"Think and Grow Rich" Chapter 12 - The Subconscious Mind

Doug: “Welcome back to Fuel for Financial Freedom, the podcast where we unlock the secrets to success, one thought at a time. I’m Doug, and I’m here with my co-host, Dave. Today, we’re diving into one of the most fascinating and mysterious parts of Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich” Chapter 12, The Subconscious Mind. And let me tell you, this chapter is where the magic happens.”

Dave: “Oh, absolutely, Doug. If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem to effortlessly achieve their goals while others struggle, it all comes down to this: your subconscious mind is running the show. And here’s the kicker, you might not even realize it. But once you understand how to work with it, everything changes.”

Doug: “That’s right. And to get us started, I want to hit you with this mind-blowing quote from the chapter: ‘You cannot entirely control your subconscious mind, but you can voluntarily hand over to it any plan, desire, or purpose which you wish transformed into concrete form.’ Let that sink in for a second. Your subconscious mind is like a silent partner, working behind the scenes to turn your thoughts into reality. But here’s the question: How do you get it on your team?”

Dave: “That’s exactly what we’re going to break down today. Because here’s the thing, your subconscious mind isn’t just some abstract concept. It’s the driving force behind your habits, your decisions, and even your intuition. And if you’re not consciously feeding it the right ideas, it’s probably working against you without you even knowing it.”

Doug: “Scary thought, right? But don’t worry, we’re going to show you exactly how to harness this power. We’re talking practical strategies, real-life stories, and actionable steps you can take today to start reprogramming your subconscious mind for success.”

Dave: “And here’s why this is so important. Napoleon Hill says it best: ‘The subconscious mind is more susceptible to influence by impulses of thought mixed with ‘feeling’ or emotion, than by those originating solely in the reasoning portion of the mind.’ In other words, it’s not enough to just think about your goals. You’ve got to feel them. You’ve got to live them. And that’s where the real transformation happens.”

Doug: “So whether you’re trying to build wealth, start a business, or just create a life you love, this episode is for you. Because once you understand how to work with your subconscious mind, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.”

Dave: “Let’s hear that quote again: ‘You cannot entirely control your subconscious mind, but you can voluntarily hand over to it any plan, desire, or purpose which you wish transformed into concrete form.’ It’s not just about grinding, it’s about aligning your subconscious mind with your goals.”

Doug: “Oh, I love that. It’s like your subconscious is this behind-the-scenes director, working 24/7 to bring your dreams to life. But here’s the thing, you’ve got to feed it the right script. And that’s where persistence comes in. Let’s break this down. Dave, what’s your take on how the subconscious mind plays into persistence?”

Dave: “Well, think of it like this: Your subconscious mind is like a GPS. You put in the destination, your goal, and it starts plotting the route. But here’s the catch: if you keep changing the destination, the GPS gets confused. Persistence is about staying laser-focused on that one goal, feeding it to your subconscious over and over until it becomes second nature.”

Doug: “That’s such a great analogy. And it reminds me of a story I heard about Thomas Edison. You know, the guy who failed thousands of times before inventing the lightbulb. People called him crazy, but he said something like, ‘I didn’t fail. I just found 10,000 ways that didn’t work.’ That’s persistence in action. He kept feeding his subconscious the same goal: ‘I will create a working lightbulb.’ And eventually, his subconscious mind guided him

Dave: “Exactly! And here’s the kicker, Edison didn’t just think about the lightbulb. He felt it. He was emotionally invested in his goal. That’s what Napoleon Hill means when he says, ‘The subconscious mind is more susceptible to influence by impulses of thought mixed with ‘feeling’ or emotion.’ It’s not enough to just say, ‘I want this.’ You’ve got to feel it in your bones.”

Doug: “Totally. And that’s where a lot of people fall short. They set goals, but they don’t connect emotionally. It’s like, ‘Yeah, I want to be rich,’ but there’s no fire behind it. No passion. No why. Dave, how can someone start emotionalizing their goals?”

Dave: “Great question. One practical way is through visualization. Close your eyes and imagine achieving your goal. Picture it in vivid detail. How does it feel? What does it look like? Who’s there with you? The more sensory details you add, the more emotionalized it becomes. And here’s a pro tip: write it down. Hill talks about writing your goals every single day. It’s like sending a daily memo to your subconscious: This is important. Make it happen.”

Doug: “I love that. And it reminds me of a technique I use called the “Why Ladder.” You start with your goal, and then you ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?” You keep asking “why” until you hit that emotional core. For example, if your goal is to make $100,000, you might realize it’s not about the money, it’s about providing for your family or gaining freedom. That emotional connection fuels your persistence.”

Dave: “That’s brilliant. And it ties back to what Hill says about repetition and emotion. The more you repeat your goal, whether through writing, visualization, or affirmations, the more it sinks into your subconscious. But here’s the thing: persistence isn’t just about thinking and feeling. It’s about action. You’ve got to take consistent steps toward your goal, even when it’s hard.”

Doug: “Absolutely. And that’s where most people give up. They hit a roadblock, and they think, “Maybe this isn’t for me.” But Hill says that’s when persistence is most important. He even talks about how every failure brings you closer to success, because each failure teaches you something new. It’s like leveling up in a video game. You’ve got to keep playing to win.”

Dave: “Yes! And let’s not forget the power of a mastermind group. Hill emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your goals and hold you accountable. When you’re feeling discouraged, they can remind you why you started. It’s like having a pit crew for your dreams.”

Doug: “Alright, Dave, let’s dive deeper into this idea of the subconscious mind as a medium for transmutation. Napoleon Hill says, ‘After you have accepted, as a reality, the existence of the subconscious mind, and understand its possibilities, as a medium for transmuting your DESIRES into their physical or monetary equivalent, you will comprehend the full significance of the instructions given in the chapter on DESIRE.’ That’s a mouthful, but it’s packed with gold. What’s your take on this?”

Dave: “Oh, this is huge. Hill is saying that your subconscious mind is like a factory. You feed it raw materials, your desires, your goals, and it transforms them into something tangible. But here’s the catch: you’ve got to feed it the right materials. If you’re vague or wishy-washy about what you want, your subconscious mind won’t know what to do with it. That’s why Hill keeps hammering on the importance of clarity and writing things down.”

Doug: “Exactly. It’s like giving your subconscious mind a blueprint. If you say, ‘I want to be rich,’ that’s too vague. But if you say, ‘I want to earn $100,000 in the next 12 months by growing my online business,’ now your subconscious has something to work with. It’s specific, it’s measurable, and it’s actionable. Dave, why do you think writing it down is so crucial?”

Dave: “Writing it down does two things. First, it forces you to get crystal clear on what you want. You can’t write down a vague idea, it has to be concrete. Second, it creates a physical representation of your desire. It’s like sending a formal request to your subconscious mind. And when you read it every day, you’re reinforcing that desire, making it impossible for your subconscious to ignore.”

Doug: “That’s such a great point. And it reminds me of a story about Jim Carrey. Back in the ’90s, when he was still struggling as an actor, he wrote himself a check for $10 million for ‘acting services rendered.’ He dated it for five years in the future and carried it in his wallet. And guess what? By 1995, he was earning $10 million per movie. Now, was it magic? No. It was the power of a clear, written goal that he emotionalized and fed to his subconscious mind every single day.”

Dave: “I love that story because it shows how this stuff works in real life. It’s not just theory, it’s practical. And it ties back to what Hill says about emotionalizing your desires. You’ve got to feel it. Jim Carrey didn’t just write that check; he felt what it would be like to cash it. That emotional charge is what makes your subconscious mind sit up and take notice.”

Doug: “Absolutely. And that’s why Hill connects this back to the chapter on Desire. A burning desire isn’t just a passing thought, it’s something you feel in your gut. It’s something you’re willing to work for, sacrifice for, and persist through challenges for. Dave, how can someone take this idea of emotionalizing their desires and apply it in their own life?”

Dave: “One practical way is through visualization. Close your eyes and imagine achieving your goal. Picture it in vivid detail. What does it look like? How does it feel? Who’s there with you? The more sensory details you add, the more emotionalized it becomes. And here’s a pro tip: pair that visualization with a daily affirmation. For example, if your goal is to start a successful business, you might say, ‘I am building a thriving business that provides value to my customers and freedom to my life.” Say it out loud, with conviction, every single day.”

Doug: “I love that. And it’s not just about saying it, it’s about feeling it. When you say that affirmation, really connect with the emotions behind it. Feel the excitement, the pride, the gratitude. That’s what makes it stick in your subconscious mind. And over time, those emotions will drive your actions, your habits, and even your intuition.”

Dave: “Exactly. And that’s where the thirteen principles come in. Hill says, ‘The thirteen principles are the stimuli with which you acquire the ability to reach, and to influence your subconscious mind.’ These principles, like desire, faith, autosuggestion, and persistence, are the tools you use to program your subconscious mind. But here’s the thing: it’s not a one-and-done deal. You’ve got to practice these principles consistently, like building a habit.”

Doug: “That’s such an important point. You can’t just read about these principles and expect instant results. It’s like going to the gym, you’ve got to show up every day and put in the work. And Hill even says, ‘Do not become discouraged, if you cannot do this upon the first attempt.’ It takes time to master this stuff. Dave, how do you stay patient and persistent when you’re not seeing immediate results?”

Dave: “Great question. For me, it’s about focusing on the process, not just the outcome. Celebrate the small wins along the way. Maybe you didn’t hit your big goal yet, but you took a step forward today. That’s progress. And it’s also about trusting the process. Hill talks about faith, believing in your goals even when there’s no evidence yet. That faith keeps you going when things get tough.”

Doug: “I love that. Faith is like the fuel for persistence. It’s what keeps you moving forward, even when the road gets rocky. And here’s the thing: every time you take action, every time you repeat your affirmations, every time you visualize your success, you’re strengthening that faith. You’re building a mental muscle that says, ‘I can do this.’”

Dave: “Exactly. And over time, that mental muscle becomes unstoppable. Your subconscious mind starts working in harmony with your conscious goals, and suddenly, opportunities start showing up. It’s like the universe is conspiring to help you succeed.”

Doug: “That’s the magic of the subconscious mind. It’s always working, even when you’re not aware of it. And when you align it with your desires, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.”

Dave: “Yes. And Hill says ‘The subconscious mind will not remain idle! If you fail to plant DESIRES in your subconscious mind, it will feed upon the thoughts which reach it as the result of your neglect.’ This is such a powerful reminder that our subconscious mind is always working, whether we’re intentional about it or not.”

Doug: “Oh, this is huge, Dave. It’s like your subconscious mind is this hungry, 24/7 machine, and if you don’t feed it the right stuff, your goals, your dreams, your desires, —it’s going to snack on whatever’s lying around. And let’s be honest, if you’re not intentional, what’s lying around is usually fear, doubt, or distractions. That’s why Hill says it’s our responsibility to plant those desires. Otherwise, we’re basically letting weeds take over the garden of our mind.”

Dave: “I love that analogy, your subconscious mind as a garden. If you don’t plant the seeds you want, the weeds will grow on their own. And those weeds? They’re the negative thoughts, the self-doubt, the ‘what if I fail?’ kind of stuff. Doug, how do we make sure we’re planting the right seeds and not letting those weeds take over?”

Doug: “First, you’ve got to get clear on what you want. Hill keeps coming back to this idea of clarity. You can’t just say, “I want to be successful.” What does that even mean? You’ve got to define it. Write it down. Be specific. And then, you’ve got to emotionalize it. Feel what it would be like to achieve that goal. That’s how you plant the seed.”

Dave: “Exactly. And here’s the thing, once you plant that seed, you’ve got to water it every single day. That’s where habits come in. Hill talks about the law of habit in this chapter, and he says, ‘Positive and negative emotions cannot occupy the mind at the same time. One or the other must dominate. It is your responsibility to make sure that positive emotions constitute the dominating influence of your mind.’ Doug, how do we make sure positivity dominates?”

Doug: “It’s all about awareness and replacement. You’ve got to catch yourself when negativity creeps in. Maybe you’re doubting yourself or worrying about failure. The moment you notice that, you’ve got to replace it with something positive. For example, if you’re thinking, ‘I’ll never be able to do this,’ flip it to, ‘I’ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.’ It’s like mental judo, using the momentum of your thoughts to throw negativity out of the ring.”

Dave: “That’s such a great strategy. And it’s not just about replacing thoughts, it’s about building habits that reinforce positivity. Hill says the law of habit will come to your aid. If you consistently practice gratitude, visualization, or affirmations, over time, those habits become automatic. Positivity becomes your default setting.”

Doug: “Absolutely. And let’s not forget the power of your environment. If you’re surrounded by negative people or consuming negative content, it’s going to be a lot harder to keep your mind positive. That’s why it’s so important to curate your environment. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, read books that inspire you, and listen to podcasts like this one that keep you motivated.”

Dave: “Yes! And here’s the thing, this isn’t just about feeling good. It’s about results. When positive emotions dominate your mind, you’re more creative, more resilient, and more focused. You’re able to see opportunities where others see obstacles. That’s how you turn your desires into reality.”

Doug: “Exactly. And it all comes back to the subconscious mind. When you feed it positive, emotionalized thoughts, it goes to work for you. It starts aligning your actions, your habits, and even your intuition with your goals. But if you neglect it, it’s going to feed on whatever’s around, and that’s usually not going to help you get where you want to go.”

Dave: "With your environment in mind, 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?"

Doug: "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."

Dave: "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."

Doug: "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!"

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