The BigDaddyBigz Summary of Think And Grow Rich Chapter 2 by Napoleon Hill
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Chapter 2: Desire – The Starting Point of All Achievement
Chapter 2 of Napoleon Hill’s "Think and Grow Rich" might just be the world’s most optimistic pep talk, waxing philosophical. It’s all about desire, which, Hill assures us, is the magical ingredient in the recipe for success. To break it down like the wisecracking oracle I am, here’s the gist.
Hill begins with a not-so-startling revelation: if you want to achieve anything substantial, you have to desire it with the same intensity as a toddler craving candy. But let’s be clear, this isn’t about casually wishing on a star. Oh no, Hill insists that your desire must be intense, burning, and persistently unshakable—like that one friend who never forgets to remind you about your failed New Year’s resolutions.
Hill describes desire as the initial spark that ignites the engine of achievement. If your desire is weak or half-hearted, you’re basically setting yourself up for a pitifully lackluster life. Picture a hamster on a wheel; the hamster is the desire, and the wheel is the achievement you’re chasing. If the hamster isn’t enthusiastic, it’s not going anywhere.
To illustrate his point, Hill recounts the legendary story of Edwin C. Barnes, a man who had the audacity to wish to become a business partner of Thomas Edison. Barnes didn’t just wish for it; he planted his desire firmly in his mind, watered it daily with faith, and fed it with perseverance. His determination was so palpable that it practically oozed through the pages of Hill’s book. Barnes managed to get a job working for Edison, and after a series of what can only be described as sheer tenacity and some luck, he became Edison’s business partner. Barnes’ story serves as Hill’s poster child for the concept that desire is not just about dreaming; it’s about doing—preferably with relentless enthusiasm and a bit of gumption.
In a tone that would make a motivational speaker seem positively understated, Hill outlines a six-step formula to turn desire into reality. This formula, while promising, seems a bit like a secret recipe for success that involves a lot of ingredients:
Fix in Your Mind the Exact Amount of Money You Desire: Hill is emphatic that vague dreams of "being rich" are utterly useless. Instead, you must have a precise figure. Think of it like deciding whether you want a cheeseburger or a double cheeseburger—specificity is crucial.
Determine Exactly What You Intend to Give in Return for the Money You Desire: This is about knowing what you’re bringing to the table. If you want a yacht, you’ll need more than just a vague notion of "hard work." You need to know what you're offering in return. In short, the universe isn’t going to hand you a boat because you casually mentioned it in your prayers.
Establish a Definite Date When You Intend to Possess the Money: Hill insists on setting a timeline. It's the adult version of "I want it now," but with a bit more finesse. This date is your deadline for success, which means you better start working toward it—time waits for no one, after all.
Create a Definite Plan for Carrying Out Your Desire and Begin at Once: Here’s where the rubber meets the road. A plan without action is like a car without gas. Hill recommends that you start executing your plan immediately. It’s not just about having a plan; it’s about making it happen.
Write 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, and Describe Clearly the Plan Through Which You Intend to Accumulate It: This is the written contract between you and your success. It’s like setting a goal and signing an agreement with yourself. It should be detailed enough to avoid any ambiguity.
Read Your Written Statement Aloud, Twice Daily: In the grand tradition of self-affirmation, Hill suggests that you read your goals aloud. It’s as if you’re having a daily chat with your future self, reinforcing your commitment. Picture yourself as a motivational coach who needs a little pep talk now and then.
To wrap it up, Hill argues that a burning desire is the foundation of achievement. Without it, success remains an elusive dream, much like finding an extra hour in the day or avoiding traffic. He’s not talking about a fleeting whim; he’s talking about a relentless, almost obsessive drive that propels you toward your goals with the kind of fervor that would make even the most jaded skeptics take notice.
In essence, Chapter 2 is Hill’s ode to desire, presenting it as the quintessential ingredient in the alchemy of success. If you’re not convinced that you can muster up a desire as intense as a soap opera cliffhanger, you might want to reconsider your ambitions. After all, according to Hill, the road to riches is paved with the kind of desire that doesn’t just flicker—it blazes.
So there you have it. Chapter 2 is Hill’s way of telling you that if you don’t have a desire that keeps you awake at night, you’re probably not aiming high enough. It’s the starting point, the launchpad, the very essence of what will drive you from a dreamer to a doer. Or, as Hill might put it, if your desire isn’t setting off fireworks, it’s time to stoke the flames.
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