Road Map to Success

by Napoleon Hill

Before starting to build a house, you’d get a set of blueprints to guide you. And you wouldn’t start on a trip without knowing where you were going and how you intended to get there.

But only about two people of every thousand know precisely what they desire from life and have workable plans for attaining their goals. These are the men and women who are leaders – the big successes who make life pay off on their own terms.

The strange thing is that these successful people have no more personality, no more education, and no more opportunities than others who never make the grade.

If you aren’t sure what you want from life, start now – this very hour. Decide definitely what you want, how much of it you want, and when you desire to have it in your possession.

First, write out a clear statement of what you desire most – the one thing or circumstance which, after you attain it, would justify your calling yourself a success.

Second, write out a clear outline of the plan by which you intend to attain this objective.

Third, set a time within which you intend to achieve your goal.

Fourth, memorize what you’ve written and repeat it many times daily in the form of a prayer.

Remember – nothing ever “just happens!” Someone has to make things happen, including individuals’ successes. Success in every calling is the result of definite action, carefully planned and persistently carried out by the person who conditions his mind for success and believes thoroughly that he will attain it.

How about drawing your road map to success today?

Time Is Money – Budget It Carefully

by Napoleon Hill

All of us have a single denominator in our fight for success. All of us have an equal amount of time in which to achieve it. Simple rules of health demand that eight hours of every day be spent in sleep. Eight hours more taken up in earning at least the bare necessities of life. That leaves us eight hours more of free time that can be used for whatever purpose we desire.

This is the period you can use to achieve success. Since you work so hard eight hours for the boss, why not put in a few hours more working for yourself instead of spending it idly? Benjamin Franklin once said, “Show me what a man does with his free time and I will tell you accurately whether he will be a success or failure in life.”

The man or woman who doesn’t need to hold down a regular job is doubly blessed for they have twice as much time to devote to their own ends.

Richard Monot found himself in that position. For more than a year, he spent his days in idleness and found—as so many have—that it really isn’t fun to loaf continually. Being a lover of flowers, he bought a tract of land and began growing peonies. His gardens soon became a showplace. More important, they began making more money for him than he’d ever been able to earn in his regular work hour labors.

You should constantly try to “go the extra mile” during the period of the day the boss pays for your service. This brings promotions and pay raises. But it’s even more important that you go the extra mile for yourself during your free time. How are you spending these hours now? Do you fritter them away or do you use them to achieve success?

First, of course, you must decide upon a definite goal in life and lay out a plan for achieving it. Then use your free time to put your plan into action. Remember, whenever you waste time, you are wasting your life.”

Source: Success Unlimited. August 1963. Page 31.

Give Thanks Every Day

by Napoleon Hill

Many successful men and women claim they are “self-made.” But the fact is that no one reaches the pinnacle without help. Once you have set your definite major goal for success—and taken your first steps to achieve it—you find yourself receiving help from many unexpected quarters. You must be prepared to give thanks for both the human and Divine help you receive.

Gratitude is a beautiful word. It is beautiful because it describes a state of mind that is deeply spiritual in nature. It enhances one’s personality with magnetic charm, and it is the master key that opens the door to the magic powers and the beauty of Infinite Intelligence. Gratitude, like other traits of the pleasing personality, is simply a matter of habit. But it’s also a state of mind. Unless you sincerely feel the gratitude you express, your words will be hollow and empty—and sound as phony as the sentiment you offer.

Gratitude and graciousness are closely akin. By consciously developing a sense of gratitude, your personality will become more courtly, dignified and gracious. Never let a day pass without a few minutes spent in giving thanks for your blessings. Remember that gratitude is a matter of comparison. Compare circumstances and events against what they might have been. You’ll become aware that no matter how bad things are, they could be much worse—and you’ll be grateful they aren’t.

Three phrases should be among the most common in your daily usage. They are “Thank you.” “I’m grateful . . .,” and “I appreciate . . . .”

Be thoughtful. Try to find new and unique ways to express your gratitude. Not necessarily in material gifts, however. Time and effort are more precious, and the amount of these you dispense in showing gratefulness will be well worthwhile.
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