This next passage needs little commentary from me; Napoleon Hill concludes Barnes’ story with a summation of the power of Barnes’ definite thought and purpose.
“The business alliance lasted more than thirty years. From that alliance, Barnes made himself a very rich man, in terms of money; but he did something infinitely greater than simply make himself rich—he proved definitely that it is possible for a person, even with limited financial resources, to “Think and Grow Rich.”
“How much actual cash that original desire of Barnes’ was worth to him, we have no way of knowing. It might have earned him two or three million dollars, but the amount, whatever it is, becomes insignificant when compared with the greater asset he acquired in the form of definite knowledge that an intangible impulse of thought can be transmuted into physical reality by applying known principles.
“Barnes literally thought himself into a partnership with the great Thomas Edison! He thought himself into a fortune. He had nothing to start with, except the capacity to know what he wanted, and the determination to stand by that desire until it was realized.
“He had no money to begin with. He had little education. He had no influence. But he did have initiative, faith, and the will to win. With these intangible forces he made himself the number one man of the greatest inventor who ever lived.”
Succeed, Build Wealth and Live Better
And there we have it—the man started with nothing but an idea and the determination to succeed. If you, too, possess these two simple things, you have all you need to succeed, build wealth, and live better.
I will see you back here Monday and Thursday every week for the continuation of the Mindset Mastery series.
Sean Rasmussen
Success Communicator
SeanRasmussen.com © 2004 – 2008
{ 22 comments… read them below or add one }
Sean, an idea and the determination to succeed . After reading your brilliant book , I found that short quote to be the key to the whole meaning of MINDSET MASTERY, to me it is just that simple. Unfortunately most people will not accept it is that simple, they have to complicate it all or look for the catch. I know as I used to be one of those people, since accepting the simple principle & applying it some amazing things are beginning to expose themselves in my quest for wealth & success.
Thankyou so much Sean
regards
Allen
Hi Allen
Nearly 2 years on from your comment above, I can see that the book obviously helped a lot. Your determination hasn’t subsided one bit, my friend. It gets stronger by the day
Lina Nguyen´s last blog ..Richard Branson Business School: A day visit
Allen,
I have to agree with you on all counts. May you keep learning in your quest for wealth & success.
After Sean’s recommendation, I purchase [Name Withheld]’s book. The first part, I cried and thoroughly enjoyed, the next part I have found to be so true with regards to empowering and disempowering thoughts. If you have not yet, have a look at “How would love respond?” I’ve not finished it yet but I’m nearly 1/2 way through and it keeps you aware of your thoughts and actions.
Regards, Eileen.
one of my friend has started a business when he has no money in hand but now his business is flourishing day by day.
this give me good reason to read [Name Withheld] book . I havnt read it though i have purchased it .
Hi Sean,
Reading this post reminds me of the quote by Thoreau; “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor”.
It really doesn’t matter where you come from or what you have; desire and the willingness to work hard for what you want is everything.
Hi Jazz,
that’s a great quote. And it shows that this knowledge was not limited to Napoleon Hill but that it was available to everybody. Some of us just need a bit more guidance to find it
Renee´s last blog ..Definition Of Motivation
Hi Sean,
I think that this is just about every ones idea of a dream run to success. That is to build a business without any start-up money and to make a fortune from it.
We have a similar opportunities here right now with the internet and Affiliate marketing. We have the best teacher to be able to grab this opportunity and to succeed at Affiliate Internet Marketing.
I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe that!
Jill.
It really is a synergy of many qualities is what I am learning but to find some sort of order in the chaos might require me to sit quietly & get it down to repeat to myself. Just so it becomes a part of my vernacular…
I feel that breaking old habits & replacing them with a new powerful positive language – may not be easy, will take practice and with continued effort is something worth waiting for.
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
And there it is in a nutshell – an idea and the determination to succeed. Back this with the faith and the knowledge that science, ie quantum physics, backs up this faith helps me to see that I am the only one holding myself back.
Jo Carey-Bradshaw´s last blog ..Empowering Mindset – Mindfulness
Hi Jo,
I’m my own worst enemy too sometimes. There are days I just wish I could get out of my own way. The good news is that once we realise we’re the ones holding ourselves back, we’re free to move forward.
We just have to want to be successful.
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen – Aussie Internet Marketer Making a Difference
I decided to listen to some great stand-up comedy on my iPod while riding the train to work this morning and what a difference it made to they way I thought. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud – which I was afraid of but who cares, those people won’t see me again (I hope). But when I stepped inside the doors here, I felt lighter and happier. Laughing releases those feel-good chemicals and the side effect for me is positive thoughts of strength & power!
The question that is dawning on me now is – how can I do this 24 hours a day 7 days a week??
Samantha Banfield´s last blog ..Sean Rasmussen and his crazy talk!
Hi Samantha,
how about starting every morning with that ritual and then maybe have one of the comments appear on your screensaver? That can work like an anchor, reminding you of that funny bit and you laughing – and you will smile again. Like some smells remind you of your childhood or specific situations.
Give it a try
Renee´s last blog ..Definition Of Motivation
Barnes was another living example of how to apply the secret of Think and Grow Rich to turn from poverty to wealth. He turned an idea into a reality by applying the determination to succeed.
Wal Heinrich´s last blog ..Think And Grow Rich Mindset Mastery
Hi Sean,
In the long run, nothing is for Free. To succeed as Barnes did he needs a lot of persistence, dedication, loyalty and I would say Barnes put in long hours helping Edison as his assistant.
I see also though he knew that this is where he wanted to be. This is the power of thought to achieve success, as I see it.
Jill Brown´s last blog ..Common Law Marriage – What is Common Law Marriage?
Barnes knew what he wanted, and he desired it above all else. He also believed it would happen. He had the initiative, faith and will to think and grow rich. It really is that simple. I think most people have the most difficulty with that concept.
I think the most positive and open minded people achieve this and anyone can with an idea & determination to succeed will do so to build wealth & live better and comfortably!
Great stuff by Barnes, and thanks for sharing this!!
Cheers
Rose
Rose Kawe´s last blog ..Do I Feel Lucky Well Do Ya
Everything starts with a thought.Everything. So why not make the thoughts that YOU create, the thoughts that will give you the life you WISH TO CREATE.
It really is a simple concept-not easy-but very simple
Hi Sean
I have already had proof of the power of thought in my life, more so in the area of my health where through positive visualisation and affirmation I overcame 2 major dis-eases in my body and was led to a person who cured me of the third. That was 18 years ago now.
Knowing I can now heal my body, I have been working on succeeding at building my wealth to live better and happier. I have proof every day that it works as every day I am richer, healthier and happier. My big goals are set and they are manifesting as I type.
Hi Elly,
Wow! That’s amazing. It’s one thing to use positive visualisations and affirmations on a daily basis. It’s another completely to be able to do it during a crisis.
You have just given me another reason to learn to make having a successful mindset a way of life. I want to master all of these principles before I need to do it under the pressure of healing myself of a major dis-ease.
Jazz Salinger´s last blog ..Finding Your Passion
There are so many ‘nay’ sayers around us that they don’t comprehend the power of positive thinking and a positive attitude and outlook.
They can make it difficult for us to stay on track and remain positive, especially when we experience the normal ups and downs when developing our online ventures.
The only thing we can do is as stated above “Succeed, Build Wealth and Live Better”
The power of thought combined with the law of attraction..
An awesome combination of power in action.
The power to control your destiny. Keep this thought at the center of your mind to attract what you want..