"Think and Grow Rich" - Chapter 9 Persistence

 Dave: “Welcome back to Fuel for Financial Freedom, the podcast where we dive deep into the principles of success, wealth, and personal growth. I’m Dave, and today I’m joined by my co-host, Doug. Doug, have you ever noticed how sometimes, when you focus on something, like a goal or even a specific car color, it suddenly seems to appear everywhere?”

Doug: “Absolutely, Dave! It’s like the universe is playing a game of hide-and-seek with you. But here’s the thing, it’s not the universe; it’s your mind. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. We’re talking about “Think and Grow Rich”, Chapter 9: Persistence. This chapter is a goldmine for understanding how to prepare your mind to attract success, wealth, and opportunities. And trust me, it’s not just about thinking, it’s about doing.”

Dave: “That’s right, Doug. And to kick things off, let’s talk about one of the most powerful quotes from this chapter: “Fortunes gravitate to men whose minds have been prepared to ‘attract’ them, just as surely as water gravitates to the ocean.” Doug, what’s your take on this? How do we prepare our minds to attract what we desire?”

Doug: “Oh, I love this quote because it’s so visual. Think of it like a magnet. If you’ve ever played with iron filings and a magnet, you know that the filings don’t just sit there, they leap toward the magnet when it’s close enough. That’s exactly how our minds work when we’re prepared. Napoleon Hill even says in the first chapter, “When riches begin to come, they come so quickly, in such great abundance, that one wonders where they have been hiding during all those lean years.” But here’s the catch: you have to be actively moving toward your goal. Your thoughts lead to feelings, which drive your actions. And it’s through those actions that the attraction happens.”

Dave: “That’s such a great analogy. And it reminds me of a personal story. A few years ago, I bought a white car, my first one. Before that, I swear I never noticed white cars on the road. But the moment I started driving mine, it was like white cars were everywhere. It wasn’t that they magically appeared; they were always there. My focus just shifted, and my subconscious mind made me aware of them. That’s exactly how persistence works. You focus on what you want, and suddenly, opportunities and solutions start showing up.”

Doug: “Exactly! And that’s why the six steps in Chapter 2 are so crucial. You create a plan, you execute it, even if you don’t feel ready, and you stay persistent. Flaws in the plan? They’re just feedback. Obstacles? Temporary setbacks. The key is to keep your mind focused on the solution, not the problem. Because, as Hill says, the solutions and opportunities are already out there. We just need to train our minds to see them.”

Dave: “And that brings us to another critical point from this chapter: “The majority of people who fail to accumulate money sufficient for their needs are, generally, easily influenced by the ‘opinions’ of others.” Doug, why do you think so many people fall into this trap?”

Doug: “Oh, this is a big one, Dave. I think it’s because we’re wired to seek validation. We want to fit in, to be accepted. But here’s the problem: when you let others, whether it’s the media, your neighbors, or even well-meaning friends, do your thinking for you, you’re giving away your power. True success requires independent thinking. You have to make decisions based on your own goals and values, not what’s popular or trendy.”

Dave: “Absolutely. And I think this is where persistence comes into play again. When you’re persistent, you’re not easily swayed by external opinions. You stay focused on your vision, even when others doubt you. I remember reading about Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx. She faced so much rejection early on, but she didn’t let the opinions of others stop her. She persisted, and now she’s a billionaire. That’s the power of staying true to your vision.”

Doug: “Such a great example. And it’s not just about ignoring the naysayers; it’s about actively seeking out the right information and advice. Hill talks about how the crowd is often driven by fear, misinformation, or short-term thinking. But if you want long-term success, you have to rise above that. You have to think critically, do your own research, and trust your instincts.”

Dave: “And that’s where the practical application comes in. If you’re listening to this and thinking, “Okay, how do I actually do this?”; start small. Set a clear goal, create a plan, and take one step every single day. Even if it’s a tiny step, it’s progress. And when obstacles come up, and they will, don’t see them as failures. See them as feedback. Adjust your plan but keep moving forward.”

Doug: “Love that. And here’s another practical tip: surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. If you’re constantly around people who think small or who are easily influenced by the crowd, it’s going to be harder for you to stay persistent. But if you’re around people who think big and take action, their energy will rub off on you.”

Dave: “Couldn’t agree more. And remember that persistence is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. So how do we actually develop persistence? And why should we even bother?

Doug: “Oh, Dave, this is where it gets really good. Napoleon Hill gives us four simple steps to develop persistence, and I love how straightforward they are. They don’t require a genius IQ, a fancy degree, or even a ton of time. But they do require commitment. And the benefits? Oh, they’re life-changing. Let’s break it all down.”

Dave: “Let’s do it. So, the four steps to developing persistence are: 
Number 1. A definite purpose backed by burning desire. 
Number 2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action. 
Number 3. A mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences. 
Number 4. A friendly alliance with one or more people who will encourage you to follow through with your plan and purpose.

Doug let’s start with the first one: a definite purpose backed by burning desire. Why is this so important?”

Doug: “This is the foundation, Dave. Without a clear purpose and a burning desire, you’re just wandering aimlessly. Think of it like setting a GPS destination. If you don’t know where you’re going, how will you ever get there? And the burning desire? That’s the fuel. It’s what keeps you going when things get tough. I love how Hill says it’s not just about wanting something, it’s about needing it so badly that you can’t imagine your life without it.”

Dave: “That’s so true. And it reminds me of a story about Oprah Winfrey. She grew up in poverty, but she had this burning desire to create a better life for herself. She didn’t just want success, she was obsessed with it. And that obsession drove her to take massive action, even when the odds were stacked against her. That’s the power of a definite purpose backed by burning desire.”

Doug: “Exactly. And that brings us to the second step: a definite plan, expressed in continuous action. You can have all the desire in the world, but if you don’t have a plan, you’re just dreaming. The key here is continuous action. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being consistent. Even small steps add up over time.”

Dave: “Totally. And I think this is where a lot of people get stuck. They create a plan, but then they hit a roadblock and give up. But persistence is about pushing through those roadblocks. It’s about seeing obstacles as feedback, not failure. Doug, how do you stay consistent when things get tough?”

Doug: “For me, it’s all about mindset. I remind myself that every setback is just part of the process. And I lean on the third step: a mind closed tightly against all negative and discouraging influences. This one is huge, Doug. We live in a world full of negativity; social media, news, even well-meaning friends and family who might doubt your dreams. If you let that negativity in, it can derail you. But if you shut it out and stay focused on your purpose, you’ll be unstoppable.”

Dave: “That’s such a good point. And it’s not always easy to shut out the noise, especially when it’s coming from people you care about. But as Hill says, you have to protect your mind like it’s a fortress. And that brings us to the fourth step: a friendly alliance with one or more people who will encourage you to follow through with your plan and purpose. Why is this so important?”

Doug: “Because success is a team sport, Dave. No one achieves greatness alone. Having a supportive community, whether it’s a mentor, a coach, or a group of like-minded friends, can make all the difference. They’ll lift you up when you’re down, hold you accountable, and remind you of your purpose when you lose sight of it. I always say, ‘Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.’”

Dave: “Love that. And it’s so true. Surrounding yourself with positive, driven people is like having a turbo boost for your goals. Okay, so we’ve covered the four steps to developing persistence. But let’s talk about the why. Why should we even bother with all of this? What’s in it for us?”

Doug: “Oh, Dave, the benefits are incredible. We’ve been researching this, and we have identified eight major benefits of developing persistence. Let’s go through them one by one."

Dave: "Benefit 1: Controlling your economic destiny. When you’re persistent, you’re not at the mercy of external circumstances. You’re in the driver’s seat, creating your own opportunities and building the life you want.

Benefit 2: Freedom and independence of thought. Persistence helps you break free from limiting beliefs and societal norms. You start thinking for yourself, making decisions based on your own values and goals.”

Doug: “Benefit 3: Wealth and riches. By following these steps, you create a path to financial abundance. It’s not about getting rich overnight; it’s about building wealth steadily and consistently.”

Dave: “Benefit 4: Power, fame, and recognition. When you’re persistent, you stand out from the crowd. People notice your dedication and determination, and that can lead to incredible opportunities.”

Doug: “Benefit 5: Favorable “breaks.” This is one of my favorites. When you’re persistent, you start attracting lucky breaks and serendipitous opportunities. It’s like the universe rewards your effort.”

Dave: “Benefit 6: Converting dreams into reality. Persistence is the bridge between dreaming and doing. It’s what turns your big, audacious goals into tangible results.”

Doug: “Benefit 7: Mastery over fear, discouragement, and indifference. Persistence builds resilience. It helps you face challenges head-on and keep going, no matter what.”

Dave: “Writing your own ticket. This is the ultimate benefit. When you’re persistent, you get to design your life on your own terms. You’re not following someone else’s script; you’re creating your own.”

Doug: “Wow, Dave, those benefits are incredible. And it’s amazing how all of this ties back to those four simple steps. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being persistent.”

Dave: “Exactly. And the best part? Anyone can do it. It doesn’t matter where you start; it matters that you start. So, if you’re listening, I want to share a story that completely shifted my perspective on persistence. Back when Doug and I were struggling, jumping from one idea to another, feeling scattered and unsure, our mentor, Bob Proctor, challenged us to read Chapter 9 of “Think and Grow Rich” every single day for 30 days. At first, I thought, “Okay, I’ve read it once. Why do I need to read it again?” But Bob said something that stuck with me: he said “You don’t read something every day to understand it better; you read it every day so you become it. You become what you think about most of the time.” And let me tell you, that changed everything.”

Doug: “Wow, that’s powerful. So, it’s not just about understanding the concept intellectually, it’s about internalizing it, making it part of who you are. Dave, what happened after those 30 days? Did you notice a difference?”

Dave: “Absolutely. It was a game-changer. By the end of the 30 days, persistence wasn’t just something I knew about; it was something I lived. It became second nature. I stopped jumping from idea to idea and started staying focused on my goals. I stopped letting setbacks derail me and started seeing them as opportunities to grow. It was like my mindset had completely shifted. And that’s the power of repetition. As Bob always used to say, “You become what you think about most of the time.” If you’re constantly filling your mind with the principles of persistence, you start to embody them.”

Doug: “That’s incredible. And it’s such a simple practice, reading one chapter every day for 30 days. But the impact is profound. It reminds me of something else Bob Proctor said. He was once asked in an interview, “If you could only talk about one principle from “Think and Grow Rich”, which one would it be?” And without hesitation, he said, “Persistence.” He went on to say, “If you’re not persistent, you don’t need the other principles.” That’s how foundational persistence is.”

Dave: “Exactly. Persistence is the glue that holds everything else together. You can have the best plan, the clearest purpose, and the most supportive community, but if you’re not persistent, none of it matters. Persistence is what keeps you going when the initial excitement wears off, when the obstacles pile up, and when the results aren’t immediate. It’s what separates the dreamers from the doers.”

Doug: “And that’s why I love Bob’s challenge to read Chapter 9 every day for 30 days. It’s not just about learning; it’s about transformation. So, for anyone listening who wants to put this into practice, here’s your challenge: Start today. Read Chapter 9 of “Think and Grow Rich” every day for the next 30 days. Let the principles sink in. Let them become part of who you are. And if you don’t have the book, no worries, you can get a free copy at daveanddoug.com.”

Dave: “And here’s a tip to make it even more powerful: As you read, ask yourself, “How can I apply this today?” Maybe it’s shutting out negativity, or maybe it’s taking one small step toward your goal. You can also focus on the four steps we talked about earlier. Write them down, reflect on them, and apply them to your life. The key is to take action. Persistence isn’t just about thinking; it’s about doing.”

Doug: “Love that. And let’s not forget the importance of community. If you’re serious about developing persistence, find someone who will encourage you and hold you accountable. Share your goals with them, and ask them to check in with you regularly. Remember, success is a team sport.”

Dave: “Absolutely. And if you don’t have someone like that in your life right now, don’t worry. You can start by joining one of our Mindset Master groups. We’re here to support you, cheer you on, and remind you of your purpose when things get tough. You can find more information about Master Mind groups at daveanddoug.com.”

Doug: “So, to recap: Read Chapter 9 every day for 30 days. Reflect on the four steps to developing persistence. Take action, no matter how small. And surround yourself with people who believe in you. If you do that, I promise you’ll see a transformation, not just in your results, but in who you are.”

Dave: “And remember, persistence isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, day after day, even when it’s hard. As Bob Proctor said, “You don’t need the other principles if you’re not persistent.” So, let’s make persistence our superpower.”

Doug: “We’ve been talking a lot about persistence; how it’s the glue that holds everything together, how it’s the one principle that makes all the others work. But here’s the thing: even the most persistent person in the world can’t do it alone. Success isn’t a solo act. It’s a team effort. And that’s exactly what we’re diving into next time.

Dave: “That’s right, Doug. If persistence is the engine, then the Mastermind is the fuel. Napoleon Hill calls it “The Power of the Mastermind,” and let me tell you, this chapter is a game-changer. Imagine this: What if you could tap into the collective wisdom, experience, and energy of a group of like-minded people who are just as committed to success as you are? What if you could accelerate your growth, avoid costly mistakes, and achieve your goals faster than you ever thought possible? That’s the power of the Mastermind.”

Doug: “And here’s the kicker: Some of the most successful people in history, from Andrew Carnegie to Thomas Edison to Oprah Winfrey, have all credited their success to their Mastermind groups. They didn’t do it alone. They surrounded themselves with people who challenged them, inspired them, and pushed them to be their best. And you can do the same.”

Dave: “So, if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, this episode is for you. We’re going to break down exactly what a Mastermind is, how to create one, and how to harness its power to take your life and business to the next level. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this.”

Doug: "Speaking of masterminds and community, what if you could sit down every week with a group of like-minded people to dive deeper into the principles of “Think and Grow Rich” and actually apply them to your life? Imagine having a space where you can ask questions, share insights, and get inspired by others who are on the same journey to success. Sounds amazing, right?"

Dave: "That’s exactly what we’re offering with our weekly live online discussion on “Think and Grow Rich”. Each week, we break down a new chapter, explore the key concepts, and discuss how to put them into action. It’s not just about learning; it’s about transforming your mindset and taking real steps toward your goals."

Doug: "Whether you’re just starting your journey, or you’ve been studying personal development for years, this is your chance to connect, grow, and hold yourself accountable. So, grab your free copy of “Think and Grow Rich”, and join us live every Monday night and 7 pm Eastern time for an engaging, thought-provoking conversation."

Dave: "Ready to take your success to the next level? You can sign up for our weekly live online discussion group by clicking on the link or going to daveanddoug.com and signing up. Again, that is daveanddoug.com to join our next discussion. Let’s grow together!"

Doug: "See you next time, and remember, your mind is your most powerful tool. Use it wisely!"