How to Own Your Own Mind (The Mental Dynamite Series)

by Napoleon Hill

Motive is the beginning of all desires.

Success had the reverse effect on them to that which it should have had. It caused them to begin thinking they should be paid for what they knew instead of that which they did, or induced others to do. This is a mistake which is fatal to many who make a good start toward success, but slow down when they come within sight of it.

THE mind within itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven. —JOHN MILTON

Accurate thinkers permit no one to do their thinking for them. They ascertain the sources of such facts as they desire and make wise use of the sources for their guidance.

self-discipline and organized thinking are almost synonymous terms. There can be no organized thinking without strict self-discipline, for after all, organized thought is nothing but carefully chosen thought.

The principle of combining theory with practice applies the same to salesmanship as to the building of bridges, or anything else. The principle is fundamental. Therefore it is an essential part of organized thinking. A man does not become an able lawyer, or dentist, or doctor by merely acquiring a degree in these professions. He becomes able by applying the theory he learns in school, in the practical field of experience, and in no other way. There is no school that equals the good old University of Experience, and this is one school in which “cribbing” is not possible.

There is but one major reason for this, and I can state it in one sentence, lack of definiteness of purpose! Most people drift through life, accepting whatever they can get without drawing on the forces of their minds. Lack of a Definite Major Purpose is the most deadly form of self-limitation.

You see, when a man charges his mind with this sort of an obsession, his subconscious mind takes over his obsession and aids him in translating it into its physical or financial equivalent.

the wise man never wastes his time with anyone from whom he cannot acquire benefits or to whom he cannot contribute something worthwhile in one form or another. Personal associations are important, because everyone acquires something of the philosophy, the personality, and the mental attitude of those with whom he associates closely.

As a last resort I might have disassociated myself from my associate until he learned the error of his ways, then have made a new alliance with him.

“The trouble with most people,” he continued, “is that they quit before they start.”

“In all my experience,” Mr. Edison said, “I do not recall ever having found the solution to any problem connected with invention through my first effort, with the exception of the talking machine. And one of the most surprising of all things is the fact that when I have discovered that for which I am searching, I generally find that the answer was within my reach all the time, but nothing but persistence and a will to win would have uncovered it.”

“The longer I live, the more deeply I am convinced that that which makes the difference between one man and another—between the weak and the powerful, the great and the insignificant—is energy, invincible determination, a purpose once formed and then death or victory.”

“Great minds have purposes, others have wishes. Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortune; but great minds rise above them.”

The jack-of-all-trades usually is good at none!