We’re now starting into the second chapter of Hill’s book, the part where he starts to more specifically explore what it takes to be wealthy. In this chapter he illustrates how desire lays the foundation for achievement and wealth. He credits desire as the “Starting Point of All Achievement” and the “First Step toward Riches.”
The First Step Toward Riches
“When Edwin C. Barnes climbed down from the freight train in Orange, N. J., he might have looked like a vagabond, but his thoughts were those of a king!
As he made his way from the railroad tracks to Thomas A. Edison’s office, his mind was at work. He saw himself standing in Edison’s presence. He heard himself asking Mr. Edison for an opportunity to carry out the one consuming obsession of his life, a burning desire to be the business associate of the great inventor.
Barnes’ desire was not a hope! It was not a wish! It was a keen, pulsating desire, which transcended everything else. It was definite.
Building, Burning Desire
The desire was not new when he approached Edison. It had been Barnes’ dominating desire for a long time. In the beginning, when the desire first crossed his mind, it may have been, probably was, just a wish, but it was no simple wish when he presented himself before Edison with it.
A few years later, Edwin C. Barnes stood before Edison again, in the same office where he first met the inventor. This time his desire had become a reality. He was in business with Edison. The dominating dream of his life had become a reality. Later in his life many people who knew Barnes envied him, because of the “break” life yielded him. They saw him in the days following his success, without taking the trouble to investigate the cause of his success.”
Lessons From Barnes
This shows us two things—first, that a definite desire is necessary to succeed and be wealthy, but also secondly that such a desire can be cultivated, and will often grow from just a simple thought or a mere, fleeting wish. We all, however, have it within ourselves to cultivate that wish and grow it into something larger, and more fruitful; a burning desire to succeed.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
SeanRasmussen.com © 2004-2008
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Just a random question. Who does your book covers?
I use a guy in India. He always gets good results with book covers.
No doubt, desire is necessary to be successful and wealthy.
For transforming your desire in reality, the essential things are – to make your desire the burning desire, putting the efforts in right direction and practical thinking.
Andre Koens last blog post..Never Give Up
No doubt, desire is necessary to be successful and wealthy.
For transforming your desire in reality, the essential things are – to make your desire the burning desire, putting the efforts in right direction and practical thinking.
Hi Sean,
I love how Barnes seemed to use visualization to bring his desire to life. He saw it happening, felt the emotion of it passionately and thus, created what he so badly desired.
I’ve read that the mind can’t distinguish between a real and imagined event. So, if you can create in your mind a vision of what you truly desire; and see yourself being, doing and having your desire; you will create it in your life.
The example of Barns shows why a lot of people don’t succeed.
They “would like to” be rich/successful or “it would be nice”. That is not a burning desire, that shows that you are not willing to do what it takes because it is really important and close to your heart.
So the first step is to find that desire and cultivate it. Make a habit out of “feeling yourself there” already. As Jazz mentioned above, the brain doesn’t know the difference between “imagination” and “reality” – let’s use that to our advantage
Renee´s last blog ..Overcoming Procrastination
Gotta hand it to Barnes for approaching Edison. Most people would have put Edison on a pedestal and, by doing so, lowered their own self-worth. Just think of all the great relationships and opportunities we miss out on, because we think someone we admire is too good for us…
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Hi Sean,
It feels so good to achieve positive results in this way. To go for what you want without being competitive with anyone else but to instead have a thought of helping them. That way it becomes a win, win situation to benefit both people.
The first step…….