Chapters of Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill

— Feb 5, 2019

This blog provides a Think and Grow Rich chapter-by-chapter summary that concentrates on explicit exercises to put the success principles of the book into practice.

How long does it take to read Think and Grow Rich?
You can read Think and Grow Rich in several hours. However, the only way to take possession of its secrets is to study it for a lifetime. Moreover, the mistake most people make is to read it once without employing the specific techniques Napoleon Hill suggests.
 

Overview of Think and Grow Rich

Think and Grow Rich is a self-help book focused on how you can utilize a combination of thought and action to become rich. Napoleon Hill argues that no man can become rich except by using the core lessons contained in his book; at the same time, no-one who is rich does not use them.
For a summary of the book read our blog Think and Grow Rich Concepts.

Here is a link to a free PDF version of the complete 1937 classic Think and Grow Rich.
 

List of Think and Grow Rich Chapters

  • Chapter 1 – Thoughts Are Things
  • Chapter 2 – Desire
  • Chapter 3 – Faith
  • Chapter 4 – Autosuggestion
  • Chapter 5 – Specialized Knowledge
  • Chapter 6 – Imagination
  • Chapter 7 – Organized Planning
  • Chapter 8 – Decision
  • Chapter 9 – Persistence
  • Chapter 10 – Power of The Mastermind
  • Chapter 11 – The Mystery of Sex Transmutation
  • Chapter 12 – The Subconscious Mind
  • Chapter 13 – The Brain
  • Chapter 14 – The Sixth Sense
  • Chapter 15 – The Six Ghosts of Fear

 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 1 – Thoughts Are Things

Think and Grow Rich chapter 1 summary – One good idea, that you act on with obsessive persistence, and unwavering faith, is all you need to achieve success.

Every thought produces a vibration. In addition, this intangible impulse can be transmuted into material reward. Most noteworthy is that all material compensation is insignificant in comparison to the unshakeable possession of this knowledge. It is the keystone of the Think and Grow Rich philosophy of success.

Exercise – Spend 15 minutes every day in quiet contemplation. Ask Infinite Intelligence for an idea that will empower you to achieve your primary burning desire.

 

Are you looking for help getting in touch with Infinite Intelligence, and identifying an idea that can change your life? I used this exact concept to go from $250k in debt to being part of the top ½ of 1%, and I’d love to show you how I did it. Join the WCM today.

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 2 Summary – Desire

First, have a vivid, burning desire to accomplish a clear cut, definite purpose. In addition, you must couple that desire with total determination to achieve it. Finally, only then do you have the fuel required to drive you to take the required action.

Know what you want. Have a plan to get it. Be open minded. Have the flexibility to modify your plan or adopt a new one if the old plan isn’t working. Believe in and have faith that Infinite intelligence will assist you. Ask for guidance. Continue to do so until such time as you find a plan that does work.
 

Definiteness of purpose

The benefit of having a definite purpose is the automatic development of a number of traits that are of vital importance in developing the mental aptitude for success. They include:

  • self-reliance
  • imagination
  • enthusiasm
  • self-discipline
  • concentration of effort

Exercise – Create a visual image of what your life will be like when you are in possession of what you desire. Design and make a “vision board” with pictures of the things you will have when you are living the life of your dreams. Place your vision board where you will see it most frequently.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 3 Summary – Faith

Faith is the ethereal catalyst that causes your subconscious mind to come in communication with Infinite Intelligence to receive guidance from that infallible, original source.

Napoleon Hill described faith as your most important asset. This because it enables you to tap into the supreme intelligence that moves, motivates and powers the entire universe. For a more complete understanding of this concept read our blog – What is Infinite Intelligence?

The mental attitude of applied faith must be cultivated, strengthened and maintained. The reason is straight forward. Applied faith gives you the ability to clear your mind of fear and doubt. By so doing you can direct your mental faculties to the attainment of your desire instead of dissipating your focus.

No-one is ready to receive anything if they don’t have absolute belief that they can possess that thing. Faith gives you the power to believe that you will be provided with everything you need to achieve your definite purpose in life.

Exercise – Repeat the following affirmation to yourself through the day until it becomes a habit. “I must form a clear mental picture of the things I want. And I must hold this picture in my thoughts, with the fixed purpose to get what I want and the unwavering faith that I will get what I want – closing my mind to all that may tend to shake my purpose, dim my vision, or quench my faith.”
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 4 Summary – Autosuggestion

Self suggestion is the secret to harnessing the Law of Attraction.

Your subconscious mind is the conduit for causing the things you think about to be created. It is the part of your mind that takes all instructions you consciously feed it, in a spirit of faith, belief and conviction; and acts to manifest those directions. The more positive emotion you mix with your thoughts the faster you will begin to attract the results you desire.

It is imperative to know exactly what you want. Furthermore, it is essential to visualize yourself in ownership of what you want. If money is what you want, write out the exact amount of money you desire and your plan to acquire it.

Exercise – In bed at night and first thing in the morning, with eyes closed, repeat aloud the written statement of the amount of money you intend to accumulate, the time limit for its accumulation, and a description of the service or merchandise you intend to give in return for the money. As you carry out these instructions see yourself already in possession of the money.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 5 Summary – Specialized Knowledge

You can’t manifest money by thinking alone. Success requires executing a meticulous plan of action with steadfast resolution.

A fallacy that Napoleon Hill dispels is that knowledge is power. Not true. Knowledge attracts money only after it is organized into a pragmatic plan of action. Specialized knowledge can be obtained by your own research and practical experience. Nevertheless, it is more broadly available from others. Compound your ability to gather practical intelligence. Multiply your effectiveness by relying on the knowledge and experience of others who have already succeeded at what you aspire to.

Exercise – Decide on the merchandise, product or professional service you will apply to generate your fortune. Identify an individual or a group of people who have built their prosperity that way. Find out everything you can from them about how they did it. The best result will come by entering into a mentorship relation with this group.

 

I built my prosperity this way, going from $250k in debt to having plenty of money to travel the world. I’d love to show you step-by-step how I did it. Join the Wealth Creation Mastermind today.

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 6 Summary – Imagination

Only by building the mental faculty of imagination will you succeed in developing plans that permit you to transform an intangible desire into its physical equivalent.

We are limited only by our imagination. When you conceive something in your mind and convince yourself it is possible, you will come into possession of the means to realize your dream. Use Elon Musk as your touchstone for the use of imagination and belief. From eliminating the dependence on fossil fuel to colonizing Mars, Musk is the ideal example of the use of creative imagination. Elon Musk’s dream ideas are changing the world. Everything you see around you, regardless of where you go, began as a thought in someone’s imagination. What is your dream?

Exercise – Invest 30 minutes every day in creative imagination time. Get into a quiet place with a notebook where you won’t be disturbed for a period of time. Close your eyes. Center your attention. Begin to imagine living your perfect life. See it, sense it and believe it. See yourself performing the task or delivering the service that will deliver the things you desire to you on the physical plane. Now, take the time to journal the ideas that came to you during your daily session.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 7 Summary – Organized Planning

You must have a definite, well organized plan that you are excited about. What’s more, you need to possess faith in your ability to execute the plan. In conclusion, you will not transmute your desire for money into its monetary equivalent until you have developed and acted on your plan.

Follow this method outlined by Napoleon Hill to create practical plans.

  • Collaborate – get into association with people who will help you generate and carry out your plan.
  • Mastermind – decide clearly the benefits to others for becoming part of this vital alliance.
  • Regular meetings – minimum of once weekly, specifically for focusing on a common goal.
  • Harmony – maintain a friendly rapport with your group.

Exercise – Follow Napoleon Hill’s formula for transmuting desire into results.

  1. Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire.
  2. Determine precisely what you intend to give in return for the money you desire.
  3. Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money.
  4. Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire and begin at once to put this plan into action.
  5. Write a concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire, the time limit for its acquisition, what you intend to give in exchange, and clearly describe your plan of action.
  6. Read your written statement aloud twice daily. Once before retiring and first thing upon awakening.

 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 8 Summary – Decision

Use deductive reasoning to make decisions for yourself. Furthermore, never allow yourself to be influenced by the opinions of others. Finally, avoid procrastination at all costs.

The only thing any of us has one hundred percent complete control over are the thoughts and attitudes in our own heads. Regardless of your relationships, guard your thoughts like they are a treasure of incalculable value. Sometimes those we love and trust, through no malice, will try and protect you from yourself. Nothing great is achieved by conforming to timid thinking. Following the herd will only lead you to the corral.

Exercise – Your decisions are reflected by your priorities. Your priorities show up in two places. Your calendar and your check book. Take a look at both and determine where you are investing your time and money.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 9 Summary – Persistence

Keep on keeping on, regardless of any obstacles you encounter. By the way, you will be tested.

Self-discipline is the ability to give yourself an order and follow it. Moreover, executing your directive demands will power. Will power is required to exercise persistence. Most people fail to get what they want in life because they quit at the first sign of opposition. Overcoming challenges is part of becoming successful. Perseverance will eventually advance you toward your goal.

A quitter never wins – and a winner never quits.

Exercise – Determine a goal you have decided to achieve in the next 12 months.

  • Make a list of action steps you must take to achieve this goal.
  • In addition, write out the mental attitude you will need to maintain to accomplish it.
  • Every night take a sticky note and rate yourself from 1 to 10.
  • 1 indicates you let the day go by without doing anything on your list and maintaining a bad attitude.
  • A 10 written on your sticky note signals top performance, execution and attitude for that day.
  • Now, place your sticky note on your bathroom mirror.
  • Each day, add a sticky note to the mirror.
  • It will become obvious to you how well you are doing at exercising persistence.

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 10 Summary – Power of The Mastermind

Power is required to achieve success. You acquire that power from a group of people who have come together for the realization of a definite purpose. A harmonious Mastermind alliance amplifies power exponentially.

Have you ever tried to power a flashlight with a single battery? It’s possible, but it doesn’t shed much light. However, when you link a second, third and fourth battery together the beam of illumination is augmented enormously. Joining two or more people together in a spirit of complete cooperation with the intention of accomplishing a specific vision is akin to compounding power from multiple batteries.

Exercise – Get an ideal for something you want to accomplish. Remember that small plans have no magic to stir the blood. Make plans for a big, bold, ambitious project with an exciting mission. Now, decide with complete clarity what benefits others will receive by joining their knowledge and effort with you to accomplish that goal. Begin presenting your idea to others and select your Mastermind partners with utmost care.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 11 – The Mystery of Sex Transmutation

Think and Grow Rich chapter 11 summary – By mixing a burning desire, with faith, conviction and a strong positive emotional state you have created a vibration of thought. That thought energy is transmitted to an Infinite Intelligence that will assist you in the realization of your objective.

No one can deny the intensity of desire to form a physical bond with the one you love. It’s like a physical force. It produces a dynamic form of energy. You can harness that acute feeling. Get familiar with it. Retain it. Redirect it into the desire for the accomplishment of your major life purpose.

Exercise – Think back on all of the love experiences of your life. There will be one that stands out as the most positive. Reflect on the way that experience made you feel. Concentrate only on the most positive emotions. Preserve that emotional state. Hold that impression. Now couple it with your major desire. Develop a habit by repeating this exercise frequently.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 12 Summary – The Subconscious Mind

The subconscious is the part of the mind that communicates with Infinite Intelligence via thought vibration. In addition, it is the guidance system that causes you to think and act the way you do. It can be influenced by the conscious, volitional part of your mind.

To get a more comprehensive understanding of the working of the subconscious, read our page titled The Power of the Mind. The subconscious is your power center. It is where the creative facilities exist. This is the part of your mind that unconditionally accepts your predominant thoughts. It is programmed with repetition and self-suggestion.

Exercise – Write out a personal affirmation of the person you want to be and what you want to have. Begin your statement with the phrase “I am so happy and grateful now that I am…” Write your affirmation on a small goal card. Carry it with you. Pull it out and read it with powerful, positive emotion several times throughout the day.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 13 Summary – The Brain

What you attract is a result of what you vibrate. Your brain, and how you use it, determines the vibrational thought energy you are transmitting. What you mentally broadcast drives what you receive. You have to be in vibrational harmony with the frequency of thought you want to attract.

Napoleon Hill calls the brain Your broadcasting and receiving station. You control this transmitter and receiver by applying three principles:

  1. Subconscious mind – see the chapter 12 summary
  2. Creative Imagination – see chapter 6 summary
  3. Autosuggestion – see chapter 4 summary

Combine these precepts with faith, intention, positive emotion and persistence. Only then do you take control of consciously creating the results you desire to manifest.

Exercise – Fix in your mind the precise thought you want to impress into the mind of others. What result do you want to generate? Keep your mind on what you want. Come into vibrational harmony with the people you want to help you cause the thing you think about to be created. See yourself in possession of the thing you desire. Have complete faith that will be the conclusion that comes about.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 14 Summary – The Sixth Sense

Infinite Intelligence might have a plan for you that is better than the one you came up with for yourself. The best thing to do for yourself is learn how to listen to what it is telling you.

The principle of the sixth sense is the apex of the Think and Grow Rich philosophy. With it you come into communication with the force that gives origin to everything in the entire universe. It is activated by the creative imagination faculty within your subconscious mind. It can be practiced only by achieving mastery of the previous 12 principles described above.

Exercise – Develop the habit of investing time every day studying Think and Grow Rich. Read the book repeatedly until you can describe from memory all 13 principles described in the book.
 

Think and Grow Rich Chapter 15 Summary – The Six Ghosts of Fear

Before you can benefit from this success system you must diligently prepare your mind. The prerequisite for applying this philosophy is to clear all thoughts of fear, doubt and indecision. This demands a thorough self-analysis practiced regularly.

Mental discipline is the price that is asked in order to benefit from the Napoleon Hill success formula. Your thought impulses are constantly transmuting themselves into their physical equivalent. Whether those thoughts are voluntary or involuntary doesn’t matter. It is happening. You had best do it volitionally.

Exercise – Take the Self-Analysis Test in chapter 15 of Think Grow Rich. Repeat the test annually.
 

Conclusion

It is highly probable you are seeking the best information you can find regarding the Napoleon Hill success system. As a result you are reading this blog intentionally. Consequently, we have a recommendation to help you take your success with this system to the next level:
Don’t be a ‘Lone Ranger.’ As the old truism goes, “You have to do it yourself, but you can’t do it alone.” This is one reason that Napoleon Hill recommends that you become part of a Mastermind alliance.
We strongly encourage you do follow Hill’s advice. Click on the ‘Apply for Free!’ button on this page to become a member and subscribe to the WCM Law of Attraction Course.