After my lessons from Think And Grow Rich – Chapter 1 “Introduction”, I’m going to write about chapter 2 of Napoleon Hill’s “Think and grow rich” today.
It’s the very same lesson plan I sent to Mentoring for Free’s Mental Cleanse Call, our mastermind groupp.
“Think and grow rich” is nothing without being part of a mastermind group.
CHAPTER 2 “DESIRE – THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT” THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS RICHES
More than three years ago, I learned the seven rules of goal setting. They helped me a lot to reach my goals, but I failed to reach fulfillment, to fulfill my purpose.
Why was that ? From what I know now, I would say it’s because these rules were only scratching the surface, the surface of antiseptic goals, realistic and achievable goals, the surface of my true purpose, my WHY.
Once I started myself setting “unrealistic” goals, the seven rules of goal setting stopped working. Obviously, I violated one of these rules, the rule that goals have to be realistic and achievable.
While it is true that it’s important to set realistic goals to learn goal setting, the question is: What means “realistic” ? Which reality do I refer to ? My old reality or my new one ? What if “realistic” goals aren’t motivating anymore ? What if I start hating the way I used to reach my goals (for example the way I made my money) ?
I believe it all has to do with motivation, motivation that doesn’t come from the outside, from money, from recognition, from negative emotions like fear or feelings of guilt.
It’s about motivation that comes from deep down, from the inside.
It’s about desire. Burning desire.
Desire doesn’t ask questions, it doesn’t give answers, it doesn’t justify, it knows no doubt and no fear. It’s just there, it’s definite.
It’s just there once the chatter in our mind comes to a halt. It’s just there, at our service.
I used to let myself talk into things like “Oliver, you’re extreme.” or “Oliver, you’re overdoing things.” or “Oliver, don’t take off.” or “Oliver, always stay on the ground.” or “Oliver, play by the rules.” and similar stuff.
And they were right, from their point of view, from their reality.
It was all about being “realistic”, and it wasn’t about dreaming.
So Napoleon Hill’s notion of desire and being a “practical dreamer” was completely new to me.
These notions went beyond my former reality and beyond the seven rules of goal setting.
However, these rules played an important role in order to challenge my old reality and to finally crush it.
Being realistic in this sense of the word is feeling comfortable in one’s unfavourable habits, even being proud of them, is masking one’s own failures and muted dreams, is the final excuse and weapon of all losers and people with low self-esteem.
I know now that the water has always been boiling in the kettle. My desire has always been there on an unconscious level and caused my environment think I’m extreme, that I overdo things and all that crap.
To be 100 % exact, it wasn’t my desire that caused them thinking that, it was that my desire challenged their reality, their comfort zone. It was their emotional and automatic reaction that had nothing got to do with me.
The Mental Cleanse has already been helping me stop believing that. If someone comes up with that kind of crap, I walk away, saying “Stop it !” or even FY – either silently or sometimes aloud. It’s not nice, it’s not kind, it’s not gentle, I know. But I don’t care. It’s desire. Burning desire.
One of the most amazing aspects of “Think and grow rich” is its timelessness:”Never, in the history of America (the world) has there been so great an opportunity for practical dreamers as now exists.”
Couldn’t that be written today ?
I am happy and grateful to live in this time and age.
I am happy and grateful for my dreams, my desires, my entire life with all achievements and failures.
I am happy and grateful to be part of Mentoring for Free and the Mental Cleanse and to be reborn as a practical dreamer.
OK, that’s my lesson plan for the chapter about “Desire”. Stay tuned for next week’s lesson plan about “Think and grow rich” chapter 3 “Faith – Visualization of, and belief in attainment of desire”
So what is your opinion ?
I always love your reaction, so please leave me a comment down below with questions, thoughts, or feedback.
And (yes, here’s my call to action) please share this post with your Twitter and Facebook friends by clicking on the share buttons below.
I appreciate you telling others.
As the Mental Cleanse is ongoing, you may want to listen to my advanced lesson plan about chapter 2: Think and grow rich – Oliver Tausend reads his lessons – Desire
To a prosperous life,
Oliver Tausend
+49 1512 9125216 office Germany & rest of the world (anytime)
+1 201 984 5664 office North America (anytime)
Skype ID: guernsey2016 (anytime)
wordpress@olivertausend.com
What your upline doesn’t tell you about MLM, read it here for free
P.S.: This is the pointer video I published on YouTube:
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Twitter: JymTarrant
says:
Love this post Oliver. Thanks for your honesty and intensity.
The quote you chose to share at the end demonstrates Napoleon Hill’s wisdom perfectly.
”Never, in the history of America (the whole world) has there been so great an opportunity for practical dreamers as now exists.”
“as now exists”, to me, means the now now as much as the now then, and the Now is where the power is and the magic happens.
Jym
Jym recently posted..The MLM Alpha Leader – part II
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 22:15
Hi Jym,
well, I added the “whole world” in brackets to his quote. His wisdom is truly timeless.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Hey Oliver, you’re setting new limits with these posts of yours my friend!
Not only do goals need to be realistic & achievable, they also need to be measurable. As you rightly point out – what is realistic? I like to think of a goal as something that makes your palms sweat at the thought of achieving it! Otherwise it’s mundane & conformist – the kind of goals that are set by mediocre performers who are inhibited by their limiting beliefs passed onto them by their parents, teachers & society in general.
To achieve, you HAVE to believe!
Stay inspired!
Michael
Michael B Wilbraham recently posted..Pareto’s Law And Your Network Marketing Business
[Reply]
Oliver, once again-another great post. Preach it! Most everything you’ve said I’ve experienced as well. I have always felt more like an oddball in life because my dreams and visions of success are not the same as those I associate with (or used to associate with i should say). And my route to getting that success is unconventional. But now I embrace this fact as I realized why would I take advice from unsuccessful people with employee-mindsets? I also found a great boyfriend who “gets it” which makes a huge difference in getting there and staying successful.
~Renee
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 22:11
Hi Renee,
isn’t that awesome that we attract the right people to our lives supporting once we start changing our mindset ? In your case your boyfriend. Congratulations. It seems that you own your life.
Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you are able to relate to my post.
Come back soon and take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: TristramLodge
says:
Hi Oliver,
Thanks for sharing another great insight. I think that we know when desire hits us. It can really take over and motivate us from within which is a good thing. Thank you for talking so openly about this.
Tristram Lodge
Tristram Lodge recently posted..Acting in the Certain Way – You Must Take Action
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 22:09
Hi Tristram,
awesome, it’s really like a take over, we are guarded and guided by our desire.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Hey Oliver,
I love Napoleon Hill’s book, Think And Grow Rich. It’s the first book I ever bought for myself. Great insights.
Motivation comes from outside of us, from things and objects. Inspiration comes from within us. Inspiration can last a lifetime while motivation stops when the object is acquired.
Thanks for the post Oliver,
Coach Freddie
Coach Freddie recently posted..Living The Law of Attraction- Focus
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 22:07
Hi Freddie,
I like the distinction between motivation and inspiration, awesome. As Robert Kiyosaki said, intelligence is the ability to make finer distinctions. Thanks to your comment, I have become more intelligent today !
Come back soon and take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: prfuller
says:
Hey Oliver
Keep dreaming BIG my friend.
Another enjoyable read and I am looking forard to the next chapter because you have to be able to visualize those dreams.
Peter
Peter Fuller MBA recently posted..Can You Admit When You Make A Mistake
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 22:05
Hi Peter,
next time it’s about faith, I’m also looking forward to that. Thanks for your comment and stay tuned.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: RoisinSOConnor
says:
Brilliant Oliver!
I’ve underlined and highlighted parts of your article and have made a point of using them already. They changed how I responded to 2 people already today. Thanks for living your dream and lightinng others paths.
Roisin.
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 22:00
Hi Roisin,
comments like yours just make me happy. That’s why I write posts like that. Thanks for sharing your feedback and congratulations to applying your learning experiences.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Oliver,
Thanks for sharing some of your deepest thoughts my friend.
“Realistic” is something I’m reminded of often by those closest to me. But for me, “realistic” is aiming for mediocrity. A reality shift needs to occur from the inside for it to manifest on the outside.
A very powerful thing you said here is desire is just there and definite. It doesn’t ask questions or give answers, and it’s there at its brightest when all the chatter dies down.
Awesome stuff,
Wayne
Wayne Wu recently posted..The Only 3 Reasons Prospects Will Join and Stay With You in Business…
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 21:59
Hi Wayne,
it’s the chatter that talks you into being realistic. I agree with you that realistic equals mediocrity and average. Great that you are able to resonate with my deepest thoughts.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
I second this statement Oliver:
“DESIRE – THE STARTING POINT OF ALL ACHIEVEMENT”
It’s truly an awesome experience to have a deep desire for something you want so bad enough that you can literally taste.
I challenge anyone who has gotten what they want who did not have the desire. It’s just impossible.
Thanks for sharing this great post.
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..Go From Good to Great at Prospecting in Network Marketing
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 16th, 2010 at 21:57
Hi Jerome,
thanks for your comment. I am glad that you are able to relate to what I have to say.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: stephensheather
says:
Oliver, as always, you inspire me!
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about being realistic or maybe I am dreaming too big. I know it’s because I’m pushing my comfort zones and reaching some terror barriers within my self and because of that receiving some pressure from outside of myself with family and friends.
But you ask, “what is realistic?” For some people in this world, having the opportunity and capability to build a successful business from my kitchen table is unrealistic. The idea that I can record a video on my cell phone and in minutes have it live on youtube so someone 1/2 way around the world can see it is unrealistic. If someone didn’t dream big unrealistic dreams with burning desire to attain these dreams, none of this would be possible.
I appreciate your post and I’ll keep feeding the flames of desire within me to make a difference for others in this world which will at the same time make a difference in my own world.
Thank you for inspiring me!
Heather
Heather C Stephens recently posted..60 Inspiration Success Stories that Will Stick with You Like Maple Syrup in a Dog’s Fur
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 08:48
Hi Heather,
if you can dream it, you can do it. It’s depends on desire and faith if you can really reach it.
Just keep dreaming big !
Thanks for your amazing feedback, it helps me to keep the fire burning.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Great post Oliver..
I think desire is a very important topic. If we don’t want something bad enough we won’t do everything we can to achieve it..
thanks for sharing this
Hector
Hector | Blog Marketing recently posted..The Fastest & Simplest Way To Create Real Relationships Online
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 08:46
Hi Hector,
desire is definitely the starting point of all achievement.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: MavisNong
says:
Hey Oliver,
Your posts are totally awesome! Thanks for sharing your inspiring thoughts.
All the best,
Mavis Nong
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 23:31
Hi Mavis,
your comment is awesome, too. Thank you. I’m glad that you find my posts inspiring.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Hey Oliver,
Quick question, Should I purchase the book?
Sounds like I’m getting the cliff notes version on your blog.
If you don’t have any desire. You’ll simply stay stagnant.
Have a great weekend…
Josh
Josh Garcia recently posted..Web 20 Marketing- Are You Taking Advantage of This Technique
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 23:24
Hi Josh,
you should get a copy, but you don’t need to buy it. Under http://30daycleanse.com you get a copy, yours free.
Most people are without desire, or their desire is dormant. Mine was always active, like a volcano.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Wonderful Oliver – I even got on the second call the other night so I could hear your lesson being read again
Charlie Holles recently posted..The Slight Edge – with Marcello Lisi pt 1 of 2
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 17th, 2010 at 23:21
Hi Charlie,
oh, were you on the 8 PM call ? OK, that’s 1 AM for you and 2 AM for me. Awesome, I’m glad Michael, you and the others liked it. I put a little thought and energy in the lesson
I have to go to the archive and listen to the call. It’s certainly interesting how someone else reads it.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: AnaTrafficCafe
says:
Great synopsis, Oliver.
To be quite honest with you, I don’t have any specific long-term goals – right or wrong.
The reason for that is precisely the fact that I don’t want to be discouraged by unrealistic goals, yet determining whether my goals are realistic or not is an unrealistic expectation.
However, managing short-term goals like “achieve low Alexa ranking in 2 months” I can definitely focus on.
Thanks for your insights!
Ana Hoffman
http://www.TrafficGenerationCafe.com
Ana | Traffic Generation Cafe recently posted..Are You Building a Machine or Just Another Job
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 23rd, 2010 at 08:59
Hi Ana,
thanks for your comment and for being honest with yourself first and foremost.
Only time will tell if it’s wrong or right, well, it might even be difficult to tell that in hindsight.
Only one question came into my mind: What for ? I mean, WHY do you want to have a “low” Alexa ranking in two months ?
You could build up a path of why-questions – like kids do when they’re bothering their parents with their why-questions
– in order to explore potential long-terms for you.
Discouragement and disappointment, well I expect them, that doesn’t mean that I expect them in the emotion of fear. I simply say, it’s part of the game. It’s like a long haul flight: If you fly 12 hours, you won’t always be in good shape and mood during the flight, right ? At least, I am not, 2 hours can be enough.
In German language, you can play around with the words “disappoint” and “deceive”. In German, “I am disappointed” can mean “I don’t deceive myself any more.” I mean, that’s a good thing, right ? Extremely helpful if people feel disappointed by others, they stop deceiving themselves about others. Also a good thing, if you ask me.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Hi Oliver,
Well we must have been on the same wavelenght this week as my latest post was also on burning desires! I felt so inspired after reading your post, which is filled with passion and integrity – thank you for sharing your inner talk.
I too feel so empowered by respecting my burning desires. It’s a great feeling when you realise that you just can’t let go of your burning desires, when you realise that you are committed to reaching your most meaningful goals, no matter what.
Realism is a concept that is created by others, by environmental and social boundaries. If my own ambitious reality goes beyong these boundaries, so be it, I’ll rise above, be authentic, be successful, be inspired, be passionate, happy and free, according to my own standards. I love that feeling
Thanks for your inspiration Oliver!
Justine
Justine Simard recently posted..Cultivating Burning Desires
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 16:45
Hi Justine,
oh my Lord, you are probably not aware how important your video was to me, that was a missing link. Because I realized that I was caught in some type of “necessity trap” regarding my burning desires.
The universe works, everything falls into place. Thanks for your post.
If you don’t mind I would process my thoughts in a post next week and referring to your post and linking to it.
Realism ? There’s no such as realism. You are either visionary or pessimist. A realist is a pessimist.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Your german brother from a different mother loves your posts, Oliver. We discussed this before, our shared passion for what Mr. Hill has to say.
The funny thing is: one would think everyone should have it. Almost nobody does.
Why the heck is that?
Mark recently posted..The world out there is a farce!
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 25th, 2010 at 16:34
Hi Mark,
thanks for commenting brother. Good question. One of my coaches says: The best kept secret is a secret that isn’t one. Information available for free, mastermind group for free – nobody (no, not nobody, only rhetorically) wants it.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Twitter: marcus_baker
says:
Hi Oliver,
What a great read! Valuable information distilled from a masterpiece.
Coming up with a desire is easy as we are presented with so much contrast in our lives and when you know what you don’t want then it’s easy to know what you do want.
The bigger challenge for most people is that of focusing on that desire rather than on what has been or what is.
I can speak from experience of having devised both realistic and unrealistic goals neither of which I achieved because although I had a goal, I focused on what I didn’t have rather than on what I wanted.
~Marcus
Marcus Baker recently posted..Who else is up for an Awesome Blog traffic Attracting Opportunity
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 22:22
Hi Marcus,
I think most people fail to do that step: Figuring out what they want from what they don’t want. It’s OK to hate one’s job. But that’s not a desire. Rejection of something unwanted can be turned into desire, definitely. But it needs to be formulated positively.
I learned from Robert Kiyosaki that a passion is a combination of something we hate and something we love.
You also speak the truth that we shouldn’t focus on what we don’t have. We have everything it takes to get what we want.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Hi my friends, I’ve been trying to earn money from home by starting online business for the past 4 months,but I haven’t been able to make a decent amount. I have tried several types of sites, but they only seem to bring in small amounts of money. What am I doing wrong?
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
October 13th, 2010 at 23:54
Hi Ralph,
hard to tell…download the ebook “Success in 10 steps”, provide your phone number and I’ll call you. Let’s see what we can do to help you.
Thanks for your comment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
I love Think and Grow Rich. You’re right, that line could be written today. Thanks for sharing such an insightful post, Oliver.
Staci
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
October 18th, 2010 at 17:22
Hi Staci,
thanks for your comment. This book is both time- and priceless.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
“Practical desire”… I think it would be pretty obvious for the possible result of having a desirable goal that won’t extend to its practicality. However, how can we determine if we are dreaming to achieve something that’s attainable? What will be our clue since some people are risk takers while some are afraid to get more than they have.
Cole Stan recently posted..Be Thoughtful And Give Unique Personalized Wedding Gifts
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
October 23rd, 2010 at 00:50
Hi Cole,
thanks for your comment. Anything we can visualize and charge with positive emotions we can achieve…
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]
Cole Stan Reply:
October 25th, 2010 at 11:33
Yup! Most successful people usually tell that to others. Come to think of it, how can someone reach his goal if he won’t believe on himself from the very start of his journey. Definitely, he won’t think of taking extra effort to make all things possible because he keeps on attracting negative elements into his life.
Cole Stan recently posted..Be Thoughtful And Give Unique Personalized Wedding Gifts
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
October 25th, 2010 at 13:32
Hi Cole,
thanks for your comment. I am glad you are able to resonate with my post.
Take care
Oliver
I adore you Oliver, now i more motivated in my work by reading your post. It’s great to hear that someone like you share there ways of how to become successful. It’s starts in ourselves, ego or desire to be more competitive and realistic. Excellent post, I like it. Starting right now i will do what you does and keep it in my heart and mind.
[Reply]
Oliver Reply:
March 27th, 2011 at 14:23
Hi Angelica,
thanks for your comment and your compliment.
Take care
Oliver
[Reply]