Napoleon Hill - Think and Grow Rich

As you begin to read this book, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, I feel as if I ought to issue you a warning. Dont read this book unless you are ready for your life to change! The principles that Hill shares in this book have been time tested and have changed the lives of literally millions of people, from all walks of life.

I first discovered this book by reading a variety of personal finance and business books. It seemed as if Think and Grow Rich was mentioned over and over in most of those books. The authors would write, usually in an introduction, that Think and Grow Rich was the book that inspired them to pursue and attain their goals. It finally dawned on me: If Think and Grow Rich was the book that inspired these wealthy and influential people, maybe I should skip their books and read the book that inspired them! I bought a copy, read it, applied the principles, and my life improved dramatically as a result. I went from a small job and heavy debt, to a job I loved and financial security.

I kept reading the book over and over, trying to find more ways to apply the principles to my life. And along the way, I stumbled across an important thing about the book. Even though the title is Think and Grow Rich, the book is less about thinking and riches, and more about growing. As you read, you may notice that most of the stories Hill shares are not so much about people trying to become rich, as they are about people trying to pursue their passions, and in the process they expanded their lives. In their expanded way of living and thinking, they automatically found their fortunes expanded as well. Better finances, health, relationships, and more happiness these are some of the many outcomes that people describe upon actively using the ideas in this book.

In addition to the thirteen Steps to Riches that Hill writes about, there are three very valuable sections at the back of the book that I want to bring to your attention, all found in chapter fifteen, How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear. I know that sometimes readers will begin a book and then skip some of the areas at the end. Please dont do that with Think and Grow Richif you do, you will be missing some of the most practical and important ideas that can have a positive impact on your life.

First is the section in this chapter that describes the six basic fears. When I first read that section, I was amazed how accurate this information was, and how true it was for me. Getting incredibly clear about fear and how it affects our lives is a powerful step toward going beyond the fears we experience.

Second is what Hill calls the Self-Analysis Test Questions. This is a list of questions to ask yourself, to see where you are in your journey toward freedom from mediocrity and into your own greatness.

And third is an eye-opening section called Fifty-seven Famous Alibis by Old Man If. Hill was smart enough to know that many people will tell you all the reasons why they havent found their riches yet, all the barriers and obstacles why they havent pursued their passion. And if you have any alibis, you will most likely find it in this list! Hill then notes, Remember the philosophy presented in this book makes every one of these alibis obsolete. No more excuses! Now, without fear and alibis to hold you back, there is no limitation to attaining your goals.

A couple quick notes. The book was originally published in 1937, and the language in the book reflects that. At times the words Hill uses are at best charmingly old-fashioned, or at worst terribly datedbut dont let that stop you. Read beyond the words to the principles he describes, and then apply those principles to your modern life. This book contains the complete original text, with a few small changes to correct and update material for the reader.

Second, Think and Grow Rich was published at a time when self-help books werent as usual as they are now. These days, a self-help book would have a section, usually at the end of each chapter, with action items or exercises that can prompt the reader into action. That wasnt as common for self-help books in the early twentieth century. Therefore, as you read through this book, and Hill mentions an action to take, take it! For example, when he instructs the reader to write something on a paper an inch high and place it where you will see it every night before you go to sleep, and every morning before you go to work, then actually do it. Take as many actions that he mentions (in ways that work for you) as possible.

Napoleon Hill was a clear and powerful writer. Youll find that he repeats ideas over and over, and I believe he did this with an important purpose. As he repeats important ideas, we the readers will know how important they are, and in the repetition Hill is using one of the most powerful principles in the bookauto-suggestion (see chapter four). Read through every word on every page, underline words or sentences that inspire you, use a highlighter on those sections you want to return to again and again, write notes in the margins for further study, and make this book your own.

In other words, dont just read this book, study it. Live it. Make this book a guide for the life you want. Doing so can help you go from just wishing for your dreams into making those dreams a reality. Let Hills Steps to Riches inspire you to taking positive actions and live the life you desire.

Finally, this edition of Think and Grow Rich also includes a rare early article from Hill, first published over a hundred years ago. It originally appeared in an industry magazine aptly named The Square Deal and were delighted to have rediscovered it for todays reader. They will serve to further inspire you, and give you some ideas of how to live your best life.

If this is your first time reading Think and Grow Rich, enjoy it and allow the ideas contained within to motivate you to great new heights. And if you are reading this book for a second, third, or even tenth time, try to find something new that you can be inspired by. In either case, I wish you great success, joy, and riches!

Joel Fotinos