“The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz
5 Key Takeaways from the Book
“The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz is a classic self-help book that encourages readers to elevate their thinking and aim for big success. First published in 1959, the book teaches that success begins in the mind, and anyone can achieve greatness by adjusting their mindset. Schwartz, a professor and motivational speaker, uses practical advice and real-life examples to show how thinking bigger can lead to greater achievements in all areas of life.
In this article, we’ll explore five key takeaways from the book that can inspire you to think bigger, take action, and achieve more. These lessons are about mindset shifts, overcoming fear, and building confidence.
1. Believe You Can Succeed, and You Will: The most important lesson in the book is the power of belief. Schwartz explains that self-belief is the foundation for success. If you truly believe that you can achieve your goals, you will act in ways that make success possible.
If you’re applying for a new job or starting a business, believing in your ability to succeed will help you put in the effort, make smart decisions, and stay motivated.
2. Stop Making Excuses: Schwartz points out that many people fail because they make excuses for why they can’t succeed. He calls these “excuse diseases.” He encourages readers to take responsibility and avoid using common excuses like “I’m too old” or “I don’t have enough time.”
Instead of saying “I’m too busy to exercise,” find small ways to incorporate fitness into your day and take control of your health.
3. Develop the Habit of Action: Big thinkers are doers. Schwartz emphasizes that successful people take action instead of waiting for the perfect moment. By developing the habit of taking small, consistent steps, you build momentum and make progress towards your goals.
If you’ve always wanted to write a book, start by writing just 10 minutes every day. The key is to get started, even if it’s small.
4. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems: When faced with challenges, Schwartz advises focusing on solutions rather than getting stuck on the problems. This positive mindset shift helps you find ways around obstacles and move forward.
If your team is struggling with a project, focus on brainstorming ways to improve the process rather than dwelling on what’s going wrong.
5. Think Like a Leader: Schwartz encourages readers to adopt the mindset of a leader. This includes being positive, confident, and helping others succeed. Leaders believe in their own potential and inspire those around them to do the same.
If you’re in a team environment, take the initiative to lead by setting a positive example and supporting your colleagues.
“The Magic of Thinking Big” teaches us that our thoughts shape our reality. By believing in ourselves, avoiding excuses, taking action, focusing on solutions, and thinking like leaders, we can achieve more than we ever thought possible. These lessons remind us that success is not about luck or talent, but about how we approach life with a big, confident mindset.
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Ankit Rathi is a data techie and weekend tradevestor. His interest lies primarily in building end-to-end data applications/products and making money in stock market using Tradevesting methodology.
