You Can If You Think You Can

by Norman Vincent Peale

Very good condition. Clean no tears.

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Business, Personal Development, Inspirational, Spirituality

115 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1990

About the author

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale (1898–1993) was a minister and author (most notably of The Power of Positive Thinking) and a progenitor of the theory of "positive thinking".

Peale was born in Bowersville, Ohio. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School, Bellefontaine, Ohio. He has earned degrees at Ohio Wesleyan University (where he became a brother of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta) and Boston University School of Theology.

Raised as a Methodist and ordained as a Methodist minister in 1922, Peale changed his religious affiliation to the Reformed Church in America in 1932 and began a 52-year tenure as pastor of Marble Collegiate Church in Manhattan. During that time the church's membership grew from 600 to over 5000, and he became one of New York City's most famous preachers.

Reviews

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an atheist, and admit, I absolutely loved this book authored by a preacher. You can if you think you can is a message I think everyone should have emblazened on their wall, and after having doing so, they should read this book. It is very motivational with a plethora of motivational stories, such as that of Walt Disney. Before reading this marvelous book, I had no idea Walt Disney was living in an old, abandoned garage infested with rats, where he got the idea of Mickey Mouse, after being rejected time and time again. The book is full of amazing stories as this, and can change your way of thinking, which can consequently change your life. The advice in this book is spectacular. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

[Adam Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most motivating books I've ever read. Has the potential to change your life. I came into it not expecting much, just rhyming couplet, bumper sticker Christianity. I had far underestimated Peale's impact. Perhaps it's because I had seen Guideposts as being rather too simplistic and two-dimensional in the past. But I've had a mind-shift since the last time I read Guideposts, and I think I'm seeing Peale differently than I would have before. I used to be of the mistaken perspective that one must cultivate a cynical, fatalistic, and perhaps even nihilistic mindset in order to be considered a proper, open-minded, three-dimensional, intelligent person. However, Peale soundly dismisses that notion both explicitly and implicitly in this book, proving that the most intelligent and deepest mind is the one that takes life not with a grain of salt, but with a grain of sugar. This book is packed full of application and practical ways to change your mind to see life as bursting with opportunity and possibility. He also places much value, of course, in believing that all things are possible, and as you believe, your life will begin to flow toward achieving. But it's not "The Secret." Like I said, this is practical, faith-based stuff from the perspective that we deserve to be happy. You're not sending energy out into the universe and demanding the ether do what you desire. That's stupid. Rather, God is at the center of this. In fact, for all you fatalistic Christians (there are plenty of you, and I used to be one), Peale allows that sometimes your goals need to change. Sometimes the thing you thought you wanted is not the thing you really want. Sometimes it's not in God's plan. When that happens, shift your energy to working, striving, and praying toward the new goal. Don't pitch and moan about it. Do something. Peale shows you how. It all starts in the mind. If things aren't as bad as you think they are (they never are--think about it), then it stands to reason that perhaps things could be better than you ever dreamed. What's the best that could happen?

[Patti Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book many years ago and after reading this I felt like I could do anything. If anyone ever has a doubt in themselves, read this book! It's amazing!

[Abunoor Alfarsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

~ من خلال قراءتي لكتب التغيير والتطوير الشخصية، للمؤلفين الأمريكين العمالقة، كالمخاضر الأمريكي (زيج زيجلار)، والمحاضر (أنتوني روبنز)، وغيرهم.. كانوا كثيراً ما يـشيدون بالمحاضر الأمريكي (نورمان فينسنت بيل)، (١٨٩٨-١٩٩٣م)، وأنه أحد أهم الشخصيات التي تُساعد الفرد على التخلص من السلبية والإحباط، وتعويده على التفكير بإيجابية، ويُشيدون بأهم كتبه، والذي حاز على أعلى المبيعات، والذين عنوانه (قوة التفكير الإيجابي). فتشوقت لقراءة كتبه، حيث له أكثر من ٤٧ مؤلف، وبحثتُ عنها في المكتبات، ولكني لم أجد شيئاً. وقبل فترة بسيطة صادفت وجود هذا الكتاب (تستطيع إذا اعتقدت أنك تستطيع)، ووجدت أن الطبعة المترجمة العربية الأولى هي عام ٢٠١٦م من مكتبة جرير، وأن الكتاب صدر بلغته الإنجليزية عام ١٩٧٤م. ففرحتُ كثيراً واقتنيته.
وانتهيت من قراءته؛ فوجدتهُ من أروع الكتب التي قرأتها في مجال التنمية والتطوير الشخصي. يذكر لك خلال الكتاب أربعة عشر مبدءاً رئيسياً للنجاح، وللتفاؤل ونبذ السلبية، ويُدعم كل مبدأ بعشرات وعشرات القصص لشخصيات، استطاعت أن نُغير من طريقة تفكيرها، وتتبنى التوجه الإيجابي، وتثق بنفسها، وتدعو الله سبحانه أن يوفقها، وكلهم نالوا النجاح الذين يريدونه.
الكتاب يُخبرك بأنه أي بشر خلقه الله، أعطاه إمكانيات وقدرات في مجال معين، وعليه أن يعرف هذا المجال، ومن ثم يستثمره، ويتفاءل بأنهُ سيحقق ما يصبو إليه، والأهم في ذلك أن يدعو الله أن يحقق له ما يريد ولا يتكل على نفسه فقط.
الكتاب يُخبرك بأنك تستطيع أن تُغير من طريقة نظرك للأمور، وأن ترى جميع المشكلات التي صادفتك؛ أن بها جوانب إيجابية رائعة، وأنها فرصة رائعة لنموك وتطورك. فالمشكلات هي منح ربانية تُرى في الظاهر أنها مصائب، وفي جوهرها تحمل لك العديد من المفاجئات الجميلة؛ فقط متى ما غيرت طريقة نظرك إليها.
كتاب يستحق القراءة مرات ومرات، كتاب يُخبرك بأن ثقتك بنفسك وتوقعك للخير، ولجؤك لخالقك؛ هي نجاحك فيما تريد تحقيقه. ويُخبرك بأنّ عقلك إذا آمن بشيء؛ فسوف يُحققه بإذن الله.
فلا تتخلوا عن أحلامكم، وثقوا بأنفسكم بأنكم خُلقتم لعظائم الأمور، وأنكم تستطيعون أن تُحققون ما ترجون، إذا دعوتم ربكم واستعنتم به، ومن ثم ثقوا بأنفسكم. فالله لا يُخيب من يتوكل عليه ومن يجتهد اجتهاداً كبيراً. وتذكروا دائماً: (تستطيع؛ إذا اعتقدت أنك تستطيع).
دمتم بود.
أبو نور
16.06.2016

[Ayo Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't disappointed reading this book. It was worth every minute. The writing comes across as personalized and directed at you. The wealth of experiences and testimonies used to convey messages allow for a fast read without losing the message. Some readers may find the numerous encounters narrated distracting, but it really shouldn't be an issue.

Three take-homes with this one:

1) You can do anything with the right mental and attitudinal habits
2) There are infinite resources at your disposal if you will learn to tap into them
3) God is essential to maximizing life

Ayodeji Majekodunmi

[Pablo De Leon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book Turned my life around. Went from being such a negative to a positive person. I didn't realize how much of the way I thought in my mind had an effect on my behaviors, and the way I performed in sports.

I played professional baseball at the Double-AA level. Went from striking out a lot to becoming a consistent hitter.

Totally Recommend this book!

[Rick Yvanovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Didn't make much headway on the paperback so switched to the audio version and that was far more enjoyable! Lots of recurring themes in this book that I've read / learnt from others. What was enjoyable was that its by Dr Peale himself and I always like listening to the actual author as somehow and in this case it energises the book. although the messages are quite familiar I still found the book to be most uplifting and a great tonic whilst running to boost your confidence and strengthen your fortitude and remind you that you can if you think you can, such true words!

[Avel Rudenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Know. Think. Believe. The three principles addressed in this book that are elaborated and emphasized to a great breadth and, width, and depth. "You can if you think you can", though is thusly so important to feeling good now, and attracting all your life's dreams and desires and ultimately manifesting about the reality you have always been hoping for. Have faith, and remember "Quitters never win, and winners never quit." -Norman V. Peale

[Shona · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tangential and meandering, if this book had a point it was lost in an endless number of stories meant to convey something but which really just made the whole operation seem bloated.

Writing and though patterns are also outdated and show a clear lack of connection to modern world

[Mahmoud Feteh · Rating 5 out of 5]

كتاب روعة جدا،للتحفيز الذاتي وملهم

[Sharang Limaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quaint little book. The author admits right at the outset that he has nothing new to say. Still, the work is not without its plus points. YCIYTIC is basically a collection of anecdotes emphasizing Peale's philosophy of positive thinking. Its not sophisticated or backed by scientific research like present-day motivational books. The book's USP is Peale's sincerity. He clearly believes in what he preaches. The frequent references to religion and faith are a downer though.

[Morena Caleb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting insight. Great reading. Wonderful suggestions. All the characteristics of a well researched book. I learned many wonderful things that I can and will use to help fulfill my purpose and dreams in life.

[Luis · Rating 4 out of 5]

NVP will always lift your spirit. For those who "hate" self-help or 'personal growth' books it would be nothing but motivational lines, but the truth is you can find proof of what he says in your own life, over and over. Basics of life.

[Taghreed · Rating 5 out of 5]

الكتاب عن كيفية تعامل مع النفس و تثقيفه، عندما تفكر بالاخطاء والعجز .
الكاتب يسرد لك قصص عن أشخاص مرو بتجارب ويعطيك بعض النصائح لتحول تغير من نفسك وتفكير بشكل سليم و إيجابي رغم ضروف الذي واجهتها .
عموماً أنا استمتعت بقراءت الكتاب لأن اُسلوب الكاتب اكثر واقعيه وروحية .

[Joseph Salvatore Vitale · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you roseanne forever for this

[Ladyelenauk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the 90s and it's very inspiring and motivating. From time to time I browse through the pages I high-lighted for a quick boost. Great Writer.

[Simeon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and inspirational book, life changing and a welcome addition to my growing library.

[Lisa J Shultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become a fan of Norman Vincent Peale. Loved his stories interjected into each chapter to show the power of our thoughts, "You Can if You Think You Can"! It is really that simple!

[Crescent Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LIKE THIS~!!!!

[Honorable Azis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must have by Norman V Peale.

[Lamis Hosny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding book :) Enjoying every bit of the power of positive thinking.

[Veenus Kalra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best book i have ever read

[A. Macbeth reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can if you think you can because ultimately, as the Bible tell us, “The kingdom of God IS WITHIN YOU.” That is, All of God’s Power and Truth Is Built into you, through Jesus.
This book is a mild Bible study book, with on average one scripture quotation per chapter. So basically, this book does not get outdated.

[Supriya Verma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most motivating book. Goes right by its title. Inspiring messages for daily living.Realistic, practical answers to the hundreds of problems we face from day to day. Focuses on the power of positive thinking.
A very powerful book teaching a very powerful aspect.

[Boghean Daniela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am rămas cu multe gânduri bune după ea, și pe unele am început să le dezvolt deja!

[Vladimir Salcedo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Has some good gems spread throughout that make it worth reading.

[Brenda Magana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great ideas, long drawn out and repeated a lot

[GreyAtlas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book more than I expected. I did some more research, and upon seeing the controversies surrounding the author, including close relations with infamous conman and criminal, Donald Trump, I almost felt like giving lower stars, but I did like this book so I will stand by 4.

Though not the solution to life, and shallow in its reasoning, it does offer sound advice. I wish it had resonated more with me, but it was so focused on what Peale thinks YOU can do, and what HE has done for others. The personal narratives were light and did not offer profound thought.

Overall, a good read to encourage and motivate. But, not exactly life changing. Did not leave a strong *oomf* feeling like the works of Tolstoy or Ayn Rand, but was a lighthearted push in the right direction.

[Nousheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good in the sense that it had the potential to awaken the dormant will or power inside you to do something.I loved the way the writer incorporated some real life stories with his way of explanation. Then again, at some parts I did feel it was a bit dragged. The book does the good to you in the sense of triggering you willpower. So I ended up giving it 4 stars. Moreover, I read the book at a library so the book reading kinda vibe and getting into the book, I feel got increased a lot. Overall, I really liked this book.

[Connie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this growing up, probably why I always have liked self help type books. I've read a couple of Peale's books, and enjoyed them, and they have helped me realize that anything is possible, and nothing is as bad as it seems.