How to Own Your Own Mind

by Napoleon Hill

First of all, let us have a clear understanding of the meaning of the term ‘Creative Vision’, as we are here using it, by explaining that this is not merely another name for imagination. It is the ability to recognise opportunities and take action to benefit from them.

Synthetic imagination consists of the act of combining recognised ideas, concepts, plans, facts and principles in new arrangements.

Creative imagination has its source, as far as science has been able to determine, in the subconscious mind, wherein exists, through some power unknown to science, the ability to perceive and interpret new ideas.

By his repetition of thought in connection with his problem, carried on over a long period of time, through thousands of experiments, Mr. Edison either consciously or unconsciously charged his subconscious mind with a clear picture of his problem, and, by some queer power which no one understands, his subconscious mind handed over to him the solution to his problem, in the form of a ‘hunch’ that caused him to think of the charcoal principle.

From this statement, we may draw the conclusion that the subconscious mind not only has the power to create the solution to problems, but it also has a means of forcing one to recognise the solution when it is presented to the conscious mind.

Obsessional desire is the state of mind which serves to clear the mind of fear and doubt and self-imposed limitations, thereby opening the way for that state of mind known as Faith.

He focussed his mind on it, through concentration of his interest, and made it the major occupant of his mind from day to day until this form of auto-suggestion penetrated his subconscious mind and registered a clear picture of his desire.

Because repetition of thought creates ‘thought habits’ in the mind which cause the mind to go right on working on an idea without one’s conscious effort.

One must recognise opportunity through Creative Vision, conceive how to capitalise on opportunity through Organised Thought, and control the mind’s activities and direct them to a given end with Controlled Attention. You will then own your own mind and be ready to take necessary action to achieve your goal.

THE HUMAN will can overcome any obstacle or any handicap, if a man has enough backbone to use it. THAT SECRET power from within, which has the answer to all problems, can be contacted through concentration of thought based on definiteness of purpose. WHEN THOMAS Jefferson decided to act, no unexpected obstacle could swerve him from his course; for he had considered carefully and well. YOU ARE the architect of your own career.—Frank Channing Haddock