Think and Grow Rich (Napoleon Hill) - Chapter 05:

In this chapter, Hill points out that there are two kinds of knowledge, general knowledge and specialized knowledge. He points out that "knowledge doesn't attract money unless it is organized and intelligently directed through practical plans of action to the definite accumulation of money." 

He rejects the notion that knowledge is power. "Knowledge is potential power. It becomes power only when, and if, it is organized into definite plans of action and directed to a definite end."

So the question is how do you organize and utilize the knowledge you have? If you're not making money, you must not be doing a good job of organizing and directing your knowledge to the accumulation of money. 

Hill also corrects our false assumptions about education. Being educated is not about having a list of accolades and certificates/qualifications next to your name. "Education means to educe, to draw out, and to develop from within." Therefore, according to Hill, "an educated man is one who can acquire anything he wants, or its equivalent, without violating the rights of others."

He goes on to say, "Any man is educated who knows where to get knowledge when he needs it, and how to organize that knowledge into definite plans of action." 

You don't have to have this specialized knowledge in your own mind. You can hire people who possess it, or join a mastermind group of people who have this knowledge. The important thing about knowledge is not possession, but access, which is virtually unlimited in today's world, with the internet and artificial intelligence able to answer any question you have within seconds. So, knowledge is not the problem. The problem is our ability to organize this knowledge into definite plans of action. 

Then figure out what kind of knowledge is required to achieve this goal. Hill lists 5 sources through which you can acquire knowledge. 

1. One's own experience and education. 

2. Experience and education available through the co-operation of others (mastermind alliance)

3. Colleges and universities. 

4. Public libraries 

5. Special training courses, like the Dollar Success Club.

Napoleon Hill didn't have these in his time, but I would add the internet and AI to this list. Additionally, I would reiterate the power of a community, whether it be a mastermind alliance or an accountability partner. Execution, turning knowledge into accomplishment, is hard and time consuming. It requires a lot of grit, patience and dedication. It's very easy to give up if you don't have the right kind of support. 

The biggest mistake successful people make is thinking that they don't need further education once they finish school. You need to continuously educate and develop your skills all throughout your life. 

Another mistake is focusing exclusively on academics. Nowadays, it’s more important to learn how to get along with all men from all backgrounds and inclinations. Leadership is about getting different people from different backgrounds to work together in harmony towards the attainment of a goal. The modern workplace emphasizes character, intelligence and personality far more than educational background. 

Drifting is unacceptable. You must choose a specialization and dedicate all your efforts towards the accomplishment of that goal. 

Hill says that people value that which they pay for. They don't value free or cheap. He gives several examples of people who studied part time while they were formally employed and had families to support. The point is that there is no excuse for you to not acquire specialized knowledge through which you can make lots of money. If it's important enough, you will sacrifice the money and the time. These sacrifices will be rewarded tenfold when you start making crazy money from your business and can afford to hire employees and buy back your free time. 

"All the world loves a winner, and has no time for a loser!"

Both success and failure are a result of habit. So stop making excuses and get to work.

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