The Magic of Thinking Big - Chapter 01

The author opens the chapter by defining success and giving vivid examples of the symbols of success. He then differentiates between wishful and true belief. Quoting from the Bible, he alleges that with true faith, it's really possible to move mountains. And yet, in all my living days, I've never seen or heard of anyone actually move a mountain. Maybe with large earthmoving machinery, not his mere words. Unless of course we're talking about tough situations that feel immovable, as if they were a metaphorical mountain.

Upon reading further, it becomes apparent that the author is talking about a positive mental attitude, the attitude that let's you decide on a very clear goal you wish to achieve, then make plans to achieve that goal, and take the necessary action steps to make it happen.

At first he made it sound like he was talking about idle position thinking. But now that he's clarified that positive thinking leads to positive planning and positive action, his premise is beginning to make sense. First believe in the what, then the how will be made evident to you.

Just because you think positive doesn't mean you won't make mistakes. It doesn't mean that you should expect smooth sailing. You will face challenges like everybody else. You will be tempted to quit like everyone else. But you will be far better equipped to succeed than everyone else. It's kinda like that quote attributed to Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can or you think you can't, either way you're right."

Believing you can makes you resourceful, it makes you creative. Believing in yourself makes others believe in you too.

People tend to act in accordance with their beliefs. If you believe you can't, then your effort will be weak to reflect this belief. And if you really believe it's possible for you, then your actions reflect this belief, and you stand a better chance of success.

First challenge: take stock of your skills, experience and other resources. What makes you valuable? What makes you stand head and shoulders above everyone else? Where do you excel?

The author goes on to explain that your mind is a thought factory with two foremen in charge. One is Mr. Triumph, the other is Mr. Defeat. Mr. Triumph is in charge of manufacturing positive, empowering thoughts. He gives you all the reasons why you can and will succeed. On the other hand, Mr. Defeat produces negative, depreciating thoughts. He tells you why you can't.

It's like what Tony Robbins mentioned in one of his books.

If you want to strengthen a belief,

all have to do is find enough reasons to support said belief.

The more reasons and experiences you can think of as to why things will go well with you, why you can succeed, then your brain will go to work to bring you ideas for the accomplishment of your goals.

As far as possible, call upon Mr. Triumph to supply you with empowering thoughts. Starve Mr. Defeat to death. If you don't, he will kill all your dreams and beliefs, and will lead you to misery.

The first step towards tremendous success,

according to the author, is to believe in yourself.

 He gives us three ways to accomplish this unwavering belief:

1. Think success, don't think failure.

Belief you can win. Believe you can compete with the best and beat them. Let your dominant thought be, "I will succeed."

Success thoughts attract success. Failure thoughts attract failure.

2. Never sell yourself short.

Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think you are.

3. Believe big.

Big ideas and big plans are no more difficult

than small ideas and small plans.

The author also gives us three conditions

of a successful training program:

1. Tell you what to do.

2. Tell you how to do it.

3. Get you results.

Study the successful people around you.

How do they manage themselves?

How do they overcome obstacles?

What sets them apart from the ordinary?

Results don't happen without application.

So, it's not the program that gets you results. It's you!

Do what is required so you can have the results you want.

When you slip up, pick yourself up and try again.

The author closes the chapter with a challenge

to practice diligently what is taught in this book.

Measure results. Take corrective action.

Think of this as a scientific experiment in which you turn

your fortunes around, from average to super successful.