Have you crafted your definite chief aim — the thing that will be your beacon as you set off to accomplish your biggest goals? In this post, you’ll learn how to use this strategy from the classic, Think and Grow Rich to get exactly what you want.
Today I’m talking about the personal development classic, Think and Grow Rich, a book I’m reading for the second time. It’s that good, plus the author Napoleon Hill encourages readers to revisit it until they’re convinced the concepts have sunk in/or they’ve experienced results.
My biggest takeaway from Think and Grow Rich
Of all the lessons in Think and Grow Rich, crafting a definite chief aim was the one that most resonated. Throughout the book, you’ll find countless mentions of choosing a life or annual goal. I, on the other hand, have a million things that I want to do and accomplish. Yet I had not yet stated, with clarity and confidence, precisely what it was that I wanted, by when, and by what means.
Vague plans lead to vague results.
Many of us struggle to reach the success we’re hoping for because we’re not even sure what that looks like. So choose something. Get clear. Put pen to paper, and craft your definite chief aim. Here’s your breakdown:
How to craft your definite chief aim
Part 1: State when you expect to attain your goal.
Example: By January 1st, 2025.
Part 2: State what you want.
Example: I will have in my possession $20 million dollars.
Part 3: State how it’s going to happen.
Example: In return for this money, I will give the most efficient service of which I am capable in the role of a calligrapher.
You can find the official “script” for writing your definite chief aim in Chapter 4 of Think and Grow Rich, called Auto-Suggestion. And since this book is in the public domain, two awesome things can happen.
How to access Think and Grow Rich
You can download the book for free as I did on my Kindle. It also means that I can share the definite chief aim script with you right here:
By the first day of _________ (date of your choosing), I will have in my possession _________ (monetary amount or measurable result), which will come to me in various amounts from time to time during the interim.
In return for this money (or result), I will give the most efficient service of which I am capable, rendering the fullest possible quantity, and the best possible quality of service in the capacity of salesman of __________ (describe the product or service you intend to sell).
I believe that I will have this money in my possession. My faith is so strong that I can now see this money before my eyes. I can touch it with my hands. It is now awaiting transfer to me at the time, and in the proportion that I deliver the service, I intend to render in return for it. I am awaiting a plan by which to accumulate this money, and I will follow that plan when it is received.
How to put your definite chief aim into action
Here’s where it gets next level. It’s not just enough to write your definite chief aim. You need to convince yourself and inspire the action needed to execute your desire.
This means reading your definite chief aim aloud, not once but twice a day, until you have achieved it. It’s weird. Especially when we have company in town, and I’m in my office, whispering my statement to myself.
But I’m committed because I am that passionate about achieving my goal. And I hope that you feel the same about your definite chief aim.
Bonus tip
To further enhance your knowledge of this topic, I highly recommend tuning into the SeanWes podcast, where they go deep into these concepts, chapter by chapter. I’m not always this nerdy, but with this go-through, I’m not only reading Think and Grow Rich but taking notes and listening to this podcast about the book. The book nerd trifecta.
Now that you’ve clarified your goals, it’s time to refine your brand. Click here to download a free Brand Blueprint that you can use to hone your messaging, elevate your position in the marketplace, and upgrade your visuals.
