How many of you’ve heard of the research completed by Napoleon Hill? It took him more than 20 years to learn what makes one man or woman successful and another one not. I trust Hill’s work, since I heard him say during his teaching video how he read his Bible three hours each morning and again every night. During my study of his work, I could see how God had given him this word. He had the ability to teach millions of people through his research, study and writings. Therefore, during this research, Hill utilized biblical principles, in addition to interviewing the wealthiest men in the country.
Hill discovered these 12 principles continued to come forth, no matter which successful person he interviewed. He explains in great detail in his “Think and Grow Rich” book.
This article will tell you what those 12 things are. Notice that money is at the bottom of the list. Many people see success as associated with money only, but according to Hill’s research, that is indeed one way, but the least important of all. When you follow his research, it is proven that your wealth will come without a lot of effort when you incorporate the entire list!
Here is what is learned:
The first way that makes men rich is for them to have a “positive mental attitude.” Notice how this principle heads the list. You cannot achieve anything if you have a negative attitude, you don’t have faith, and you don’t believe. Walking around thinking negative thoughts all of the time is of the devil — shake that devil off! Scripture reminds us, “God didn’t give us a spirit of fear.” Therefore, we must be of good courage, and when things are looking bad, repeat scriptures like “God wouldn’t see his seed begging bread.”
The second thing that makes men rich is sound physical health. What does he mean by sound? Well, he means that you are taking good care of yourself, eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, not eating antibiotic-filled meats, exercising and utilizing your body. When you do these things, your energy level will be at its peak, then you will feel like achieving those things that have been set forth for you to do.
If you smoke cigarettes, quit! If you drink alcohol regularly, stop immediately! If you eat too much food, make a lifestyle change, and do not go on a diet. People live for diets to be over. The whole time, they’re dreaming about that next slice of pie, that next piece of fried chicken.
The fourth principle is harmony in human relations: Don’t expect to accomplish your goals in a manner where all will be pleased if there are people fighting with each other on your committee, board or team. In my sorority, our motto is: Peace and Harmony. That may sound cliché, but folks must learn to disagree without being disagreeable. Do you have people in your life who throw temper tantrums like little kids when they don’t get their way, a la President Trump? Do they tend to stop speaking to you until they can calm down? Not a good thing to have, if you want to continue to travel the road to success. Plus, scripture reminds us, “Love God first, and love your neighbor as yourself.”
When one has fear, they tend not to try to do very much. They fear failure and, believe it or not, there are some people who fear success, too. They are afraid that friends and family will only love their money or fame and won’t really love them, so they would rather remain a regular, everyday citizen.
Look for part two next week.
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.lyndiagrantshow.com, email lyndiagrant@gmail.com or call 240-602-6295. Follow her on Twitter @LyndiaGrant and on Facebook.
