        Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

        Don't know if you realize it, but essentially, this is the message in Napoleon Hill's book. Peace.
        Exactly....
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  • Profile picture of the author WorldIR
    i like this book... it changes my mindset totally
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  • Profile picture of the author wrr954
    That is the point of the book OP. You get it
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  • Profile picture of the author shire
    I purchased a copy of "Think and Grow Rich" along with W. Clement Stone's "Believe and Achieve" (who partnered with Napoleon Hill in his later years) a few months ago. After reading and getting a better understanding of the material plus linking it with other books on law of attraction and personal growth, it certainly provides some timeless principles to create a better quality of life.

    Just last night I was rereading the introduction and chapter one The Power of Thought - thinking about the secret mentioned in the intro, I casually looked at front cover and noticed the copy I have shows "think and grow" in gold font and "rich" in red font - then had one those aha moments "when you change how you Think and perceive things you Grow in knowledge / wisdom making you Rich in ideas, how to's, people to connect with", especially when you learn from your past failures (3 feet from gold story).

    The books formula ties in well with Tony Robbins rapid planning method I learned about recently which boils down to a way of thinking = define your what (desired result) + your why (reasons to do it) then figure out how to (brainstorm various strategies - adapt as required to get desired result).

    cheers,
    David
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    Some people have a natural burning desire and nothing can stop them except for death itself. A very small part of the population.

    Either you have it or you don't.

    I don't think that you can just cultivate it if it isn't 'in' you.

    Most people who thought they failed but really quit before they started seeing the results that they thought they wanted, didn't really want it that bad.

    People who are semi comfortable in life already, won't usually stick to their guns.

    It all depends on what you're willing to settle for!
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  • Profile picture of the author bnorton2010
    I guess that "burning desire" is naturally in some of us for certain reasons. Being comfortable in your current situation, as good as it sounds, is not a good place to be if you want to be successful. In my case, it took me sinking into the depths of depression before I finally got "fed up" and decided to make a change. I look back on it and that really was the turning point in my life. I made the decision then and never looked back.

    So I guess some people naturally have the drive that it takes to succeed, while others gain it through seemingly negative circumstances. That drive has stuck with me to this day, and honestly, I wouldn't be where I'm at today if it wasn't for the extreme lows I experienced. To this day, I'm thankful for every one of my struggles and no longer view them as something negative. If you haven't struggled much, then you're really at a disadvantage I think. I know it's made all the difference for me.
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  • Profile picture of the author vinness
    and because of this post, I'll be buying this book this weekend! Thanks for the recommendation.
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  • Profile picture of the author WPcrew
    I haven't read this book yet, but it's on my list. Few days ago I finished "The monk who sold his Ferrari" (great!), and "Think and grow rich" is mentioned there with few others. Glad to see people are talking about it here
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    • Profile picture of the author talfighel
      This is the first book I have ever read.

      There are so many small gold nuggets that you can get from there.

      Originally Posted by WPcrew View Post

      I haven't read this book yet, but it's on my list. Few days ago I finished "The monk who sold his Ferrari" (great!), and "Think and grow rich" is mentioned there with few others. Glad to see people are talking about it here
      Get it as soon as possible. This is the best of the best.
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  • Profile picture of the author coop47
    I will read that book AGAIN. Thanks.
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  • Profile picture of the author Aurelijus
    Change Your: Thoughts > Actions > Habits > Character > Life
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  • Profile picture of the author SamOne
    I remember when I picked up that book.. it said that the secret was mentioned many times, and that most people wouldn't get it.. I found it on Page 2 and never read through haha.
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    • Profile picture of the author hill91
      The law of attraction,,,
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  • Profile picture of the author Jintoci
    Completely agree! Understanding our why and obsessing over it will put the proper pieces in place. Too many people, me included, spend way too much time focusing on how we're going to get things done or over consumption of knowledge. That is always my biggest challenge. Too much consumption of knowledge can create confusion and lack of direction. We have to let go of our fears for taking action and actually let our failures guide us. For me the obsession with learning was just fear masking itself to avoid taking action.

    Think and Grow Rich is just a great book that every business person should read and listen to multiple times throughout their lives. Every sales person I hire gets a copy...
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  • Profile picture of the author Dain Supero
    Faith and desire + organized effort = success.

    Simple and beautifully effective message. No need to complicate it.
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  • Profile picture of the author hypwoman
    Ultimately yes, we do attract what we think about....

    If we think the right thoughts, we will attract more of the right thoughts and more and more. We absolutely have to change our habitual and repetitive way of thinking which is for most people 95% of the thoughts we think and they can tend to lean more on the negative side.

    I believe that ultimately those thoughts will change our emotions and we will also attract better resources, be it people, strategies, ideas ... It's true ... We do spend too much time trying to dream up the how ... But the how will be much more in our grasp when we release our mind from the burden of over thinking, which is sort of an addiction for a lot of people.

    Spend the time thinking about the end result and do things that make you feel good ... Take action on your intuition when presented ... And never chase money ... Do work you love and money will come. You need to have a passion for what you are doing and know why you are doing it because ultimately you will while away lots of hours of your time doing this thing so it needs to be something you absolutely love.
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  • Profile picture of the author objectiveman
    Napoleon Hill said it in Think and Grow Rich more than a few times. It is this:

    The only thing you have control over is your thoughts.
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  • Profile picture of the author bnorton2010
    Repetition is the key. This thought just came to me:

    Most people have spent the majority of their lives repeating negative and limiting thoughts to themselves over and over again. Consider someone who is say, 30 years old, and they've repeated something like "I'm not smart enough to succeed" over and over for almost 30 years. Let's say they've said it (out loud or in their head) a total of 5,000 times. After the thousandth time or so, their subconscious mind was probably totally accepting of this thought and it became a belief. The 4,000 subsequent times they repeated the statement just reinforced this belief deeper into their mind.

    So, in order for them to change that belief, one might assume that they would have to repeat a contrasting, positive statement a minimum of 5,000 times. However, in this case, the first 4,000 repetitions would be to overcome the reinforcement of the old belief. Every one thereafter would be to reinforce the new belief. Overcoming our old programming is the first priority and the most difficult part of the process usually, since most of us have spent so much time reinforcing beliefs that don't serve us.

    I know the process is much more complicated than this, but just as an analogy, this goes to show that installing new beliefs takes considerable discipline and effort. Affirmations are powerful, but many people do not use them long enough to see results. For me, it took about 2 years of consistent study and repetition of positive statements to overcome my severe depression and become the incredibly happy and joyous person I am today.

    Making positive thinking a habit is powerful, and habits are created through repetition, so start consciously choosing to think positive thoughts every singe day no matter what.
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