The Laws of Success

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.”

—Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich. In addition to being two of the harder things to come by in American life today, they also happen to be the name of a classic personal achievement book.

Written by Napoleon Hill, a pioneering motivational thinker, Think and Grow Rich was one of the first books I read when I got into the field of business publishing for doctors. Published in 1937, the book remains a top-seller today with some 70 million copies sold worldwide. Hill, who started out as a small town newspaper reporter (as did I, so there’s still hope), died in 1970 at age 87.

And while I know that they “think,” most of today’s practicing physicians are hardly “growing rich.” The secret, according to Hill, is to have a “philosophy of achievement.” He maintained that the vast majority of people have no firm beliefs, thus making any real personal achievement near unobtainable.

The following are Hill’s 17 Success Scrolls, which he compiled during his two decades of study and observation of successful Americans:

1. Definiteness of purpose

Successful people move on their own initiative, but they know where they are and where they are going before they start.

2. Mastermind alliance

No one can become a permanent success without taking others along.

3. Applied faith

You can do it if you believe you can.

4. Go the extra mile

The most successful people are those who serve the greatest number of people.

5. Pleasing personality

It’s essential to develop a personality that’s pleasing to yourself and others.

6. Personal initiative

Today’s employer is yesterday’s employee who found opportunity waiting at the end of the second mile.

7. Positive Mental Attitude

Keep your mind on things you want and off things you don’t want.

8. Enthusiasm

To be enthusiastic … act enthusiastic.

9. Self-discipline

Direct your thoughts, control your emotions, and ordain your destiny.

10. Accurate thinking

Truth will be truth regardless of a closed mind, ignorance or refusal to believe.

11. Controlled attention

Coordinate all the facilities of your mind and direct their combined power to a given end.

12. Teamwork

Harmonious cooperation is a priceless asset, which you can acquire in proportion to your giving.

13. Adversity and defeat

Every defeat, disappointment, and adversity carries with it the seed of an equivalent or greater benefit.

14. Creative vision

The imagination is the workshop of the soul wherein are shaped all plans for individual achievement.

15. Maintenance and sound health

If you think you’re sick, you are.

16. Budgeting time and money

Tell me how you use your spare time and how you spend your money and I’ll tell you where you’ll be 10 years from now.

17. Cosmic habit force

You are where you are and what you are because of your established habits, thoughts and deeds.