How can the new year be more epic for you? Can you change how you think to help you thrive?
During my studies at a Catholic university, faith and reason were up for plenty of discussions. There were those of the view that faith was all we needed. Then there were those who felt the reason was more important. And, you guessed it, I was in the middle – faith AND reason are bedfellows. My spirituality and philosophy to that point were grounded in the teaching of James Allen that “as a man thinks, so is he.”
Think And Thrive
Why my studies took me to a Catholic university is another matter. Suffice it to say that my need was to understand how Christianity developed. My inner quests, while still living in Jamaica, had taken me to a spiritual organisation that introduced me to the work of Napoleon Hill, “Think And Grow Rich.” The nexus between faith and reason was forming. My studies at this particular university and my later work in chaplaincy – both in hospitals and the prison system – deepened that link for me.
Written in 1937, Think And Grow Rich “was promoted as a personal development and self-improvement book.” It is said that Hill was inspired by a suggestion from a business magnate and (later) philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. While the book’s title and much of the text concerns increased income, the author insists that the philosophy taught in the book can help people succeed in any line of work, to do and be anything they can imagine.” (Source: Wikipedia)
Money, Money, Money
Re-read Think And Grow Rich a few years ago. As with the last time that I read it, my concern was not with increasing my income. When I first read the book, my singular thought was, “How quickly will this make me rich?” Quite frankly, that might still be the concern of many first-time readers.
The book suggests that one can become “rich” through one’s thoughts. I am sure many do. However, without putting words in Mr Hill’s ‘mouth’, being rich means more than money. Granted that is one result of ‘right thinking, the bigger picture here is about success. That is held out in the revised edition of Think And Grow Rich.
More men and women have been motivated to achieve success because of reading Think and Grow Rich than by any other book written by a living author. In 1987, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton hosted a TV infomercial that sold the 1960 version. In the introduction, Tarkenton stated that he believed Think and Grow Rich to be “the greatest most honored formula for success that has ever been developed.” (Ibid)
Thrive In 2022
So, why is this book back on my night table?
Back in 2017, two days into the new year, my thoughts were focused on my intentions for my life. As I have shared before, New Year’s resolutions are not things that I write or follow. On the eve of New Year 2017, the night is spent in quiet reflection, seeking guidance and direction for the unfolding year.
As if in response to my questioning, an infographic popped up in my Facebook newsfeed. Guess what it was summarizing? The book, Think And Grow Rich!
I saved it and, for several days, studied it. Then I decided to use the 13 Steps as my guide for the year. Always say to anyone who listens that transformation is not a one-day effort. You or things in your life will not transform overnight.
That year and continuing today, my aim stays the same but goes deeper – how to thrive every day. See, money has never been a motivating factor for me. This realization hit me many years ago. That has made it easy to walk away from relationships and professional positions. My desire is to be the best human being that I can be. These 13 Steps has helped move me further along.
You are invited to join me on this journey. What I have done is to review and revise the steps outlined in the book, applying them to my greatest desire.
Here are my adaptation of the steps and a summary of each. Grab pen and paper, and as you read start jotting down how you might apply them to your own journey.
The 13 Steps
- Desire: choose an area or two that you want to ‘thrive’. Fix your mind on it/them, establish your definition of thriving in writing. Fall in love with your desire(s)!
- Faith: Cultivate a belief in your desire(s). Visualize them. Make a vision board of your desires. Remember, “You will see it when you believe it.”
- Auto-Suggestion: In other words, talk to yourself about your desire(s) morning, noon and night!
- Specialized Knowledge: Get the skills and/or knowledge that you need to help prepare for your desires. Become the expert about your desire!
- Imagination: Apply your imagination and the ideas that come to you, to your specialized knowledge.
- Organised Planning: Having an idea is wonderful, but you must put them into action. That often needs the help of others but be mindful to select only those who share your vision and your passion!
- Decision: Hill wrote, “The world has the habit of making room for the man whose words and actions show that he knows where he is going.” Work your plan!
- Persistence: Do not give up, especially when the going gets tough.
- The Master Mind: This relates to #6. Surround yourself with people who can lift you (spiritually/emotionally) if you falter.
- Sexual Transmutation: This is a powerful energy. Channel it into your desire. The suggestion is not that you withdraw but to be mindful of what distracts you.
- The Subconscious Mind: Continuously programme your subconscious with positive affirmations, that you can and will achieve your desire. Whatever negative beliefs you hold, reprogramme them with “I Am” statements.
- The Brain: This is connected to #11 as well as to the power of intuition. Listen to the messages your gut is sending you, processing them through your empowering “I Am” lens.
- The Sixth Sense: Make room for God/Source/The Higher Power; be open to The Universe
Let’s think and thrive together in 2022!
