Napoleonic Goal Setting

by Bryce Beattie

The chapter on desire in "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill contains a formula for what he calls "transforming desire into money," however, this method really could be used to transform desire into pretty much anything you pick. In his own words, here are the six steps:

"First. Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. It is not sufficient merely to say 'I want plenty of money.' Be definite as to the amount.

" Second. Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. (There is no such reality as 'something for nothing.')

"Third. Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.

"Fourth. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.

"Fifth. Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.

"Sixth. Read your written statement aloud, twice daily, once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning. AS YOU READ- SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOURSELF
ALREADY IN POSSESSION OF THE MONEY."

There's no great secret here. Choose a definite goal. Be willing to do what it takes. Think about how you're going to reach it. Do something to move yourself closer to the goal every day. It's simple, straightforward, and effective.

Setting real goals and chasing them with a positive attitude is a recipe for success. It shouldn't be that hard to do, but very few ever seem to do it. Why is that? I think it's because it sounds too easy, and deep down people want the solution to their problems to be difficult. You know what? I'm sorry, but it is easy. The only hard part is getting off your backside and beginning the process.

You don't have to take my word for it, though. Just give these six steps a try and see how they work for you.