The principles of success were researched and studied over a 20-year period by a man who dedicated six hours every day to reading the Bible and meditating. His name was Napoleon Hill. Originally, there were about 17 principles. Here, I will discuss several key principles in the first few weeks of 2025 that each of us must utilize to become who we were born to be! My regular readers are familiar with this topic.
Andrew Carnegie first suggested to Hill that he contact successful people across America to develop a formula that would help men and women for generations. Hill did it without pay. When finished, Hill published “Think and Grow Rich” during the Great Depression. It has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide.
The first of Hill’s principles is desire. It reminds you that desire could be anything, from channeling energy toward a special cause to becoming an Olympic champion, buying a home or becoming an award-winning singer. See yourself already doing or having the dream you want. Write it down using the sample below:
First, decide the exact goal you desire. You can’t say, “I want a new job,” or “husband,” “wife,” “college degree,” “child” or “career.” Whatever your dream, you must write it down. You must see, feel and believe you already possess this dream. Second, determine what you will give in return for the goal. You can’t get something for nothing. Third, establish a definite date for achieving it. Fourth, create a step-by-step plan. Fifth, write a clear, concise statement of what you desire, and begin immediately. Sixth, read your written statement aloud morning and night. As you read, see, feel and believe with faith in God that you already possess what you desire. It should read:
I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my definite purpose in life; therefore, I demand of myself ongoing action that moves me toward my goal, and I promise to deliver on this promise.
I know the dominating thoughts of my mind will gradually grow and become real, with daily physical steps taken that will gradually transform into something real; therefore, I concentrate my thoughts for 30 minutes daily upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, seeing myself already there.
I know through the principle of speaking my goal aloud, any desire I hold in my mind will eventually become reality; therefore, I devote 10 minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self-confidence.
I have clearly written down a description of my definite chief aim in life, and I will never stop trying until I have developed sufficient self-confidence to make it reality.
I fully realize no wealth or position can last unless built upon truth and justice; therefore, I don’t get involved in anything that does not benefit all whom it affects. I succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use and the cooperation of other people. Others will serve me because of my willingness to serve others. I eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness and cynicism by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude toward others can never bring me success. I cause others to believe in me because I believe in them and in myself.
I sign my name to this formula, commit it to memory and repeat it aloud twice a day, with full faith that it is always influencing my thoughts and actions, affirming that I am a self-reliant and successful person.
Don’t start on your yellow brick road — your life’s dream — unless you know you have a burning desire to do that thing, and you love it so much that you would do it for free!
Lyndia Grant is a speaker/writer living in the D.C. area. Her radio show, “Think on These Things,” airs Fridays at 6 p.m. on 1340 AM (WYCB), a Radio One station. To reach Grant, visit her website, www.lyndiagrant.com, email lyndiagrantshowdc@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on X @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.