The Magic of Thinking Big is written by David J. Schwartz, PhD. He was an American motivational writer and coach. The book is very old, published in 1959 but most of the concepts mentioned in this book are relevant even in today’s world. The author has given many ideas on how to lead a successful life and reach your desired goals. It is a self-help book which can be used for personal growth and career achievement. You will find multiple practical techniques and principles to own the power of thinking big along with actual case details. You will learn how to apply these ideas in real-life situations.
Major takeaways from this book
1) “Believe you can succeed, and you will”: “I-am-positive, I-can” attitude leads to energy, skillset generation in a person. The author says that everyday young people in the entire world start with a new job. They all wish to enjoy the perks and benefits of reaching the top. But only few of them reach the top. These few people believe in themselves and so they find out ways and means to reach their goals. But the other folks simply think that it is impossible to reach at the top. So, they do not discover the steps to climb the heights. The author quotes, “those who believe they can move mountains, do. Those who believe they cannot.
“How to develop the power of belief”
1) The author suggests thinking success over failure in whatever thing you do. May it be work, home, any difficult situation you should always say, “I will succeed” instead of I cannot.
2) “Never sell yourself short”. Always remind yourself that you are better than you think. Successful people are not super intellectuals, but they just believe in themselves.
3) Always think big and you will get big. And big ideas and plans are always easier than small ones.
2) “Cure yourself of Excusitis, The failure disease”
The author says that unsuccessful people suffer from a disease called excusitis. People who have no plans of future are always full of excuses. Whereas successful people never give excuses. Mediocre people give excuses of health, intelligence, age, and luck for failing. The highly successful people too have these problems, but they never think about these problems. The author suggests talking or discussing less about your health problems for overcoming the health excusitis. He says, do not worry and just be grateful for your health. “It’s better to wear out that rust out”. He says you should never underestimate your own intelligence and never overestimate intelligence of other. Never repent for starting anything late in your life. To overcome age excusitis, always think that your best years are ahead of you. Do not depend upon luck for success, instead concentrate on learning skills and imbibing qualities that will make you a successful person.
3) “Build confidence and destroy fear”
The author says fear is a form of psychological infection which can be cured with certain treatments. You need to acquire confidence for it. If you are embarrassed because of your appearance, then work towards it. Get proper clothes, visit salon and groom yourself. If you are afraid of losing a customer, then work doubly hard for better service. Fear of examination can be cured by studying more than worrying. If you help others to relieve their fears your fear of things can be conquered. Always take action immediately and avoid hesitation. Successful people always think of good memories from their past, so they do not fear anything. Always remember and recall your achievements, little accomplishments and be thankful for things you have. Always withdraw positive thoughts from the memory bank. The author gives a psychological principle to all readers which is, “To think confidently, act confidently”. Here are some confidence-building exercises
1)Always be a front seater in classes, seminars and meetings where you are visible.
2)Make eye contact while speaking to anyone.
3)Always walk 25 percent faster. Super confident people walk fast, straight with their head lifted up. Their fast walk conveys that they have important things to do and important place to visit.
4)Always participate in discussions and speak up. The more you speak up the more it adds to your confidence. Speaking up is a vitamin to build self-confidence.Don’t be the last to speak. Always be the icebreaker.
5)Always smile as it gives a big confidence.
4) “How to Think Big”
The author has suggested some techniques of self-evaluation in this chapter.
1) Find out your five assets from anyone like your spouse, senior, teacher or guide. Some examples are education, skills, appearance, attitudes, initiative etc.
2) under your each asset list three successful people you are aware of but who are behind you in these assets. At the end of this exercise, you will conclude that you have more assets than these successful people. So, you will find out you are bigger and better than you think of yourself.
While speaking use simple words that create a positive mental picture of any situation in people’s minds. Avoid using words phrases like, it’s no use. Instead, use let’s keep trying. Use big cheerful words to mention how you are feeling, like, wonderful, great, or fine. You will win lot of friends. Similarly use favorable words for other people and associates. Compliment others for their efforts, appearance, achievements.
5) “How to think and dream creatively”
Creative thinking involves finding out improved ways for doing anything. Author has given some tips to develop creative thinking ability.
1) Have faith that it can be done.
2) Your mind will help you in creating a way if you believe.
3) Always be ready to experiment new methods. Be progressive.
4) Practice self-improvement.
5) The author says, “Big people monopolize the listening. Small people monopolize the talking.”
Interesting Quotes from the book
“The thinking that guides your intelligence is much more important than how much intelligence you have”
“Build castles, don’t dig graves.”
“Treating someone as second-class never gets you first-class results.”
“You win when you refuse to fight petty people. Fighting little people reduces you to their size.”
“Look important. It helps you think important. How you look on the outside has a lot to do with how you feel on the inside.”
“Remember: People who tell you it cannot be done almost always are unsuccessful people, are strictly average or mediocre at best in terms of accomplishment.”