I’ve been reading a true classic of inspirational literature, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill. Although written half a century ago, it’s basic message is completely timeless. He tells us that if we want to accomplish something, we have to follow a very simple process:
- Be very clear and explicit about what we want
- Not just want this, but believe fervently that we will get it
- Create a plan to achieve this
- Find a set of people who can provide support
- Persistently work towards this goal
- Success will come!
Along the way he reminds us that imagination and faith are key elements here. Above all, you need to be very sure of your goals, dead certain that you will accomplish them, and never ever give up. He also warns that you can’t be vague about what you desire, nor half-hearted in your pursuit of it. If you can do all those things, you’ll go very far.
There’s also a lot of interestingly prescient content about business. Written at a time when marketing was just becoming formalized, he recommends people to right very nice resumes, almost like advertising brochures. In business he thinks the key is to focus on delivering the very best service to customers. He’s also sure that the ad guys are having a hard time switching from newspapers to radio. (Hmmmm….. where have he heard that before?)
But this notion of not letting anyone or anything make you waver in your steadfast pursuit of your dreams is very inspiring.
It is indeed a very inspiring message, to persist. Unfortunately, it’s not one that’s heard too much in an era where there’s this “everybody deserves a trophy” mentality.
This is why many people of all ages are very lost today. They’ve heard repeatedly false rah-rah motivational talk like “You can do anything you set your mind to.” No, there are some people who will reject you and your ideas. Where do we get any training in how to handle rejection, from turning it around to rejecting the rejection?