thinking big book review

The Magic of Thinking Big: Book Review

Jonathan Enrique

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I’ve always been on a quest for personal growth and success. Recently, I stumbled upon a book that completely shifted my perspective.

‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ by David J Schwartz is a game-changer in the world of self-help literature. From the very first page, I was hooked by Schwartz’s practical strategies and profound insights on unlocking our full potential.

In this article, I’ll share the life-changing impact of this book and the powerful messages that have resonated with me. Get ready to tap into the magic of your own thoughts and beliefs.

Key Takeaways

• David J Schwartz did an amazing job crafting this book.
• This book is like a blueprint to becoming a successful person, successful leader, and a successful member of society.
• It separates itself and is definitely one of the best self-help books.
• It will be a book that I read again and use as a reference in the time of need.

Book Review Guide

In my opinion, the key takeaways from ‘ The Magic of Thinking Big ‘ are incredibly valuable and can greatly impact one’s life.

This book teaches us the power of our thoughts and how they shape our reality. It emphasizes the importance of thinking big and not settling for mediocrity. By expanding our thinking, we can achieve extraordinary results.

The author provides practical strategies for overcoming fear, taking action, and developing a positive mindset. One of the key points is that belief triggers the power to do. By believing in ourselves and our abilities, we can accomplish great things.

The book also emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and growth. It encourages us to challenge our limiting beliefs and strive for excellence in all areas of life.

Detailed Features

I highly recommend the detailed features of ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ as they provide valuable insights and practical strategies for personal growth and success.

This book offers a comprehensive guide on how to think bigger and achieve greatness in all areas of life.

One of the key features is its emphasis on the power of belief. The author explains how our beliefs shape our actions and ultimately determine our level of success.

Additionally, the book provides practical tips on how to overcome fear, take action, and develop a positive mindset. It also emphasizes the importance of setting high goals and maintaining a positive attitude.

Pros and Cons

One advantage of ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ is its practicality in providing actionable strategies for personal growth and success.

The book offers a variety of techniques and approaches that can be implemented immediately, allowing readers to take control of their lives and make positive changes.

The author, David J Schwartz, presents his ideas in a clear and concise manner, making it easy for readers to understand and apply them.

Another advantage is the book’s emphasis on the power of belief and mindset. It encourages readers to think big and have confidence in their abilities, which is essential for achieving success.

However, one potential drawback is that some readers may find the concepts repetitive or overly simplistic.

Nonetheless, overall, ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ is a valuable resource for anyone seeking personal development and empowerment.

Concluding Thoughts

Feeling inspired and motivated, I am now ready to take action and implement the valuable lessons learned from ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’.

This book has provided me with a blueprint for success, guiding me towards becoming a successful person, leader, and member of society. It has challenged me to stop thinking small and instead think big, opening my mind to new possibilities.

The insights, encouragement, and suggestions found in this book are incredibly powerful and have the potential to transform my life. I highly recommend this book to everyone, regardless of their age or position in life.

By putting the principles discussed in ‘The Magic of Thinking Big’ into practice, I can confidently say that I am on the path to achieving greatness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does ‘the magic of thinking big’ differ from other self-help books.

The magic of thinking big sets itself apart from other self-help books by providing a blueprint for success, leadership, and personal growth. It offers valuable insights, encouragement, and practical suggestions on how to break free from small thinking and expand our horizons.

This book is a game-changer that will transform your mindset and empower you to achieve greatness. Regardless of age or position in life, I highly recommend this life-changing read to anyone seeking to unleash their full potential.

How Can Reading This Book Impact Personal and Professional Growth?

Reading this book can have a profound impact on personal and professional growth. It provides valuable insights and strategies for thinking big, taking action, and achieving success.

By challenging limiting beliefs and encouraging a positive mindset, it empowers individuals to overcome fear, embrace opportunities, and reach their full potential.

The book emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, self-improvement, and applying knowledge effectively.

Are There Any Specific Techniques or Strategies Mentioned in the Book?

There are several specific techniques and strategies mentioned in the book that can have a profound impact on personal and professional growth.

One technique is to practice visualization, where you vividly imagine yourself achieving your goals.

Another strategy is to develop a positive mental attitude by replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.

Additionally, the book emphasizes the importance of taking action and overcoming fear.

Can This Book Be Beneficial for Individuals at Any Stage of Life?

Absolutely! This book can benefit individuals at any stage of life. It provides powerful techniques and strategies for thinking big and achieving success. Whether you’re just starting out or already well-established, the principles in this book can help you overcome limitations and reach your full potential.

It’s a game-changer that will inspire you to take action and believe in your abilities. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to transform your life with the magic of thinking big.

Does the Author Provide Any Real-Life Examples or Case Studies to Support Their Ideas?

Yes, the author provides numerous real-life examples and case studies to support their ideas. These examples illustrate the power of thinking big and how it can lead to success in various aspects of life.

From stories of individuals who achieved great things by believing in themselves to case studies of businesses that expanded exponentially through visionary thinking, these examples serve as inspiration and evidence of the effectiveness of thinking big.

They reinforce the author’s message and make the concepts more relatable and applicable to readers.

About the author

Hey, I’m Jonathan Enrique, your personal development enthusiast. Welcome to my blog, where I explore life-changing personal growth tips and dissect books that inspire transformation. Join me on this quest for self-improvement, as we unlock the potential within ourselves, one page at a time. Let’s grow together!

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The Magic of Thinking Big Summary

1-Sentence-Summary:  The Magic of Thinking Big gives you several starting points to develop and strengthen the most important trait of successful people: believing in yourself.

Favorite quote from the author:

Audio Summary

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The first thing you need to know about  The Magic of Thinking Big is that it was written in 1959. The author, David Joseph Schwartz , was born in 1927 and died in 1987. That’s why this book does not quote countless studies or the latest scientific research. This doesn’t harm its message at all though.

No matter whether your life goals are incredibly big and daunting or fairly small and achievable, chance are you’ve thought “Where do I even begin?” more than once.

The author suggests you start by creating a mindset in which you feel 100% capable of achieving whatever you set out to do .

Why does this work? Because once you start believing in yourself enough, your brain will spark the creativity required to achieve your goal.

These ideas could have been the roots of what would later become positive psychology . One McKinsey study quoted in the book states that what management and societal leaders are looking for most, when working with people, is the drive to move forward .

People are looking for this attitude, because it makes sure you persevere in the face of failure and adversity , instead of running away at the first roadblock.

If you want to save this summary for later, download the free PDF and read it whenever you want.

Now David presents us with several strategies to improve your self-belief and confidence.

The first is to constantly work on your creative thinking skills.  As opposed to just memorizing facts, which will only help you in certain situations, creative thinking will help you solve  any kind of problem you will face.

Your brain can assess and adapt to any situation, because it stays flexible.

David suggests 3 things:

• Always be open to new ideas.
• Learn something new whenever you can.
• Ask yourself “How can I do a better job today?” every day.

For example: It might seem useless to you to learn photoshop if you’re working in a car dealership, but if it’s fun, do it anyway. Adopt the mentality of “ Who knows what it might be good for? “. In this case you could easily use your new graphic design skills to create a bunch of awesome Facebook ads  that can help you sell a lot more cars.

The second strategy is to shut down the negative voices in your head. With the news reporting mostly on horrifying events and everyone around you only complaining, negative thinking is quite the norm. However, you’ll find nay-sayers are almost always unsuccessful or just average.

You can do this by writing down a pep talk that reads like a commercial where you try to sell yourself to yourself. Focus on what makes you different, for example that you’re funny and make people laugh at work all the time. Read it out loud once a day and in quiet whenever you feel a bit down.

Chances are you won’t become a success all on your own – usually people around us lift us up in a way. That’s why you should treat everyone you meet with respect . Even if they act crazy, they might just have a bad day. But just like you want to be treated like an important person, so do they.

Note:  The author suggests to treat everyone like they can make or break your career. Thinking that way causes me anxiety, so I rather adopt Kid President’s philosophy : Treat everyone like it’s their birthday, even if they don’t deserve it.

The next piece of advice regards your peers. You’ve probably heard the saying “You are the average of the five people you surround yourself with.”  And while you can’t change  the people around you, you can change the people around you.

So be sure to create an environment of high quality people for yourself and only take advice from the ones that have gone where you want to go.

Note:  Jeff Bezos from Amazon didn’t have a lot of successful friends, so he just surrounded himself with books. By reading biographies of successful people he felt like hanging out with them.

Another important factor is your attitude , which will be reflected in the way you walk, talk and behave. Attitudes are mirrors of the mind and people always catch on to what’s going on. After all, reading body language has been how we survived for thousands of years.

Two things you can do to improve your attitude include always doing what you think is morally right and  always dressing well.  The former is powerful from the inside, because you believing in your work will make sure you take pride in it, the latter is powerful from the outside, because it makes you and others feel important.

No one is born confident , yet everyone can learn it. “Fake it till you make it” is true in this case, because you can control your emotions by behaving the way you want to feel. So sit in the first row, make eye contact with people and walk faster than others.

Just like dressing well it will make you look important on the outside, which in turn will make you feel confident on the inside.

You might have heard the saying “Winners find solutions, losers find excuses.” and it’s true. This is where the book comes full circle, because believing in yourself is what creates the difference between trying to find someone to blame when things go wrong, and looking for a way to try again and be better.

So how do you turn all this into action?

Take a 2-step approach:  Plan and execute.

Write down a detailed, step-by-step plan with instructions how you’ll do each step and a rough idea of when you’ll complete it. Then, get to work and study your setbacks.  Don’t waste any energy beating yourself up, just try to learn from what went wrong and take the next step.

The final argument of this book is that the only difference between successful people and normal people lies in their self-belief and confidence, which causes them to persist long enough for them to achieve success.

The Magic of Thinking Big Review

The Magic of Thinking Big  asserts that creative thinking is the driving force behind success. This is an idea I’ve seen in many books now, but this one rounds up a broad collection of thoughts on the topic really well. Recommended!

Who would I recommend The Magic of Thinking Big summary to?

The 13-year-old teenager who is about to take a “what work is right for you” test, the 34-year-old friend who just suffered a major setback, and anyone who spends the majority of their time complaining.

Last Updated on March 17, 2023

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Niklas Göke is an author and writer whose work has attracted tens of millions of readers to date. He is also the founder and CEO of Four Minute Books, a collection of over 1,000 free book summaries teaching readers 3 valuable lessons in just 4 minutes each. Born and raised in Germany, Nik also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration & Engineering from KIT Karlsruhe and a Master’s Degree in Management & Technology from the Technical University of Munich. He lives in Munich and enjoys a great slice of salami pizza almost as much as reading — or writing — the next book — or book summary, of course!

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The Magic Of Thinking Big

The Magic Of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz is an amazing book on our amazing thought process. David Schwartz tells us that we need to upgrade our thinking to upgrade our life. Before we can achieve big things, we have to think big things. In his eyes, success has little to do with intelligence, having rich parents, being lucky, or whatever.

The Magic Of Thinking Big is a personal development book written in 1965 by David J. Schwartz . The premise of the book is simple: Think big to live big.

David Schwartz tells us that we need to upgrade our thinking to upgrade our life. Before we can achieve big things, we have to think big things. In his eyes, success has little to do with intelligence, having wealthy parents, being lucky, or whatever.

He claims that success is determined not so much by the size of one’s brain but by the size of one’s thinking. He offers countless strategies to help us upgrade our thinking and become more successful in everything we do.

In this summary, we will look at 13 of his best ideas. These ideas have made a massive difference in my life, and I’m convinced they will help you improve your life.

‘Case history after case history proved that the size of the bank account, the size of the happiness account, and the size of someone’s satisfaction account depend on the size of their thinking; there is magic in thinking big.”

Believe you can succeed, and you will

Belief is a powerful force that generates the energy and skill necessary to achieve our goals. The how-to-do-it naturally follows when we have a positive attitude and believe we can succeed.

Our belief triggers our minds to find ways and means to accomplish our objectives. We must firmly believe in our abilities to accomplish important things in life.

For instance, if we believe we can become a millionaire, we can achieve this goal. However, if we suffer from Excusitis, a condition where we find excuses to justify our disbelief, we might not be able to achieve our goals . Doubt and disbelief attract negativity and prevent us from succeeding.

Negative thoughts and doubts can hinder our subconscious mind from achieving our objectives, making us prone to failure. Therefore, believing in ourselves and having a positive attitude to achieve our aspirations is crucial.

Cure yourself of excusitis, the failure disease

Successful individuals tend to make fewer excuses than those who have not achieved their goals. People with mediocre accomplishments tend to explain why they can’t, won’t, or aren’t doing something.

Do you find yourself making excuses like “I’m too tired,” “I’m too old,” or “I’m not smart enough?” According to Schwartz, those who are successful have fewer excuses.

Luck is not the determining factor in our success; it results from our actions and efforts over time. Every action reacts, and we must take responsibility for our decisions and their consequences.

We should accept the law of cause and effect and recognize that success requires preparation, planning, and success-producing thinking.

If we encounter setbacks, we should learn from them and use the knowledge gained to continue progressing toward our goals.

It is encouraging to realize that we have control over our lives and are not solely reliant on external factors.

As creators of our destiny, we can make choices and take actions that will lead us to success. We can learn from the behaviors and practices of those who have achieved what we desire.

For instance, if we aspire to be physically fit, we can emulate the actions of other fit individuals. Similarly, if we seek financial prosperity , we can adopt the habits of successful entrepreneurs.

Accepting the concept of cause and effect makes life more straightforward and manageable, as stated in The Magic of Thinking Big.

Don’t sell yourself short.

Many individuals view themselves as inferior and incapable of achieving certain things. This lack of self-confidence and self-worth, which Schwartz refers to as self-deprecation in The Magic of Thinking Big, can hold them back.

Meanwhile, you may know less skilled or less qualified people than others in higher positions. How did they get there? It’s simple – they have a higher opinion of themselves.

They possess greater self-belief, self-esteem, and a positive self-image, which makes them confident that they can perform the job well.

They don’t suffer from low self-esteem or self-deprecation, nor do they underestimate themselves or overestimate others. Instead, they have a healthy level of self-esteem that allows them to recognize their abilities and potential.

According to The Magic of Thinking Big, this allows them to succeed.

Use big, bright, cheerful, and optimistic words.​

How we communicate through language has a powerful impact on the images and movies our minds create.

Our minds don’t think in words but rather in visual representations. For example, when we hear the phrase “pink elephant,” our minds conjure up an image of a pink elephant. Therefore, choosing our words carefully is essential because they can shape our thoughts and emotions.

For instance, “problem” creates negative connotations in our minds, whereas “challenge” creates more positive associations.

Similarly, “try” implies a lack of commitment or potential failure, while “do” conveys a sense of confidence and certainty. We can cultivate a more optimistic and motivated mindset by using language that inspires positive images and movies.

The language we use to express our moods and feelings significantly impacts our mental and emotional states. To promote positive emotions, we should avoid using negative words when describing how we feel. Instead, we should choose positive words that create pleasant images and emotions.

Furthermore, when talking about other people, we should use positive language that paints them positively. By using emotionally-charged words like “legend,” “great,” or “fun,” we can create positive feelings in the listener and even the person we are referring to. This not only fosters good relationships but also associates us with positive emotions in the minds of others.

Overall, the power of words cannot be overstated. Using big, bright, and cheerful words can cultivate positive emotions and relationships in our personal and professional lives.

Look important – it helps you think necessary.

One important rule is to ensure that your appearance reflects positively on you. It is essential always to leave your home feeling confident that you look like the person you aspire to be.

A well-dressed person conveys the message of intelligence, success, and trustworthiness, while a shabby person may be perceived as careless, inefficient, and unimportant.

The way you present yourself has a significant impact on the way others perceive and react to you. It is more likely that people will approach you and respond positively if you make a friendly and genuine impression.

Even if you do not engage with them verbally, your clothes, posture, body language, and smile communicate messages to others.

In addition, your appearance has a significant impact on your thinking and emotions. Your physical appearance can affect your mental state and feelings about yourself.

Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to your appearance and ensure that it reflects the person you aspire to be.

Build a sell-yourself-on-yourself commercial.

Our self-talk is crucial, and we can improve it by practising positive self-praise instead of belittling self-punishment. It’s essential to ask ourselves how we talk to ourselves and if we’re building ourselves up and becoming more confident.

Unfortunately, most of us engage in negative self-talk, but we can change this. One way is to create a “sell yourself on yourself” commercial, a short 100-200 word talk we give ourselves several times a day using big, bright, and cheerful words.

Doing this can boost our mood, make us feel better, and improve our self-esteem. If we practice this kind of uplifting self-talk, it can have a significant positive impact on our lives.

Ask yourself: “Is this the way an important person thinks?”

Upgrade your thinking. Think as essential people think. Upgrading your review upgrades your actions, and this produces success. Ask yourself: “Is this the way an important person thinks?”

Make your environment work for you, not against You.

According to experts, your future self, whether it be in one, five, ten, or twenty years, is greatly influenced by your environment.

The way you think, set goals, approach life, and develop your personality are all shaped by the environment you are exposed to.

Therefore, it can be said that your future is determined mainly by the environment you surround yourself with. This highlights the importance of being mindful of the environment you choose to be a part of.

The Magic of Thinking Big emphasizes the importance of your environment in shaping your future. This includes the people you surround yourself with, the media you consume, and the beliefs and attitudes you adopt.

Jim Rohn’s famous quote highlights how you become the combined average of the five people you spend the most time with regarding income, health, and attitude.

To achieve success, you should surround yourself with successful and positive people, consume media that supports your goals, and adopt the attitudes and beliefs of successful individuals.

Negative influences, or “negators,” should be avoided as they can poison your progress and motivation.

To make your environment work for you, spend time with ambitious and inspiring people, read biographies of successful individuals, and consume media that promotes positivity and personal development.

Controlling your environment and surrounding yourself with positive influences can increase your chances of success.

Practice conversation generosity

Through numerous experiments, I’ve discovered that the individuals who talk the most and those who achieve the most success are usually not the same.

However, it’s nearly always the case that the more successful a person is, the more they practice conversational generosity by encouraging others to talk about themselves – their opinions, accomplishments, family, job, and problems.

As human beings, we have a natural inclination to talk about ourselves. We enjoy discussing our lives, our difficulties, our relationships, our goals, and our aspirations.

Therefore, note who is doing most of the talking during conversations – is it you or the other person? Are you solely discussing your life, issues, and interests, or are you also focusing on the other person’s concerns and interests?

If you realize that you’re speaking too much, make an effort to slow down and allow the other person to speak, as per The Magic Of Thinking Big.

Be an activationist. Be someone who does things. Be a doer, not a don’t-er.

In “The Magic of Thinking Big,” the author discusses the concept of “activations” versus “passivationists.” Activations are successful individuals who take action and follow through on their plans, while passivation ists are mediocre and unsuccessful individuals who procrastinate and make excuses.

Many people, including the author, have a natural tendency towards passivation, but this approach leads to inaction and lack of achievement.

The author suggests that we must accept imperfection and take action toward our goals, even if we feel unprepared or uncertain of success.

Starting imperfectly is better than not starting at all. We need feedback to improve and make progress. For example, if we want to lose weight, we must take action by changing our diet and exercising regularly rather than just reading about it.

Ultimately, we cannot rely on hope, thoughts, or wishes to achieve success. We must actively do something and take consistent action towards our goals.

Blend persistence with experimentation to guarantee success

Success cannot be guaranteed by persisting in one way alone. However, success is almost always particular when persistence is combined with experimentation.

Many individuals with lofty goals often exhibit admirable persistence and ambition but fail to succeed because they refuse to try new approaches.

It’s crucial to remain committed to your objectives and not waver from them. But at the same time, it’s essential not to repeat the same approach if it isn’t yielding any positive results. If your efforts aren’t bearing fruit, try a new approach.

Thomas Edison is the first person that comes to mind when thinking of persistence blended with experimentation. He is one of the most successful innovators in history, having invented the light bulb, among other things.

However, he is also known for failing over 10,000 times before eventually successfully making the light bulb work.

Edison never gave up on his goal, but he also didn’t stubbornly stick to the same approach that wasn’t working. Instead, he experimented with new methods until he finally hit the jackpot. Persistence blended with experimentation worked wonders for him.

In the book the author says that if the first plan you adopt does not work successfully, replace it with a new project; if this new plan fails to work, replace it, in turn, with another until you find a plan that does work. Unfortunately, here is where most men meet with failure because they lack persistence in creating new plans to replace those who fail.

Use goals to help you grow

Nothing happens; only forward steps are taken once a goal is established. Without goals, individuals wander through life. They stumble along, never knowing where they are going, so they never get anywhere.

Establishing goals is crucial for success, as essential as air is for living. Without goals, nothing will happen, and success will remain a distant dream.

No one has ever stumbled upon success without a plan. Just like air, goals are necessary to sustain life. To make progress, you need to define your desired destination clearly. Without a plan, you are leaving your life to chance.

It’s impossible to get what you want out of life if you don’t know what you want. Without a clear destination, it’s difficult to gauge whether you’re moving in the right direction.

Setting goals has magical powers that can energize and motivate you to achieve them. You can find new energy and inspiration by setting a goal and putting in all your effort. Goals can cure boredom and even some chronic ailments.

Once you have established your goals, you have a clear path to follow every day. This allows you to focus your time and energy on achieving your goals without getting sidetracked by diversions or distractions.

How to think like a leader

The first leadership rule to effectively influence others is to trade minds with them. This involves seeing things from their perspective and understanding their needs and desires.

By doing so, you can tailor your approach to suit their specific situation and increase the chances of achieving your desired outcome.

It is essential to have a mindset focused on progress and believe in it to achieve progress. This mindset will help you to push for progress in all aspects of life.

Reflecting and conferring with yourself is also crucial in effective leadership. This lets you clear your mind and thoroughly think through your ideas and plans.

An excellent example of trading minds is demonstrated by a successful salesman who spends time anticipating how his prospects will react to his presentation.

Similarly, a politician who addresses the interests of different groups of people by using their language and addressing himself as Mr Typical Voter, not Dr College Professor, can effectively influence voters.

In summary, considering the interests of those you want to influence is critical to effective leadership in any situation.

Leadership Rule number 2: Think: What is the human way to handle this?

Leadership approaches can vary, with some choosing to assume the position of a dictator, making decisions without consulting others, while others may take a cold, mechanical approach, treating people as machines and following rules to the letter. However, successful leaders often adopt a third approach involving being human.

To be a better leader, it’s essential to approach complex matters involving people with a human touch. This involves talking to individuals privately, praising them for their strengths, and offering guidance on improving. Treating everyone with dignity and avoiding sarcasm or cynicism is crucial in this approach.

To develop a progressive outlook, one should focus on thinking about improvement and high standards in everything one does.

By thinking, talking, acting, and living the way their subordinates want to, leaders can influence them positively and create a high-level performance. The key is to be a master copy worth duplicating.

In summary, adopting a human approach to leadership and thinking positively about progress and improvement can help leaders succeed and positively impact their teams.

Take time out to confer with yourself and tap your supreme thinking power  

Before anyone else is stirring about, the early morning would be best for you. Or late in the evening is a better time.

The important thing is to select a time when your mind is fresh and when you can be free from distractions. You can use this time to do two types of thinking directed and undirected.

To do undirected thinking, let your mind select what it wishes to think about. In such moments, your subconscious mind taps your memory bank, which feeds your conscious mind. Undirected thinking is constructive in doing self-evaluation.

It helps you understand essential matters like “How can I do better? What should be my next move?” Remember, the main job of the leader is to think. And the best preparation for leadership is thinking.

The book “The Magic of Thinking Big” is focused on improving one’s mindset. The key is to think big to achieve big things.

Positive beliefs and thoughts are essential for success. They give you the energy, power, and skills to accomplish your goals. On the other hand, negative beliefs lead to adverse outcomes and create excuses and doubts that hinder success.

Your beliefs shape your reality, so it’s crucial to be mindful of what you believe to be true. Eliminating the “failure disease” or excusitis is an excellent start to creating a positive mindset. Use optimistic language to talk about your life experiences and avoid negative people who bring you down.

Taking action is also essential to success. Become a doer and set goals for your future. Finally, it’s crucial to believe in yourself and your abilities. By doing so, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

The Magic Of Thinking Big Book Review

The Magic of Thinking Big has been a transformative journey for me. Penned with eloquence by David J. Schwartz, this self-help classic has the power to shift paradigms and ignite the spark of positivity and ambition within its readers.

The book’s strength lies in its universal appeal; regardless of your profession, background, or personal circumstances, the practical wisdom embedded in its pages offers something of value for everyone. Schwartz promotes the compelling idea that one’s mindset has a profound impact on their success and happiness, and he does this with an engaging simplicity that makes the concepts easy to grasp and apply.

However, I did find the content slightly repetitive at times. Some of the ideas seemed to be rehashed in different chapters, which disrupted the flow and impact of the narrative. I gave it a 4-star rating instead of a full five.

Despite this minor drawback, The Magic of Thinking Big is a powerful manual for personal growth. It’s one of those books that keeps you thinking long after you’ve turned the last page. I would highly recommend this book for those feeling stuck, unsure, or simply searching for a motivation boost. It has certainly left an indelible mark on my life, reshaping how I perceive my capabilities and ambitions.

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The Magic of Thinking Big: Summary & Review

The Magic of Thinking Big exhorts readers to abandon small and easily-achievable goals and to shift instead to huge goals -moonshots- that drive you and motivate you.

Bullet Summary

Believe in success and you will succeed, drop all excuses, build confidence and destroy fear, think & dream creatively, you are who you think you are, go first class, think right towards people, get in the habit of action, turning defeat into victory, set big goals, the magic of thinking big, real-life applications, does thinking big really work.

• The first step towards success is thinking big
• Whether you believe you can or you can’t you’re right: believe you can
• Drop all excuses and start

About The Author : David Joseph Schwartz (1927-1987) was a professor of marketing at Georgia State University, but he is best known for his work as a motivational writer and coach, most of all with the book we are reviewing here, “ The Magic of Thinking Big “.

• Believe you will succeed

Schwartz says that to succeed you must believe you will succeed.

Start by changing all your fears and doubts into positive thoughts. And think big: the size of your success is in direct proportion to the size of your beliefs.

The size of your success is proportional to the size of your dreams

Schwartz dedicates a chapter to the excuses people come up with to avoid going for lofty goals. But to be successful stopping the excuse mill is mission-critical step 1.

Don’t Underestimate Your Intelligence

Do not underestimate your own intelligence as much as you don’t want to overestimate other people’s intelligence.

Schwartz also says that attitude is more important than IQ (read Emotional Intelligence ) and, I would add, your intelligence is not cast in stone.

You can change your brain and grow your skills. Also, read how to develop a growth mindset .

That being said, your intelligence also matters more or less depending on which field you decide to pursue.

The less excuses you make, the more successful you will be

I really liked two guidelines by the author:

• Take action – it’s loitering inaction that feeds fear
• Only do what you believe is right to do

Also read: How to Stop Worrying and Start Living .

• Believe you can do it and your mind will find ways to do i
• Don’t let past traditions get in the way: experiment, go for new approaches, and think of different
• Demand yourself how you can do better and magical answers will show you the way
• Scramble therapy: meet and talk to new and different people, and get new inputs in your mind. Ideas in = ideas out

Change how you think about yourself and you will change your life.

• Carry yourself as if you were important. Because you are
• Think of your work as important. Because it is
• Ask yourself how the ideal and important you would act. Then act that way

Get the best people you can around you, pick the best advisors, and only listen to successful people. Always go for the best in class. You can’t afford anything else.

Always go first class. You can’t afford anything else.

The Magic of Thinking Big also deals with social skills.

Schwartz encourages the readers to introduce themselves and be proactive in making new friendships.

Similar to How to Win Friends  he recommends you take care of remembering people’s names. And a very good suggestion is to accept people as they are and focus on the positives.

Also, read:

• The best social skills books

Think Like a Leader

To get people to follow you, start by putting yourself in their shoes and looking at things from their perspective.

Treat people fairly and lead by example. Also, read:

• How to Become a Leader

Start things, don’t wait for conditions to be perfect because they never are.

Waiting for the perfect time is often only an excuse you’re making. You will meet obstacles anyway, start and solve them as you go: the obstacle is the way .

The author recommends you don’t wait for your spirit to get you going, but build the habit of moving right away.

You don’t dare because it’s difficult, but it’s difficult because you don’t dare it’s difficult

Schwartz says that you must study your faults and mistakes in order to avoid repeating them in the future.

Don’t let the pain overwhelm you, as Tony Robbins says there’s some good in every situation, you only need to find. And if you can’t find any, here’s what Ray Dalio says: pain + failure provide your biggest drivers for growth.

Get clear on where you want to and write it down: your life is too important to leave it to chance.

Then let your goals drive you and motivate you along the way.

The author finally ties down the power of thinking big in driving you forward.

Even in the toughest situations:

• When haters hate: think BIG, it’s proof you’re growing
• When you get scared: think BIG, focus on your strengths, look important, and remember nobody’s any bigger than you
• When you’re getting angry: think BIG, a quarrel is not probably worth your time
• When your romantic life is in trouble: think BIG. Rebuild romance, don’t get even

Don’t Overestimate People’s Intelligence That is so true. As Steve Jobs said, “when you realize it’s people no smarter than you are that run this world, things change”. It took me a long time to realize that… And I’m still in that process.

Put Positive Memories in Your Brain I liked the idea of putting positive thoughts and memories in your mind when you wake up and before going to bed. Try it out, it’s helpful.

It’s aged a bit If you’ve been around the self-help literature for a while most of the information in here won’t be new to you. But that’s not to say the book isn’t valid: quite the opposite, it’s this book that propagated many of those ideas.

Thinking big may, or may not work, and we don’t know for sure because there are no experiments or research that show how thinking big leads to achieving big.

When it comes to “focusing on the positives”, that’s a popular mantra of self-help, but that doesn’t mean it’s correct.

Self-learned optimism, as the more scientific Martin Seligman calls it, is different than simply thinking positively. And optimism is in some fields and endeavors, but not every time and everywhere, as Seligman himself stresses out.

Also read: self-help myths and pop-psychology myths .

The Magic of Thinking Big is an OK book with an interesting, but ultimately untested concept.

In my personal experience, I think that many people would gain with bigger goals. But I’ve also seen plenty of people with way too big goals for their levels and skills, and not nearly enough realism, self-assessment, and strategic thinking to even increase their odds of success. They miserably failed.

The concept of The Magic of Thinking Big reminded me a bit of the concept of moonshots in Bold .

Overall, it’s a good book, but most people can probably find more impactful books and resources in the vast self-help literature.

Read more summaries or get the book on Amazon

About The Author

Lucio Buffalmano

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The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz – Book Review

After reading the 4 Hour Work Week I decided to check into the other books he put in the “Restricted Reading” section. The restricted reading is going on a low information diet to help quiet the head and make life a little more sane. I have indulged in some of his advices such as limiting checking my email to 2 times a day and have found that it gives me more time, less stress and I am more relaxed throughout the day now too. Not constantly thinking about email and hitting the pelletized cocaine retrieval button 80 times a day, I have more time to do more important things with my time. Like spending more time with my daughter walking around the neighborhood, or working on other Niche Sites I am developing like RockabillyLifestyle.Com , which I probably have to much crap on right now, which is in itself another story.

The Magic of thinking big by David Schwartz , is the book I decided to start reading, and goes into some theory that I have always thought to be true before I read the book, and that is you can change a persons day, attitude or demeanor, with an expression of kindness, or treating them as “Important”, and not just another person to step on.

It’s not just about someone else though, it’s all about You. Your actions, the way you think, the way you treat other people and how you react to others and certain situations. It’s geared to help you become bigger than what you are now, a better person, and help you to succeed in what you do in all aspects of your life not just your jobs or financial goals. True it is about learning to be successful and succeeding, but it’s got a bigger broader picture. It goes through a whole range of thinking practices and misinformation’s.

A few examples are:

* Believe You Can Succeed and You Will * Cure Yourself of the Fear of Failure * Build Confidence and Destroy Fear * Think and Dream Creatively * You Are What You Think You Are * Make Your Attitudes Your Allies * Learn How to Think Positively * Turn Defeat into Victory * Use Goals to Help You Grow * Think Like a Leader

Whenever I am about to talk to someone I now pause and mentally think about what I am going to say to them. I try to stay on the positive side of things and this is one huge thing I was happy he covered. When you have to approach someone about the job they are doing, and it may not be so good, it gives examples how to approach it and keep it positive while also addressing the situation at hand.

Success is not so much about how big you are or how big your company is, it’s about how big your thinking is, and how it makes others feel. It focuses on and retrains your mind to get out of the mind trappings of daily life and think big, bigger than you used to.

The book, first published in 1965, is still a classic and currently read by many people and has practical advice and guides for today’s world. Those reading this currently are big time CEO’s, life coaches, and many other successful professionals. If you get the audio book, just be prepared as the author is part of the narrative and sounds a little dated, but it’s still an excellent listen. I highly recommend The Magic of thinking big by David Schwartz .

Posted by Larry C.   Filed under All Articles , attitude of gratitude , Book Reviews , Featured , Niche · Tagged with business success philosohy , Personal development , The Magic of Thinking Big

A couple of years ago I interviewed Christine Comaford (author of Rules for Renegades) and one great tip she gave me was to make at least one persons day for them by giving them a sincere compliment.

And it’s true – it makes them feel good and you feel good for doing so.

Andrew .-= Andrew @ Blogging Guide´s last blog .. How to use the Free Tool JingProject to Create Videos =-.

Andrew, I started doing this yesterday due to your comment. I started to say something to at least one person a day to give them a compliment, and try to make their day in some way, or at least make them smile.

This a really good advice. Think big…. and think and pause before saying anything to keep it all positive is a tip I will put into practice today.

thanks again, Lance .-= Lance Nelson´s last blog .. Bansko Bars And Restaurants: A Musical Theme =-.

Hi Larry, I’m reading 4 Hour Work Week right now. Thinking big is something that I want to focus on this year. Not so much as in unrealistic type stuff that doesn’t really matter (like making 1 million dollars next week) but just stepping outside of the box a little more than usual.

I’ve seen some good examples over the years of people doing this and I think that it really can make a ‘big’ difference in levels of success and I suspect can be a lot of fun too.

I really like your point about how we can make someone else feel good by our actions and words. There have been many times that my day has been improved by the kindness of people I don’t even know with a smile and hello or a few encouraging words. And when it comes from someone you do know and look up to – you can’t beat it. You just never know and it feels great to be the giver as well as the receiver.

The Magic of Thinking Big is definitely on my to read list. .-= Jan – queenofkaos´s last blog .. Learning to Let Go – Part One =-.

I realize that people sometimes have bad days, like i do sometimes, and when I am having a bad day, I especially try to remain positive because it makes me feel better on a bad day, when I am nice and make someone else smile.

Cure Yourself of the Fear of Failure.

That is a big one,

Too many of us worry about what to tell our friends and family when we fail. Stop worrying, That is part of what causes the failure. Good book review, thanks. .-= Rich Hill´s last blog .. Does Any Average Blogger Make Money with Tweets that are Sponsored? =-.

The only way I have found that I am able to change, innovate and come up with success is to fail BIG! nothing comes from mediocre failure, so I say dream big and fail huge!!! hahahaha

Thanks for the review, and you’re right, it is all about you! The examples you listed are certainly outstanding rules to live by; I’ve recently implemented some of them and have felt a positive impact in my life.

Just out of curiosity, are you based in the United States? If so, you need to disclose your Amazon affiliate links. .-= Brian´s last blog .. Epic Fail – Wishin’ and Hopin’ and Prayin’ for a Viral Video =-.

hahaha, yes I am in the US, you know I have still to get my head around the whole affiliate disclosure thing. can you recommend where to read more on that? I didn’t know I had to disclose my amazon affiliate links, got a form letter of disclosure I can put on one page? Like Timothy Ferris does: http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/ftc-disclosure-blog/

check that for a laugh.

I read Schwartz’s book 25 years ago for the first time and several times since. Like you I can recommend it. Schwartz was on the business faculty with author Thomas Stanley (The Millionaire Next Door) and Stanley mentions his work and their relationship in a couple of his books. I think the crux of The Magic of Thinking Big is that what you think matters. It is those thoughts that determine what you say to yourself and that ultimately determines your habits and actions. Those are the behaviors that create your life. This is a self development classic. It is worth reading if you only want to study the way authors approached this subject. If you are looking for a change in your life, start with an examination of your mindset and self talk. This book is a good guide to that process. .-= Bruce “the Mid-Life Mentor”´s last blog .. Anne Vaillancourt – How to keep your health throughout Menopause =-.

Wow you read it when it came out??? wow that’s interesting…

The power of positive thinking is very effective in helping folks reach their goals. Sounds like I should read the book. .-= Birney Summers ´s last blog .. Save Money by Using Energy Just Where You Need it =-.

As Tim suggests, read at least the first two chapters after you read the book. the first two chapters are really great.

I also read The magic of Thinking Big back in the 80’s and it was a pivotal time in my life when i was figuring out what works in success. Maybe it’s time to re-read the book! thanks for the reminder. .-= Michelle Vandepas´s last blog .. Diana Scimone Born2Fly Stop Human Trafficking =-.

It’s a fast read and a fast listen, but the audio is somewhat dated, so expect that. 🙂

My favorite part of the post:

“you can change a persons day, attitude or demeanor, with an expression of kindness, or treating them as “Important”, and not just another person to step on”

As a person with a lot of business experience working in an office setting, I cannot tell you how true that statement is. I think people forget that most everyone is good at something, has worth and value, and deserves to be treated with kindness and respect.

I am certain the world in general would be a much better place if everyone was guided by that one quote each day before they spoke to or wrote to another human being. I believe it would not only change the person’s day, but also change the person. .-= Lisa´s last blog .. The Greeting Card =-.

Thanks for that heart felt response. I truly feel that if you say thank you to someone who holds the door open for you, or if you hold the door for someone and genuinely smile at them while looking into their eyes, you can change someones day. Most times, not all times but most. at least.

If David Schwartz had known about it, he would have included the “Law of Attraction.”

As it is, it is almost a sequel to Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends & Influence People.”

Good review. Worth a look again if you haven’t read it. Amazon is selling used copies for pennies on the dollar.

We need all the inspiration to keep reminding ourselves that what we think about all day long, we become. .-= Corinne Edwards´s last blog .. BE A BLOGGER – WHO ME? =-.

Corrine, I’m more of an audio guy so I may get those in audio, but I also like to have the physical books around for reference. Thanks for the reminders of those oft looked over books…Larry

I read his book years ago and loved it. I was in verbal abusive marriage and just getting out of it. This book helped me learn who I was and what I was. It made me strong. Thanks for reminding me. Debbie .-= Debbie´s last blog .. Happiness Can Be Found In Your Uniqueness! =-.

Awesome, I’ glad they helped out..and I’m glad you Got out…

Yes, it was the best thing I every did when i got out of that situation. David Schwartz is one of the best authors when it comes to improving ones life. Your doing a great thing in introducing people and encouraging them to get his books.

Thanks again. Debbie .-= Debbie´s last blog .. Is Your Child Emotionally Happy? =-.

Very interesting, I really liked your point “Success is not so much about how big you are or how big your company is, it’s about how big your thinking is, and how it makes others feel.” I think that sort of thinking is often missed, it all seems to be about ROI and profit and loss, even to an individual blogger level and very small businesses. .-= Joel´s last blog .. The Third Tribe? Is it Me Or Is This Thing Weird? =-.

Joel, can I just say that you’ve helped me out ALOT with stuff in BM, and that your smiling picture, is GREAT! It thinks big!

Thanks Larry! Glad to help. .-= Joel´s last blog .. The Third Tribe? Is it Me Or Is This Thing Weird? =-.

I remember reading this book too. It had a remarkable impact on my thinking. I love how the author puts responsibility for how life goes for us squarely in our laps. If you send out bad vibes, you’re going to get bad vibes back. What goes around, comes around. It’s never too late to start “Thinking Big”. Thanks for re-introducing Mr. Schwartz’s elegant reminders. .-= Cheryl from thatgirlisfunny´s last blog .. Your Power to Assist by Sending a Single Thought: Random Acts of Kick Arse =-.

I have another of David Schwartz’s books (magic of psychic power) on my shelf. Although its years since I last read it, I can still recall some of his basic, common sense advice. This has prompted a re-read, may look to this one as well. Thanks. David .-= David Rogers´s last blog .. Start Losing Control =-.

This is a book I’ve not heard of before, so I’m glad you reviewed it. The concepts sound like they line up with some of the values I want to teach my boys.

The whole idea of believing in yourself equaling success is one they have not embraced, to put it lightly. I know this is a life lesson that must be learned individually, but I’d rather just be able to tell them about it! I don’t like watching them struggle even though I know that’s necessary for growth. .-= Amy LeForge´s last blog .. The Tooth Fairy Almost Made Me Cry =-.

Larry – I really don’t think I could only check my emails twice a day – definitely sounds like a challenge :). I’ve been interested in reading the 4 hour work week, but this is my first encounter with the Magic of Thinking. Perhaps I should spare some email reading time for book time, huh? .-= Keller Hawthorne´s last blog .. It’s Time to Become a Blogger =-.

Keller, I have over 20 email accounts thaqt get checked daily. I hate it. But it’s a necessary evil, and if you remember I run several dating site. I have gotten down to checking those email accounts and approving/reviewing dating profiles to 1 to 2 times a day. It took a little practive but man you cannot imagine how much stress and worry it has lifted. I highly suggest a good try to this, just do some of Tim’s suggestions in the boko to help others understand what you are going to be doing, becoming more efficient. 🙂

Well the 4 hour work week is on my list of books to read. In fact, I’m getting it from Amazon tonight.

I don’t know how I managed to never have read The Magic of Thinking Big before.

I cannot believe that book is 25 years old. It proves that certain basics in life never go out of style.

Thanks for this post and thanks for pushing me to get the 4 hour work week.

I have to start changing the way I work and manage emails and my time to get to a point where I’m happier with my work week.

Krizia .-= Eat Smart Age Smart ´s last blog .. Have you tried black (aka purple) rice? =-.

Wow, this is very helpful to keep the positive and broad mindset wherever we go. Actually, this is also the reason why our brains are placed on top of our bodies because it’s the superior acting organ which controls us all throughout and just by thinking purely on one thing and acting on it badly will definitely ruin everything.

Thanks for sharing and I’m planning to read that book soon!

I’m glad that the point is made to focus on prosperity in all areas of life… not just getting the ideal job or making more money.

It has been said a thousand times and it seems that people still don’t understand…

Money does not equal happiness!

I enjoyed The 4 Hour Workweek quite a bit… I’ll have to check this book out to.

Thanks for a great post!

keep smiling,

Ben .-= Benjamin´s last blog .. Off Topic: Just for fun… =-.

I’ve been thinking about going for the list Tim suggest in the 4HWW (I love that book, going through the extended edition right now), but didn’t get around it just yet. Good job on the review. Plenty of good tips and not just “listing” what the book is like. .-= Antti Kokkonen´s last blog .. Give it Away for Free =-.

cool post and I think I will post this to my books wishlist. I am reading the 4-hour-workweek as well at the moment although I think, that it – in some circumstances – is not applicable to everyone. Still that is a very good book.

Your topics list is very interesting so I think, this is a good addition to Tim’s book .-= Phil´s last blog .. Purpose of a good dashboard and an announcement =-.

I like this part. . .

“It’s not just about someone else though, it’s all about You. Your actions, the way you think, the way you treat other people and how you react to others and certain situations” . . .

It’s not just saying something nice to someone, but taking responsibility for all your actions and how you treat other people, and how you think.

Excellent review. Looks like I need to put this book on my reading list. Thanks for sharing. .-= Teagan´s last blog .. Happy Birthday Frances Moore Lappé =-.

This always reminds me of the saying…

“Whenever you are pointing the finger at someone else, there are always four fingers pointing back at you.”

Taking responsibility for your own moods and actions are the only way you can change how people interact with you.

Interesting sounding book…I might have to check it out. .-= Robb Sutton´s last blog .. I Bridge The Gap and You Can Too =-.

I have the audio version of The Magic of Thinking Big on my iPod, and listen to it whenever I need a boost. You know, like every afternoon or so. .-= Jeff´s last blog .. Drivers Ed, Little League, and Internet Shit-Talking =-.

Thank you. You are the one who sold this book to me. I have heard so much about it that after reading your post, finally I got it. .-= Tom´s last blog .. A Day Through The Eyes of a Blind Woman: Part 3 =-.

After checking out this post, I’m really thinking of reading The Magic of Thinking Big. I’m particularly interested in the “curing fear of failure” and “making attitudes into allies” thinking practices. .-= Julius´s last blog .. A Day Through The Eyes of a Blind Woman: Part 3 =-.

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The Magic of Thinking Big Book Summary (5 Lessons)

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Are you looking to change your mindset and achieve greater success in your personal and professional life?

“The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz could be the perfect book for you. First published in 1959, the text has motivated millions of readers to improve their lives by expanding their beliefs and embracing a larger vision of what's possible.

Schwartz emphasizes the power of belief and attitude, stating that “the size of your success is determined by the size of your belief.” By cultivating a mindset where you think bigger, you open yourself up to greater opportunities and increased happiness.

By the time you finish reading “The Magic of Thinking Big,” you'll be equipped with a wealth of knowledge that will enable you to set big goals and work towards achieving those dreams.

Now, if you’d like to check out the book, you can read it on your Kindle , get a print copy , or listen to the audiobook .

In today’s article, we’ll cover five lessons that can help you either study the book and get the most out of it or help you decide if this classic is one you should add to your collection.

Table of Contents

Lesson 1: Setting Goals and Working Towards Them

Setting goals is an essential part of achieving success in life, and it is a concept that's well articulated in The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz.

This section will explore various types of goals and some techniques to help you achieve them.

Long-Term Goals

Long-term goals are the bigger objectives you want to achieve in life, such as career aspirations, purchasing a home, or traveling the world. These goals usually take years to accomplish, so it's essential to break them down into smaller, more manageable milestones.

When setting long-term goals, strive for a balance between ambition and being realistic, while also remaining aligned with your values and passions.

Short-Term Goals

Short-term goals are smaller and more immediate targets that support your long-term goals. They typically range from a few days to a couple of months.

Examples include improving a specific skill, completing a project, or saving up for a trip. Short-term goals help build momentum and motivation, making it easier for you to stay committed to your long-term objectives.

Visualization

The Magic of Thinking Big emphasizes the importance of visualization in increasing your self-confidence and motivation. By regularly visualizing your accomplishments, you reinforce the belief that you can achieve anything.

Visualization is a powerful technique that can help you achieve your goals. It involves mentally seeing yourself reaching your objectives and experiencing the positive emotions of success.

To practice visualization, find a quiet space where you can relax and concentrate. Close your eyes and imagine yourself accomplishing your goals, experiencing the emotions and sensations that come with success. Repeat this practice daily or whenever you feel the need for motivation.

Affirmation

Affirmations are positive statements that can help you overcome self-doubt, fear, and other barriers to achieving your goals. By repeating affirmations, you can rewire your mind to think more positively and increase your belief in your ability to succeed. Examples of affirmations include:

• “I am capable of achieving my goals.”
• “I believe in myself and my dreams.”
• “I am worthy of success and happiness.”

Choose affirmations that resonate with you and your goals , and repeat them daily or whenever you experience self-doubt. Remember that consistent practice is the key to helping affirmations become an ingrained part of your mindset.

By setting long-term and short-term goals , practicing visualization , and using affirmations , you can harness the power of The Magic of Thinking Big and achieve the success you desire.

Want to learn how to set a SMART goal and create an action plan for achieving it? Then watch this video:

Lesson 2: Develop Communication Skills

To develop effective communication , begin by focusing on speaking with confidence. When discussing ideas or thoughts with others, maintain a confident tone to communicate that you believe in yourself and your message.

• Practice clear articulation and choose your words carefully, as this can help others understand your point of view more easily.
• Proper posture and maintaining eye contact can demonstrate confidence, making your message more compelling.

Listening Skills

Pay attention to the speaker and avoid any distractions. This will show respect and can help you better comprehend their message. Active listening techniques , such as nodding , paraphrasing , and asking relevant questions , can encourage further discussion and enhance understanding.

• Make eye contact with the speaker
• Avoid interruptions
• Show empathy and understanding

Building Constructive Conversations

In order to create an open and productive dialogue, start by finding common ground and acknowledging differences.

Be mindful of your body language, as it can convey both positive and negative messages. Use open-ended questions to invite deeper discussions, and when necessary, employ constructive criticism, offering suggestions for improvement while avoiding personal attacks.

• Find common ground
• Use inclusive language
• Provide constructive feedback

To summarize, speaking confidently , developing your listening skills , and trying to build constructive conversations are everything you need to be a top-quality speaker and communicator.

Lesson 3: Thinking About and Solving Problems Creatively

Being open to ideas is vital in developing creative thinking and problem-solving skills . When you expose yourself to different perspectives and opinions, you can gain insights that lead to innovative solutions.

Learn to actively listen to others , and don't be afraid to ask questions or engage in discussions. Remember, sometimes the simplest idea can be the most powerful in unlocking your creativity.

Here are some techniques to help you foster a more open-minded perspective.

Brainstorming

Brainstorming is an essential tool for creative thinking and problem-solving. By allowing your mind to explore different avenues and possibilities, you can generate a multitude of ideas that may lead you to an unexpected solution.

Dedicate time to brainstorming sessions and encourage others in your team to participate as well. Here are some tips for a good brainstorming session :

• Establish a welcoming atmosphere for all participants.
• Suspend judgment and criticism during the session.
• Focus on the quantity of ideas rather than quality.
• Encourage wild and unexpected suggestions.
• Build on ideas proposed by others.

Overcoming Obstacles

Obstacles are bound to arise as you attempt to solve problems. It's important that you view challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than barriers blocking your progress.

When faced with a roadblock , try breaking the problem down into manageable steps and tackle each one with a clear, solution-oriented mindset. Remember to:

• Maintain a positive attitude, embracing the learning experience.
• Assess the problem objectively, identifying the main factors at play.
• Employ critical thinking skills to identify possible solutions.
• Evaluate each potential solution's pros and cons.
• Take action based on your best judgment and be flexible in adapting your approach.

By being open to ideas , engaging in brainstorming , and adopting a proactive attitude when overcoming obstacles, you'll be well on your way to harnessing the power of creative thinking and problem-solving.

Lesson 4: Cultivating the Right Attitude

Throughout the book, David J. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of cultivating the right attitude for thinking big and achieving success. This section will discuss some key aspects such as positive thinking, avoiding negativity, and being persistent and determined.

Positive Thinking

Believe in yourself and your abilities to accomplish great things. Recognize the potential that lies within you, and nurture it by setting ambitious goals. Surround yourself with positive influences and consistently remind yourself of your goals and dreams.

By encouraging positive thinking , you'll be more likely to take the necessary steps toward success.

Avoiding Negativity

Be aware of the people, environments, and situations that foster negativity in your life. Actively distance yourself from them, and replace these unfavorable influences with positive ones.

By avoiding negativity , you create a supportive and uplifting atmosphere for yourself, which is conducive to thinking big and achieving your goals.

Being Persistent and Determined

Setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but it's important to view them as opportunities for growth and learning. Develop a growth mindset and maintain a strong commitment to your goals.

When faced with challenges, draw upon your persistence and determination to overcome them and push forward. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to achieve great success and manifest your dreams.

Lesson 5: Taking Action and Creating Opportunities

To turn dreams into reality you must take concrete steps, start by setting specific goals, and outline the steps needed to achieve them.

Break these steps down into smaller, manageable tasks that can be tackled daily. Remember to stay focused and commit to your goals, as this is essential for success.

Finding the Best Path Forward

Finding the best path forward requires you to assess your strengths and weaknesses, and then leverage your strengths while working on improving your weaknesses.

Research and gather information on potential opportunities, and weigh the pros and cons of each option. Make calculated decisions based on what aligns best with your goals and values.

Learning from Failure

Embrace failures as learning opportunities. When you face a setback, analyze what went wrong and identify areas for improvement. Apply the lessons from your failures to your future endeavors, and use this newfound knowledge to mitigate risks and strive for success.

By taking these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating opportunities and turning your dreams into reality. Remember to stay focused, and proactive, and always look for ways to improve and grow.

Final Thoughts The Magic of Thinking Big

By believing in yourself and your abilities, you can achieve goals that might have seemed impossible before.

Remember that thinking big is not only about external success; it also involves personal growth and happiness. So, always aim high and strive for continuous self-improvement.

By embracing the principles of thinking big and implementing them in your daily life, you'll soon discover that anything is possible. Let this knowledge guide you on your journey to success and fulfillment, and always remember to aim high and dream big.

Now, as a reminder, if you’d like to check out the book, you can read it on your Kindle , get a print copy , or listen to the audiobook .

And if you are looking for similar content to this, check out these articles:

• I Will Teach You to Be Rich Book Summary (5 Lessons)
• Never Split the Difference Book Summary (5 Lessons)
• 55 Famous Failures Who Became Successful People

Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals .

• Recommended Books

Thinking Big Matters

When you think big you will achieve more. Thinking big can start with the right choice of book. It can be difficult to find a good book if you aren’t already in the habit of reading regularly. I originally decided to read “ The Magic of Thinking Big ” because I had seen the name in multiple books and I had 2 mentors recommend it to me. I didn’t find this book on my own, someone shared it with me and now I want to share it with you.

How The Way You Think Makes a Difference

Your mind is a powerful thing. It dictates what you are going to do at any point in time. If you want to have a great life you need to start out by thinking in great ways. The person with positive thinking will have a much more positive life than the person that has negative thinking. If you want to achieve your goals, the really big goals , you are going to have to start thinking big.

David Schwartz gave us the book “ The Magic of Thinking Big ” because he realized how important it was to think big. In this book there are many chapters that can make a difference in your life. I picked 3 to summarize because I want you to get a taste for the book. These 3 lessons come from the first 30 pages of the book. Can you believe that it has over 300 pages and in the first 30 pages David Schwartz was able to create 3 life changing lessons? Now let’s take a look at those lessons.

Win Success by Believing You Can Succeed

Success starts with your mindset. When you think you can do something it is more likely to happen. Be optimistic about what you can achieve. Ask for more than you normally would and believe that you deserve it. Everything in your life is center around your mind and the way you think. Once you can believe you’re successful you will become successful.

Get Big Results by Believing Big

Believe you are worth more. Don’t let yourself get in the habit of thinking you are second best. If you do you will only get second best results. Go big and believe you deserve big results. You are the most important person in your life. Make decisions that show how important you are and get the results you deserve. Never settle for second best.

Plan a Concrete Success-Building Program

Success is built on the plan that you follow. You must create a plan that follows the steps and experiences of the successful people that came before you. Question how they have done it and what you need to do to replicate it. You are going to create a personal training program for yourself. Your goal is to continuously grow and pursue self-development. Seek mentorships, training, and insight that will guide you on your way to success.

About the Author

I’ve mentioned the author multiple times at this point but he has helped millions of people achieve more. David Schwartz wasn’t just a best selling author. He was a professor at Georgia State University. He also created his own company Creative Educational Services Inc. Dr. Schwartz was an amazing man that wanted to see more people succeed. Here are a few motivational quotes from Dr. Schwartz that you can apply to your life.

“Do what you fear and fear disappears”

“think little goals and expect little achievements. thing big goals and wing big success”, “how we think shows in how we act. attitudes are mirrors of the mind.they reflect thinking”, reflecting on others experience.

As you can see David Schwartz was a firm believer that your mind controls your life. It can be hard to understand this at first because it is such a simple concept. The more you think about it the more you will realize that small choices make big impacts. The 3 chapters I shared with you are not enough to fully grasp the concept of Thinking Big but they are a great start. If you want to improve your life with the power of your own mind, I highly recommend picking up the book “ The Magic of Thinking Big ”. You won’t regret it, I know I didn’t!

I am in tanzania how can i get the book..i am interested…

I’m not entirely sure what your best option would be for finding this book in Tanzania. I would recommend looking for local resources like bookstores or libraries. If you can’t find it there I’d recommend looking for a digital copy online.

Comments are closed.

The Magic of Thinking Big Book Summary, Review, Notes

What makes a successful person, a question we frequently ask ourselves, is answered by the author, Dr. David Schwartz, through anecdotes and time-tested wisdom. 

The Magic of Thinking Big is a broad book since it attempts to explain everything that leads to success. 

Through its pages, we learn that we hold the secret to success and that we are innately capable of realizing our ambitions and achieving the goals we have set for ourselves.

Dr. Schwartz leads us on the path of reforming our brains so that our lives are transformed via an understanding of psychology, ambition, social behavior, goal setting, and leadership using the experience that his work as a teacher and leadership advisor has given him as well as his performance in various domains of human activity.

Book Title—  The Magic of Thinking Big Author—  David J. Schwartz Date of Reading—   February 2023 Rating—   8/10

Table of Contents

What is being said in detail, introduction.

The book starts with a preface and a brief summary of what the book will do for us. 

He begins by describing a specific experience he had at a sales meeting that forever altered his perspective on tenacity and the value of the power of thinking big. 

Through this book, the author will disclose practical ideas, techniques and principles that will enable the reader to master the power of thinking in order to gain success, happiness and satisfaction.

CHAPTER 1. Believe You Can Succeed and You Will

Your beliefs are like lightning rods for your life, says Schwartz. They draw what you expect them to draw, but not in a way that follows the “Law of Attraction.” 

Instead, it’s about adopting a strategy that is consistent with a particular point of view and viewing the world through that perspective.

When you really believe that you can accomplish a task, you may anticipate that your mind will provide instructions on how to do it. It also helps to get knowledge from other people’s methods.  

Disbelief, however, is a negative power because when you have doubts, your unconscious draws evidence to support your doubts. Doubt inevitably results in failure.

This is why having the right belief system is crucial. When you do this, fear begins to recede, and you start to notice chances that you had never noticed before and that your fear would have prevented you from taking advantage of. 

It is beneficial to learn from your successful role models but avoid placing yourself in their shadow.

Develop the power of belief by:

• Focusing on success rather than defeat.
• Realizing that you are more capable than you believe.
• Increasing the standard.

CHAPTER 2. Cure Yourself of Excusitis, the Failure Disease

Schwartz claims that giving up the habit of making excuses is one of the most crucial aspects of thinking big. 

Excuses are justifications we make for our behavior in order to justify it, delay taking action, or make ourselves feel better about being careless or irresponsible.

These are some of the frequent excuses:

• Health (The more you think about or talk about a situation you think of as a disease, the more of a problem it seems to you. Instead, genuinely express your gratitude for your current state of health),
• Intellect (You typically overrate other people’s intellect while underrating your own. Don’t fall into the trap of undervaluing your abilities; instead, concentrate on them),
• Age (There is no ideal time to begin constructing the life you want. Consider all the opportunities you still have),
• Luck (Accepting the law of cause and effect is crucial. Success doesn’t come from luck, but from taking steps that lead to it).

So how can we stop using them? Dealing with the fear that drives our justifications is the first step. 

Fear confines us to our familiar surroundings, which is a very restricting place to be. Lack of knowledge, comprehension, resources, perspective, or experience are the usual causes of fear. 

We just aren’t in a position to take the courageous steps required to advance in our goals when we lack the confidence that comes with fear.

We rationalize our lack of activity and forward progress because we feel the anguish of not making progress toward our goals. Yet excuses won’t make our grief go away. 

They merely cover up the pain temporarily and will continue to bother us unless we deal with it head-on, face our anxieties, stop creating justifications, and take steps to achieve the life we want.

CHAPTER 3. Build Confidence and Destroy Fear

To overcome your fear , you must face it. Success is significantly hampered by anxiety . It will prevent you from taking advantage of opportunities, it may make you ill, and it may even shorten your life. 

Even while they generally don’t take up a significant portion of our conscious thoughts, fears like those of failure, rejection, and embarrassment in front of others may prevent us from taking advantage of opportunities on a daily basis.

What is the best approach to prevent fear from limiting us? Schwartz claims that the answer is to stop fear from developing in the first place. 

We may transform our fears into something that inspires us rather than paralyzes us if we can alter the way our minds process them. By reducing the detrimental effects, we achieve this. 

We start by imagining ourselves performing bravely while confronting our worries. Then, we see ourselves getting the outcomes we want and overcoming our concerns.

By controlling the voices in our heads, primarily by our own actions, we may boost our self-confidence. 

Even when we don’t feel confident, we can start by just acting more so. presenting ourselves with assurance. The best ways to influence our psyches are by acting and speaking with confidence.

Recognize that in order to resolve your fear of other people, you must first place them in the proper context. 

So as not to diminish your self-worth, maintain an objective perspective of both yourself and other people. 

Be accepting but also keep in mind that when people differ from one another, it makes them more similar.

CHAPTER 4. How to Think Big

The magnitude of your accomplishments depends on how you think. Big-thinkers have the ability to envision what is possible.

Practice the following to start speaking with a big-picture mindset:

• Express your feelings by using uplifting language.
• Do the same when referring to other people.
• Encourage others by complimenting them.
• Use optimistic language to describe plans.

To avoid being petty, which limits your capacity for visionary thinking:

• Think of big objectives and big rewards.
• Make a judgment on whether what you are doing is worthy.
• Focus on what is important and don’t worry about the little things.

CHAPTER 5. How to Think and Dream Creatively

To fully utilize the potential of big thinking, Schwartz contends that you must possess the capacity for original thought. The best possibilities in life are typically found by creative people.

The act of being creative involves enhancing or developing new processes. Starting with the belief that you can accomplish your goals is the first step toward producing creative work. 

This entails letting go of archaic habits and becoming receptive to novel concepts.

To displace conventional thinking:

• With your ideas, go forward rather than backward.
• Accept novel concepts.

Moreover, be aware that asking questions and paying attention to others can help you learn more than telling or talking. 

You can use the new knowledge you gather to increase your productivity. In order to develop your creative ability, you must:

Encourage others to share their stories.

• Asking questions to get feedback on your positions will help you evaluate your thoughts. Your ideas will be polished as a result.
• Be a good listener by paying close attention to everything the other person is saying.
• Surround yourself with people who can help you think and see things differently.

These two actions will encourage your imaginative thinking.

CHAPTER 6. You Are What You Think You Are

You portray a certain image of yourself to the public in order to attract the attention you believe you deserve. Recognize that your behavior is influenced by the way you think.

Your body generates a neuropeptide molecule each time you have a thought, feeling, or emotion. Neuropeptides travel throughout your body and bind to cells and neuronal receptor sites. 

The rest of your body is then informed by your brain, which analyses the information and converts it into chemicals, if there is difficulty on the horizon or pleasant feelings to anticipate. 

These chemicals and molecules have a direct impact on how the body physically works.

In other words, your head is where everything in your life starts. 

Even though so many of us take our thoughts for granted or think they have no actual significance or impact, they are the most powerful thing we possess.

To improve your perception of yourself:

• Show that you are important, and you will feel important, too.
• Be the person you want to be by going out into the world. People around you form impressions based on how you appear.
• Have faith in the significance of your work. Your attitude about your work sends a signal to your supervisors, coworkers, and anybody else you come into contact with.
• By telling yourself repeatedly throughout the day that you are an important person, psychologically condition yourself for success.
• Adopt the mindset of achievers to elevate your style of thinking.
• Big, impactful ideas that will advance your life and career should be your focus.

CHAPTER 7. Manage Your Environment: Go First Class

According to Schwartz, the belief that real success is beyond the reach of the majority of people is their biggest barrier to achieving it. 

Your thoughts and feelings are the building blocks of your conduct, emotions, and overall personality. 

Also, you are shaped by your environment, which should make it clear that your circumstances have an impact on your thoughts and objectives.

Your interactions with average people will influence your thinking and behavior. Conversely, interacting with top performers will result in uplifting vibrations and outstanding outcomes.

Schwartz advises his readers to “go first class” because of this. That doesn’t imply you should disregard or belittle anyone you consider unsuccessful. 

It does, however, imply that you should base your goals, habits, and way of life on those of large thinkers who have succeeded in leading the kind of life you desire.

Here are some tips for improving your environment:

• Recognize the surroundings.
• Create a space that will support you rather than harm you.
• Do not let weak thinking impede your development.
• Take notes from top performers.
• Welcome new colleagues, fresh thoughts, and new encounters.
• Adapt your viewpoint. Associate with others who have opinions that are different from yours yet who are superior to the average.
• Avoid having unfavorable talks.
• Do everything you can to achieve your goals.

CHAPTER 8. Make Your Attitudes Your Allies

Your inner voice, which represents your worldview and attitude, will be the loudest and most convincing voice you ever encounter. 

Your management style is greatly influenced by how you feel about yourself and your job.

Your mind can be programmed, just like a computer. Your attitude serves as the programming for the computer that houses your existence. 

You can either adopt a self-motivating or self-encouraging attitude, or you can adopt a self-pitying or self-defeating attitude. So, according to Schwarz, cultivating and keeping a positive attitude is necessary for success. 

You should focus on the following three attitudes: activation, importance, and service.

Everyone has a craving for recognition. You’ll succeed if you satisfy this urge for others. 

If people believe they matter and that what they do matters, they will achieve more. 

In order to give others the impression that they are important:

• Show gratitude.
• Use the first name of the person.
• Delegate your task to others and give them the opportunity to succeed.

Become more service oriented. Despite the fact that you need money, you must first earn it. Giving your work or job priority therefore comes before you may achieve financial success.

CHAPTER 9. Think Right Toward People

You need the assistance of others since you cannot succeed yourself alone. Make yourself lighter to lift. Be likeable. 

Develop a personality that others will like. This gains their support and fuels your success-building strategy.

Your objective should be to acquire character attributes that will make you someone people want to spend time with:

• Be the one to start establishing relationships .
• Acknowledge the limitations and diversity of others. No one is perfect, so don’t demand it.
• Avoid taking over talks. Let others the opportunity to speak and be heard. Encourage others to share their perspectives, beliefs, and achievements.
• Always be courteous to others. It improves both other people’s moods and your own mood.

CHAPTER 10. Get the Action Habit

Be an active person . Don’t be one of the many people who throw away good ideas by doing nothing with them. You gain confidence and overcome paralyzing fear via action. 

Don’t wait for the ideal moment to take action. It might never happen. Consider the here and now. Whenever you use phrases like “tomorrow,” “next week,” or “later,” you’re setting yourself up for failure. 

In other words, be prepared to encounter challenges throughout every activity.

To anticipate these challenges is a preferable course of action. Start the mechanical part of your mind. 

Don’t hold off till the spirit touches you. Move the spirit by taking initiative and persevering. 

Spend no time preparing before acting. Switch to taking action. Donate your time. Demonstrate your desire and aptitude for the task at hand.

CHAPTER 11. How to Turn Defeat into Victory

The way one reacts to failures is what determines whether one succeeds or fails. 

Your efforts may temporarily fail, but you must develop the resourcefulness to turn these setbacks into opportunities.

These are five tips for bouncing back from setbacks:

• Failures can teach you valuable lessons that can help you succeed later. Having healthy self-criticism involves being aware of your own weaknesses.
• Put forth the effort to be your own toughest critic. Determine your areas of improvement and work on them.
• Leave luck out of it. Understand that placing blame on external factors (such as luck) is useless.
• Consistently try new things while remaining persistent. Those that succeed consistently apply the same tried-and-true formula: they combine tenacity with innovation.
• Keep in mind that there is always a silver lining.

CHAPTER 12. Use Goals to Help You Grow

Having well-defined goals will help you succeed more quickly. Putting your professional, personal, and social goals on paper can help you attain them. 

See yourself as you will be ten years from now, set personal goals and create deadlines to ensure you will succeed.

As soon as you decide what you want to accomplish, you’ll find the motivation to get started. 

As you fully immerse yourself in your aim, you’ll naturally begin to make the choices that will lead you closer to your objective.

To achieve success takes time and effort. Take baby steps toward your objective. Look at everything you do, no matter how insignificant it may appear, as a step closer to your objective.

Understand that setbacks are fleeting and move forward. 

Most essential, continue to invest money in ways to improve your own intelligence and productivity. Invest in education. Invest in idea generators.

CHAPTER 13. How to Think Like a Leader

Your future as a leader will be bright if you achieve your goals. The author outlines four leadership concepts that will help you succeed:

• Talk to the people you want to persuade. If you can put yourself in the shoes of those you’re trying to influence, you’ll find it much easier to achieve your goals.
• Don’t be rude, condescending, or stubborn. Simply treat others how you would like to be treated.
• Have a forward focus by constantly seeking methods to enhance your performance. Be a progressive mind.
• Good leaders spend a lot of time reflecting on their own performance. Successfully navigating time alone yields positive results. Put your imagination to use. Put it to work for you in solving issues at home and at work.

Most Important Keywords, Sentences, Quotes

“Belief in great results is the driving force, the power behind all great books, plays, scientific discoveries. 

Belief in success is behind every successful business, church, and political organization. Belief in success is the one basic, absolutely essential ingredient of successful people.”

“Believe, really believe, you can succeed, and you will.”

“Belief is the thermostat that regulates what we accomplish in life.”

“You will find that the more successful the individual, the less inclined he is to make excuses.”

“Life is yours to enjoy. Don’t waste it.”

“What really matters is not how much intelligence you have but how you use what you do have.”

“Thoughts, positive or negative, grow stronger when fertilized with constant repetition.”

“Fear is success enemy number one.”

“Hope is a start. But hope needs action to win victories.”

“And remember, hesitation only enlarges, magnifies the fear. Take action promptly. Be decisive.”

“To think confidently, act confidently.”

“Probably the greatest human weakness is self-deprecation. That is, selling oneself short.”

“You’re bigger than you think.”

“To think big, we must use words and phrases that produce big, positive mental images.”

“Stretch your vision: See what can be, not just what is.”

“Creative thinking is simply finding new, improved ways to do anything.”

“Believing something can be done paves the way for creative solutions. Believing something can’t be done is destructive thinking.”

“Capacity is a state of mind. How much we can do depends on how much we think we can do.”

“Others see in us what we see in ourselves. We receive the kind of treatment we think we deserve.”

“The key to winning what you want lies in thinking positively toward yourself.”

“You are what you think you are. Think more of yourself and there is more of you.”

“The mind reflects what its environment feeds it just as surely as the body reflects the food you feed it.”

“People who tell you it cannot be done almost always are unsuccessful people, are strictly average or mediocre at best in terms of accomplishment.”

“Be sure you’re in the flock that thinks right.”

“Go first class in everything you do. You can’t afford to go any other way.”

“Attitudes are mirrors of the mind.”

“To activate others, to get them to be enthusiastic, you must first be enthusiastic yourself.”

“Mix with the people. Make yourself feel and think like a community citizen from the very first day. Do this and you’ll be enthusiastic about your new environment.”

“The rule is: Success depends on the support of other people.”

“But don’t try to buy friendship; it’s not for sale.”

“The person who does the most talking and the person who is the most successful are rarely the same person.”

“Everything we have in this world, from satellites to skyscrapers to baby food, is just an idea acted upon.”

“The test of a successful person is not an ability to eliminate all problems before they arise, but to meet and work out difficulties when they do arise.”

“Success shuns the man who lacks ideas.”

“It is not possible to win high-level success without meeting opposition, hardship, and setback. 

But it is possible to use setbacks to propel you forward.”

“Defeat is only a state of mind, and nothing more.”

“Being licked is valuable if we learn from it.”

“If you lose, learn.”

“A goal is more than a dream; it’s a dream being acted upon.”

“The important thing is not where you were or where you are but where you want to get.”

“No one accomplishes more than he sets out to accomplish. So visualize a big future.”

“Desire, when harnessed, is power. Failure to follow desire, to do what you want to do most, paves the way to mediocrity.”

“The point is this: To get others to do what you want them to do, you must see things through their eyes.”

“A little modesty goes a long way.”

“Believe in –and push for— progress; and you’ll be a leader!

Book Review (Personal Opinion):

Mini-stories describing how other people have dealt with both positive and negative events in their lives are used throughout The Magic of Thinking Big to provide a tutorial on how to respond positively to life’s challenges. 

I felt compelled to write on the topic because I believe we can all succeed if we put our minds to it. 

Fear can be overcome by taking the first step toward a goal, and this realization can be liberating. 

Fighting our fears head-on increases our chances of developing the self-assurance we need to deal with them in the future.

In my opinion, the author has a rather myopic view of success, focusing almost exclusively on financial and professional outcomes. 

Success is more relative than we’d like it to be, and we need to teach ourselves that just showing up counts. 

This will strengthen our conviction that we have the right mindset to improve ourselves and the world.

It’s a great book that anyone of any age can enjoy. You may feel like there is no way out of your current situation, that’s when it helps to think about a piece of advice that can light a fire of hope within you. 

The ideas and opinions expressed in this book are not new or particularly ground-breaking; however, the author’s presentation of these ideas is tremendously inspiring, as he provides numerous real-life examples of people who overcame significant obstacles to achieve extraordinary results.

Rating : 8/10

This Book Is For:

• People who seek success and to become leaders
• People who want to change their defeat mindset into thinking big
• People who want to learn strategies in order to achieve their goals

If You Want to Learn More

Here is a magazine article about Dr. David J. Schwartz’s The Magic of Thinking Big. Dr. David J Schwartz’s “The Magic of Thinking Big” by Profit Magazine.

How I’ve Implemented The Ideas From The Book

Reading this book opened my eyes to the potential of the human mind. You may skip this one because it’s filled with information you already know; after all, all you really want is some inspiration. 

Because when things aren’t going as smoothly as you’d like, there’s nothing like a little extra motivation.  

After reading this book, I was able to gain insight into my own character flaws, identify when I was adopting a defeatist attitude, and alter my behavior accordingly by recalling the techniques outlined by Dr. Schwartz.

One Small Actionable Step You Can Do

An insatiable hunger for success is the single most important factor in achieving it. Put an end to doubt and procrastination and replace them with hope and self-assurance. 

To begin, try to see the big picture and aim high. The next stage is to make a plan for putting that vision into action by establishing a schedule and a series of manageable objectives. 

You may learn a lot from the people around you, both in terms of their triumphs and mistakes, so it’s essential to take a look at your surroundings and the people you associate with. 

Don’t allow setbacks derail your progress; instead, learn from them and use them to propel you toward eventual success.

Bruno Boksic

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The Magic of Thinking Big

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3 Sentence Summary

Believe in yourself, never underestimate your own intelligence, think positively, and plan for success. The Magic of Thinking Big may come across as one of those cheezy self-help books, but if read with an open mind, you’ll find plenty of practical wisdom in Dr. Schwartz’s words. This book serves as a good reminder that confidence isn’t something that we’re born with, but rather a trait that is developed with intentional habits.

5 Key Takeaways

• Believe that success is possible and the how-to will follow.
• Action cures fear.
• Never sell yourself short.
• Surround yourself with positive influences.
• Take the initiative to build relationships.

The Magic of Thinking Big Summary

Please Note

The following book summary is a collection of my notes and highlights taken straight from the book. Most of them are direct quotes. Some are paraphrases. Very few are my own words.

These notes are informal. I try to organize them by chapter. But I pick and choose ideas to include at my discretion.

Believe You Can Succeed and You Will

• When you believe I-can-do-it, the how -to-do-it follows suit.
• Strong belief triggers the mind to figuring ways and means and how-to. And believing you can succeed makes others place confidence in you.
• Doubt, disbelief, the subconscious will to fail , the not really wanting to succeed, is responsible for most failures.
• A person is the product of his own thoughts.
• Your mind is a thought factory. You can control whether those thoughts are positive or negative.
• Observe other successful people. Learn to do what they do.

How to Develop the Power of Belief

• Think success, don’t think failure. Thinking success conditions your mind to create plans that produce success. Failure thinking conditions the mind to think other thoughts that produce failure.
• Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think you are. Never sell yourself short.
• Believe BIG. The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief.

Cure Yourself of Excusitis, The Failure Disease

• Refuse to talk about your health.
• Refuse to worry about your health.
• Be genuinely grateful that your health is as good as it is.
• Remind yourself often, “It’s better to wear out than rust out.”
• Never underestimate your own intelligence or overestimate the intelligence of others.
• Remind yourself daily that your attitude is more important than your intelligence.
• Remember that the ability to think is of much greater value than the ability to memorize facts.
• Look at your present age positively.
• Compute how much productive time you have left.
• Invest future time in doing what you really want to do.
• Accept the law of cause and effect. “Good luck” is preceded by preparation, planning, and success-producing thinking.
• Don’t be a wishful thinker. Don’t waste your mental energy dreaming of an effortless way to win success. Get to work instead.

Build Confidence and Destroy Fear

• Fear is real. And we must recognize it exists before we can conquer it.
• No one is born confident. Confidence is acquired, developed.
• Indecision and postponement fertilizes fear.

2-Step Process to Cure Fear and Win Confidence

• Isolate your fear. Pin it down. Determine exactly what you are afraid of.
• Take action. There is always some kind of action that you can take for any kind of fear.

Build Confidence With Your Memories

• Deposit only positive thoughts in your memory bank.
• Don’t dwell on unpleasant situations.
• Count your blessings.
• Recall all your little victories and accomplishments.
• Withdraw only positive thoughts from your memory bank.

Conquer Fear of Other People By Putting Them in Proper Perspective

• The other person is important, but so are you.
• We’re all human beings with essentially the same interests, desires, and problems.
• Be understanding and give people the benefit of the doubt.

5 Exercises to Build Your Confidence

• Sit in the front row. Make it a rule to sit as close to the front as you can.
• Practice making eye contact.
• Walk 25% faster.
• Practice speaking up.

How to Think Big

• Most people think small. This means that there’s less competition than you think for a very rewarding career.
• Where success is concerned, people are measured by the size of their thinking.
• Look at things not as they are, but as they can be.
• A big thinker always visualizes what can be done in the future. He isn’t stuck with the present.
• The “I’m doing my job and that’s enough” attitude is small, negative thinking. Big thinkers see themselves as members of a team effort, as winning or losing with the team, not by themselves.

Measure Your True Size

• Determine you five chief assets. Ask people you trust for their honest opinion. These could be your education, experience, technical skills, appearance, attitudes, personality, initiative, etc.
• Underneath each asset, write the names of three people you know who have achieved large success but who do not have this asset to as great a degree as you.
• Notice that you outrank many successful people in at least one asset. Conclusion? You are much bigger than you think you are. Never sell yourself short.

4 Ways to Develop the Big Thinker’s Vocabulary

• Use big, positive, cheerful words and phrases to describe how you feel.
• Use bright, cheerful, favorable words and phrases to describe other people.
• Use positive language to encourage others. Compliment people personally at every opportunity.
• Use positive words to outline plans to others. Share good news. Promise victory.

Practice Adding Value

• To things: Look for ideas to make things worth more. Everything has value in proportion to the ideas for using it.
• To people: As you move higher in organizations, more of your responsibility becomes “people development.” Look for ways to help your subordinates be more effective.
• To yourself: What have you done today to make yourself more valuable?

What It Takes to Be A Good Public Speaker

• Knowledge of what you’re talking about.
• An intense desire to tell other people about it.

How to Think and Dream Creatively

• Creative thinking is simply finding new and improved ways to do anything.
• When you believe something is impossible, your mind goes to work for you to prove why. But, when you believe, really believe, something can be done, your mind goes to work for you and helps you to find the ways to do it.
• Eliminate the word “impossible” from your thoughts and vocabulary.
• The only thing worthy of your mental concentration is to come up with reasons why you CAN do something.
• There are no best ways of doing anything.
• If you want it done, give it to a busy man. All the successful, competent people are busy people.
• Big people monopolize the listening. Small people monopolize the talking.

3 Ways to Fight Traditional Thinking

• Be receptive to new ideas.
• Be an experimental person. Break up fixed routines and seek out new experiences.
• Be progressive, not regressive. Think about how you can do it better today than you did yesterday.

3-Stage Program to Strengthen Your Creativity Through Asking and Listening

• Encourage others to talk. You’ll soak up raw material which you can use to produce creative thoughts AND you’ll win friends.
• Test your own views in the form of questions. Let other people help you smooth and polish your ideas.
• Concentrate on what the other person says. Listening means letting what’s said penetrate your mind. Evaluate it.

2 Ways to Get Mental Stimulation

• Join and meet regularly with at least one professional group that provides stimulation in your own occupational area. Rub shoulders — and minds — with other success-oriented people.
• Join and participate in at least one group outside your occupational interests. Expand your thinking and broaden your horizons.

3 Ways to Harness and Develop Your Ideas

• Don’t let ideas escape. Write them down. Memory is a weak slave when it comes to preserving and nurturing brand new ideas.
• Review your ideas. File them into an active file.
• Cultivate and fertilize your idea. Think about it. Tie the idea to related ideas. Investigate all angles. Put it to work when the time is right.

You Are What You Think You Are

• To be important, you must think you are important.
• How you think determines how you act. How you act determines how others react to you.
• Dress right. It always pays.
• Use clothing as a tool to lift your spirits and build confidence.
• People do evaluate you on the basis of your appearance. First impressions last.
• The better you are packaged, the more public acceptance you will receive.
• Pay twice as much and buy half as many. Quality is far more important than quantity.

Think Your Work is Important

2 suggestions for getting others to do more for you.

• Always show positive attitudes toward your job so that your subordinates will “pick up” right thinking.
• Ask yourself each day, “Am I worthy in every respect of being imitated? Are all my habits such that I would be glad to see them in my subordinates?”

How to Build Your “Sell Yourself to Yourself” Commercial

• List all the things you do really well. Your assets. Your best qualities.
• Write your commercial as if you’re talking to yourself.
• Practice your commercial out loud in private at least once a day.
• Read it before you tackle anything that demands courage.
• Believe that success comes from managed thinking.

Manage Your Environment: Go First Class

• Your mind is a delicate instrument.
• The body is what the body is fed. Likewise, your mind is what the mind is fed.
• The kind of mental diet we consume determines our habits, attitudes and personality.
• People who tell you it cannot be done almost always are unsuccessful people, are strictly average or mediocre at best in terms of accomplishment. Opinions of these people can be poison.
• You are judged by the company you keep. Birds of a feather do flock together.
• Don’t let negative thinkers pull you down to their level. Cling to people who think progressively. Move upward with them.
• Make it a rule to seek advice from people who know. Successful people are often some of the most humble and eager to help.

Ways to Make Your Social Environment First Class

• Circulate in new groups. Make new friends, join new organizations, enlarge your social orbit.
• Select friends who have views different from your own.
• Select friends who stand above petty, unimportant things. People who are interested in positive things and friends who want to see you succeed. Surround yourself with encouragers.

Make Your Attitudes Your Allies

• When our attitude is right, our abilities reach a maximum of effectiveness and good results inevitably follow.
• Right attitudes win for you in every situation.
• To activate others, you must first activate yourself. To get others enthusiastic, you must first be enthusiastic yourself. Enthusiasm can make something 1,000% better.
• Grow the “Service first” attitude, and watch money take care of itself. Make it a rule in everything you do, give people more than they expect to get.

Grow These 3 Attitudes

• The attitude of I’m activated.
• The attitude of You are important.
• The attitude of Service first.

3 Steps to Develop the Power of Enthusiasm

• Dig into it deeper. Learn more about it. Use this technique to develop interest in other people too. Ask them about themselves — their job, their family, their background, their ideas and ambitions. Keep digging and you’ll uncover a fascinating person.
• In everything you do, life it up. Life up your handshake. Smile with your eyes. Talk with vitality.
• Broadcast good news. Good news does more than get attention; good news pleases people. Good news develops enthusiasm. Tell your family what good happened today. Recall amusing, pleasant things you experienced.

Grow the You-Are-Important Attitude

• Everyone wants to feel important.
• Every human has a role to play in God’s plans.
• People do more for you when you make them feel important.
• When you help others fell important, you help yourself feel important too.
• Practice appreciation. Give positive feedback often.
• Practice calling people by their names.
• Don’t hog glory. Invest it instead.
• Ask yourself, “What can I do today to make my wife and family happy?” Give them planned attention. Don’t wait for birthdays and holidays.

Think Right Toward People

• Success depends on the support of other people.
• 90% of the time, the “likeability” factor is given more weight than the technical factor.
• You are not pulled up to a higher level job. You are lifted up. Being likeable makes you lighter to lift.
• Take the initiative in building friendships — leaders always do.
• The most important person present is the one person most active in introducing himself.
• Recognize the fact that no person is perfect.
• Recognize the fact that the other fellow has a right to be different.
• Don’t be a reformer.
• If you let your thinking go uncontrolled, you can find much to dislike in almost anyone. But if you manage your thinking properly, you can find many qualities to like and admire about the same person.
• How you think when you lose determines ho long it will be until you win.

President Lyndon Johnson’s 10 Points of Likeability

• Learn to remember names.
• Be a comfortable person so there is no strain in being with you. Be an old-shoe, old-hat kind of individual.
• Acquire the quality of relaxed easy-going so that things do not ruffle you.
• Don’t be egotistical. Guard against the impression that you know it all.
• Cultivate the quality of being interesting so people will get something of value from their association with you.
• Study to get the “scratchy” elements out of your personality, even those of which you may be unconscious.
• Sincerely attempt to heal, on an honest Christian basis, every misunderstanding you have had or now have.
• Practice liking people until you learn to do so genuinely.
• Never miss an opportunity to say a word of congratulation upon anyone’s achievement, or express sympathy in sorrow or disappointment.
• Give spiritual strength to people, and they will give genuine affection to you.

6 Ways to Win Friends By Exercising Initiative

• Introduce yourself to others at every possible opportunity.
• Be sure the other person gets your name straight.
• Be sure you can pronounce the other person’s name the way he/she pronounces it.
• Write down the other person’s name, and be mighty sure you have it spelled correctly.
• Drop a personal note or make a phone call to the new friends you feel you want to know better. Follow through.
• Say pleasant things to strangers.

Be Likeable in Conversation

• The person who does the most talking and the person who is the most successful are rarely the same person.
• Successful people demonstrate conversation generosity. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
• The average person would rather talk about himself more than anything else in the world. Give them the chance, and they’ll love you for it.
• Conversation generosity is the easiest, simplest, and surest way to win a friend.
• Let other people talk so you can learn from them.

Get the Action Habit

• Don’t wait until conditions are perfect.
• Use action to cure fear and gain confidence.
• People that get things done in this world don’t wait for the spirit to move them,; they move the spirit.
• Now is the magic word of success. Tomorrow, next week, later, sometime, someday are synonyms for the failure word, never.
• Be a crusader. When you see something that you believe ought to be done, pick up the ball and run.
• Be a volunteer.

How to Turn Defeat Into Victory

• All those who have succeeded in a major way have been pounded by losing situations.
• Salvage something from every setback.
• Defeat is only a state of mind, and nothing more.
• Being self-critical is constructive. It helps you build the personal strength and efficiency needed for success.
• Professionals seek out their faults and weaknesses then correct them.
• Success relies on the combination of persistence and experimentation.
• You see in any situation what you expect to see. See the good side and conquer defeat. All things do work together for good if you’ll just develop clear vision.

How to Develop Greater Power to Experiment

• Tell yourself, “There IS a way.” Belief is important. You need to believe a solution is possible.
• Back off and start afresh. Get away from the problem and look at it from a new angle.

Use Goals to Help You Grow

• A goal is a dream that’s being acted upon.
• Without goals, people wander through life.
• The important things is not where you are but where you want to get.
• The most important lesson in career-planning: Before you start out, know where you want to go.
• Desire, when harnessed, is power.
• Success requires heart and soul effort and you can only put your heart and soul into something you really desire.
• Most really successful people work much longer than 40 hours a week.
• Focusing on a goal provides energy.
• When we face a day with a plan, we get things done. To accomplish something, we must plan to accomplish something.
• Intense goals will keep a personal alive when nothing else will.
• Progress is made one step at a time.
• Prepare to take detours in stride.
• The biggest and most rewarding kind of investment is self-investment.

10 Year Planning Guide

• What income level do I want to attain?
• What level of responsibility do I seek?
• How much authority do I want to command?
• How prestige do I expect to gain from my work?
• What kind of standard of living do I want to provide from my family and myself?
• What kind of house do I want to live in?
• What kind of vacations do I want to take?
• What financial support do I want to give my children in their early adult years?
• What kinds of friends do I want to have?
• What social groups do I want to join?
• What community leadership positions would I like to hold?
• What worthwhile causes do I want to champion?

The 5 Weapons Used to Commit Success-Suicide (Destroy Them)

• Self-depreciation. Telling yourself that you can’t do something.
• Security-itis. People who don’t want to risk anything.
• Competition. Believing that the field is too crowded.
• Parental dictation. Doing what your parents want you to do.
• Family responsibility. Not changing due to social obligations.

How to Think Like A Leader

• Trade minds with the people you want to influence.
• Think: What is the human way to handle this?
• Think progress, believe in progress, push for progress.
• Take time out to confer with yourself.

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