Thoughts Are Things PDF Print E-mail

“Truly, thoughts are things, and powerful things at that, when they are mixed with definiteness of purpose, persistence and a burning desire for their translation into riches or other material objects.”

This is how Napoleon Hill opened the first page, in the very first chapter of his all-time best-selling book "Think & Grow Rich". The book was to go on for another 254 pages, expanding upon this statement and explaining the principles behind it, but the sum and substance of the whole book is all wrapped up in that first paragraph.

In essence, he was stating a Truth in terms that are so simple that they could deceive the casual reader into overlooking the absolute importance of these words.

At the end of the first chapter he stated it another way for added clarity.

Whatever THE MIND OF MAN can
CONCEIVE and BELIEVE it can ACHIEVE.

Thoughts are a form of energy; the same energy that moves a star across the sky moves a thought across your mind. Perhaps that's a bit too scientific for those people who prefer to take a more kinesthetic, or 'feeling' route to understanding. For those people, Emerson was able to peer straight through the surface of Nature into it's spiritual core and observe; "Every spirit builds itself a house, and beyond its house, a world, a heaven. Know then, that the world exists for you."

What about those who prefer a more philosophical approach above the pure poetry of Emerson. Perhaps Goethe's approach would suit them better in these words as he laid them down in the eighteenth century; "There is one elementary Truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans. (and it's this) The moment one definitely COMMITS oneself, Providence moves too and all sorts of things occur that would not otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from that decision raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no one would have dreamed could have come their way.


Seize this very moment, what you can do or dream that you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, begin it NOW!" Psychologists have put it yet another way by stating "When one is ready for a thing, it puts in its appearance". Even the Bible says "As you think, so shall you
be."

It doesn't really matter how you stack it up, or what words you wrap it in, Napoleon Hill still said it best in those three little words; "Thoughts ARE Things".

Whether we accept the evidence and opinion of science, philosophy, psychology, poetry or pragmatism, our mission must be to take control of that 'train of thought', that hurtles through our mind during our every waking moment. Take control and select which of these thoughts we wish to nurture and grow to fruition and which we must instantly discard as either unproductive or downright harmful.

I'm not going to pretend that just because it is stated in three little words that the principle is easy to understand, but there is some good news.

You don't need to understand the laws that govern electricity to be able to switch on the light and enjoy the 'enlightenment'. In the same way, you don't have to understand the laws that govern the fact that "Thoughts ARE Things", you just have to trust it, believe it, embrace it and use it for your own lasting benefit.

We can all do, be and have anything we really want, if we really want it badly enough and bend our thoughts in that direction. Be careful what you set your heart and mind upon, for you will surely get it.


Tony Brown is the head of Suffolk Studios and the editor of the FREE WEEKLY EZINE "Lead The Field" for YOU that aspire to higher levels of achievement and leadership in your chosen field. Packed with articles, features and reports, it comes directly to your e-mailbox every Monday for a great start to your week.

 
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