As a Man Thinketh by James Allen

As a Man Thinketh is a legendary book.  It is even touted by the most prominent personal development gurus in the world.

On this episode, I will share the quotes that stood out most for me,

and the thoughts these quotes aroused in my mind.

Understandably, you may have read the book and come to different conclusions than I did.  Feel free to share your perspective in the comments section below.

Here are some of the thoughts that stood out for me

as I was reading James Allen’s As a Man Thinketh:

In the opening paragraph James Allen writes, “A man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of all his thoughts.” The above sentence sums up the essence of book.  The main argument in the book, As a Man Thinketh, is that the actions you take (or fail to take) and the feelings you feel are a direct result of the thoughts taking place in your mind.  By extension, the results you experience reflect the outcome of your actions.

The thoughts you choose and hold in your mind are largely responsible for the person you have become… and the results you have obtained in your life so far.  If you are not happy with your current state of affairs, then it is within your power to change it for the better, by simply taking charge of the thoughts you allow to dwell in your mind.

There is a well-documented notion that Thoughts lead to Feelings; Feelings lead to Action; Action leads to Results; Results lead to Beliefs.  This pattern is continually taking place in every facet of your life.  Simple logic will tell you that positive thoughts will likely lead to positive feelings, which then lead to positive action, which leads to positive results.  These positive results enforce positive beliefs and increase your confidence.  Unfortunately, the opposite is also true: negative thoughts ultimately lead to negative results and thus weaken your resolve and your self-esteem.

James Allen compares man’s mind to a garden which may be “intelligently cultivated or allowed to run wild.”  Weeds always occupy a neglected plot of land.  It is up to you, then, to cultivate the garden of your mind intelligently, or to let the weeds run wild and take over your mental space.

 “Love (which is desire) and fear are the primary means by which man attracts circumstances to himself,” claims James Allen.  Your outer circumstances are a reflection of your innermost thoughts and feelings.  Good thoughts bear good fruit and bad thoughts bear bad fruit.

“Thoughts of fear, doubt and indecision crystallise into weak, unmanly, and irresolute habits, which solidify into circumstances of failure, poverty, and slavish dependence.”

The only cure for this miserable existence is the discovery of your purpose.  “A man should conceive of a legitimate purpose in his heart, and set out to accomplish it.  He should make this purpose the centralising point of his thoughts,” offers James Allen.

I must admit though, these feelings of fear will not be overcome overnight.  Strength can only be developed by effort and practice.  Patience and diligence are the key to mastering your thoughts.

 “As a man thinketh, so is he… as he continues to think, so he remains.”

You must realise that no one can change your condition but yourself.  In order to obtain any goal, you must intentionally direct your thoughts towards the attainment of said goal.  It is useful to think about, and plan how to tackle potential challenges along your path to fulfilment.  But you must not dwell on negative possibilities for too long.  As soon as you discover an imminent problem, devise a solution and start working on reaching your goals, rather than sticking your head in the sand hoping that the problem will miraculously disappear.

 “Desire is the father of all achievement.  Desire is a thought. 

The greatest achievement was at first, and for a time, only a dream.  The dream grew into a white heat of desire, an overwhelming obsession that could not be contained.  This intensity led to congruent action, which then produced the result – the achievement.  This is the path of the greatest accomplishments in history.  Attainment of a goal or desire, that which we call success, is a result of the thoughts that preceded the actions taken in order to reach the goal.”

As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he… by filling your mind with thoughts of success and happiness, you increase your chances that you will indeed attain the success you seek.

James Allen writes, “In all human affairs, there are efforts and there are results.  The strength of the efforts is the measure of the result.”  This is a subtle reminder that thought, by itself, without action, will not bring you success.  Thought is a solid foundation.

But you need to take action

and complete the rest of the steps to build a solid home.

“By thought, the thing you want is brought to you,

by action, you receive it.” 

Wallace Wattles.

Have you allowed the weeds of fear and doubt to take over the garden of your mind?  What will you do to remove them, and how will you prevent this from happening in the future?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.