Think and Grow Rich – Principle 1: Burning Desire

Think and Grow Rich – An Introduction

Think and Grow Rich is a personal development and self-help book written by Napoleon Hill, first published in 1937. It is widely considered one of the most influential success books of all time and has had a significant impact on the self-help and motivational literature genre.

The book is based on Hill’s study of successful individuals, including business magnates like Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford, and Thomas Edison. Hill spent several decades researching and interviewing these successful people to uncover the principles and philosophies that contributed to their achievements. He then distilled this knowledge into a set of principles and steps that he believed anyone could follow to achieve their own success.

The are 13 Principles are listed below:

1. Desire (The First Step to Riches)
2. Faith (The Second Step to Riches)
3. Auto-Suggestion (The Third Step to Riches)
4. Specialized Knowledge (The Fourth Step to Riches)
5. Imagination (The Fifth Step to Riches)
6. Organized Planning (The Sixth Step to Riches)
7. Decision (The Seventh Step to Riches)
8. Persistence (The Eighth Step to Riches)
9. Power of the Master Mind (The Ninth Step to Riches)
10. The Mystery of Sex Transmutation (The Tenth Step to Riches)
11. The Sub Conscious Mind (The Eleventh Step to Riches)
12. The Brain (The Twelfth Step to Riches)
13. The Sixth Sense (The Thirteenth Step to Riches)

What does a “Burning Desire” mean?

A strong, burning, and intense craving for a specific goal

Napoleon Hill

The principle of “Desire” in Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” is considered the starting point for achieving any form of success. Hill asserts that a strong and burning desire for a specific goal is the first step towards realizing one’s dreams. He defines desire as a strong, burning, and intense craving for a specific goal or objective. It goes beyond mere wishing or hoping; it’s a passionate longing that consumes your thoughts and actions.

The Significance of Desire

Napoleon Hill underscores the paramount importance of desire in the pursuit of success. He argues that a well-defined and passionate desire serves as the catalyst that ignites the process of turning thoughts into tangible achievements. Without desire, there is no motivation to act, and hence, no progress toward a goal. He considers desire to be the foundation upon which all success is built.

Here’s a detailed explanation of the concept of “Desire” as presented in the book:

1. Defining Desire: Desire, as outlined by Hill, is not merely a fleeting wish or vague want. It is a burning, passionate craving for a specific goal or objective. It’s the kind of desire that consumes your thoughts, motivates your actions, and becomes an obsession in your life. This intense desire is the driving force behind the achievement of remarkable success.
2. The Power of Clarity: Hill emphasizes that desire must be crystal clear and well-defined. A vague or hazy desire is unlikely to yield significant results. To harness the full power of desire, you must know precisely what you want and be able to articulate it clearly.
3. A Definite Chief Aim: Hill introduces the idea of having a “Definite Chief Aim” as a part of your desire. This is essentially your major life goal or purpose, and it serves as the central focus of your desire. Your Definite Chief Aim gives your desire direction and purpose.
4. Burning Desire vs. Ordinary Want: Hill makes a clear distinction between ordinary wants and a burning desire. Ordinary wants are fleeting and often lack the emotional intensity required for success. A burning desire, on the other hand, is characterized by an emotional commitment that compels you to take persistent and determined action.
5. Persistence and Resilience: Hill stresses that true desire is accompanied by an unwavering commitment to achieving your goals. It fuels persistence and resilience, allowing you to overcome obstacles, setbacks, and discouragement that may come your way on the path to success.
6. Transmutation of Desire into Action: The book emphasizes that a strong desire alone is not enough; it must be translated into action. Desire serves as the motivating force that propels you to take consistent and purposeful steps toward your goal.
7. Auto-Suggestion and the Subconscious Mind: Hill introduces the concept of auto-suggestion, which involves repeatedly affirming your desires and goals to your subconscious mind. By doing this, you can program your subconscious to work in alignment with your conscious desires, making your goals more attainable.

In essence, the concept of “Desire” in “Think and Grow Rich” underscores the critical role of passion, clarity, and emotional commitment in achieving success. It is the starting point from which all other principles and actions flow. Hill’s philosophy suggests that when you cultivate a burning desire for your goals, you tap into an incredible source of motivation and energy that can propel you toward the realization of your dreams.

Case Study: The Story of Edwin C. Barnes

One of the most famous examples cited in “Think and Grow Rich” is the story of Edwin C. Barnes, who desired to become business partners with Thomas Edison. Barnes had no money, no education, and no direct connection to Edison. However, his desire to achieve his goal was so intense that he refused to accept defeat. He traveled to Edison’s office, secured a job as a handyman, and eventually became Edison’s business associate.

This case study illustrates how an unwavering desire can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and pave the way for success.

Steps and Processes for Cultivating Desire

1. Define a Clear and Specific Goal: The first step in cultivating desire is to identify a precise and well-defined goal. Hill emphasizes the importance of clarity in goal-setting. Vague desires yield vague results.
2. Create a Definite Plan: Once the goal is established, develop a clear and actionable plan for its attainment. The plan should outline the steps and strategies necessary to achieve the desired outcome.
3. Constantly Visualize Your Goal: Hill recommends daily visualization of your goal as if it has already been achieved. This practice reinforces your desire and keeps it at the forefront of your mind.
4. Fuel Your Desire with Emotion: It’s not enough to have a desire; it must be accompanied by intense emotion. The more passionately you desire something, the more likely you are to take persistent action to attain it.
5. Write Down Your Desire: Commit your desire to writing. This not only solidifies your commitment but also engages your subconscious mind in the pursuit of your goal.
6. Read Your Written Statement Aloud: Hill suggests reading your written desire statement aloud twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. This reinforces your desire and impresses it upon your subconscious.