The Magic of Thinking Big

The Magic of Thinking Big Plot Summary

Introduction

Success isn't merely a destination—it's a journey that begins with how you think. Have you ever wondered why some people seem to achieve everything they set their minds to, while others struggle despite having similar or even superior talents? The difference often lies not in capability, but in mindset. When you shift your thinking patterns, you unlock doors that once seemed permanently closed. The path to extraordinary achievement is paved with specific mental attitudes and deliberate actions. Throughout these pages, you'll discover proven strategies that have transformed ordinary individuals into exceptional performers across all walks of life. These aren't theoretical concepts—they're practical tools that work when applied consistently. The wonderful thing about success principles is that they're accessible to everyone willing to embrace them. No special background, education, or connections required—just the willingness to think differently and take consistent action toward your goals.

Chapter 1: Build Unwavering Self-Confidence

Self-confidence is the foundation upon which all success is built. It's not an inherited trait but a skill you develop through consistent practice and the right mental approach. When you believe in yourself, you release creative powers that attract opportunities and solutions to whatever challenges you face. David, a young accountant for a paint manufacturer, demonstrated this perfectly. Despite having no prior real estate experience, David found himself inspired after attending a luncheon where a real estate expert spoke about the future growth of their metropolitan area. The speaker predicted that within twenty years, the city would expand far into surrounding farmland, creating demand for what he called "gentlemen-size farms" of two to five acres where businesspeople could have pools, horses, and gardens. This talk stimulated David's thinking. Over the following days, he asked several friends what they thought about someday owning a five-acre estate. Everyone responded enthusiastically. David continued contemplating the idea, looking for ways to turn it into profit. Then one day while driving to work, the answer appeared: Why not buy a farm and divide it into estates? The land might be worth more in relatively small pieces than as one large property. Twenty-two miles from the city center, David found a worn-out fifty-acre farm priced at $8,500. He purchased it with one-third down payment and arranged a mortgage for the balance. He planted pine seedlings in barren areas based on advice that "people want trees these days, lots of trees!" Next, he hired a surveyor to divide the fifty acres into ten five-acre plots. Using mailing lists of young executives, he launched a small direct-mail campaign emphasizing how for only $3,000—the price of a small city lot—they could buy an estate with tremendous recreational potential. Within six weeks, working only evenings and weekends, David sold all ten plots. Total income: $30,000. Total costs: $10,400. Profit: $19,600. David succeeded because he let himself be exposed to new ideas and had the confidence to act on them. To develop unwavering self-confidence in your own life, start by thinking success instead of failure. When facing challenges, train yourself to think "I can win" rather than "I'll probably lose." Before competitions, remind yourself "I'm equal to the best" instead of "I'm outclassed." When opportunities arise, your first thought should be "I can do it," never "I can't." Remember that you are better than you think you are. Successful people aren't superhumans—they're ordinary folks who've developed belief in themselves and what they do. Never sell yourself short. Instead, regularly remind yourself of your capabilities and past achievements, no matter how small they might seem. Finally, believe big. The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief. Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success. Big ideas and big plans are often easier—certainly no more difficult—than small ideas and small plans.

Chapter 2: Set Bold Goals That Inspire Action

Goals provide direction, purpose, and the fuel needed to achieve meaningful success. Without clear objectives, people just wander through life, stumbling along without knowing where they're going. As Dave Mahoney, who rose from a mail room position to become president of the Good Humor Company by age thirty-three, said: "The important thing is not where you were or where you are but where you want to get." Progressive corporations plan company goals ten to fifteen years ahead. They build plant capacity not for today's needs but for anticipated requirements five to ten years in the future. Research is undertaken to develop products that won't appear for a decade or longer. Modern businesses don't leave their future to chance—and neither should you. Consider the case of a young man, F.B., who came seeking career advice. He was well-mannered and intelligent, had finished college four years earlier, but was dissatisfied with his current job. When asked what kind of position he was looking for, F.B. replied, "That's what I came to see you about. I don't know what I want to do." This is a common problem, but simply arranging interviews with potential employers wouldn't help him. Before starting out, F.B. needed to know where he wanted to go. When asked to describe his image of himself ten years from now, F.B. answered vaguely, "Well, I guess I want what just about everyone else wants: a good job that pays well and a nice home. Really, though, I haven't given it too much thought." This approach to selecting a career was like going to an airline counter and saying "Give me a ticket" without specifying a destination. F.B. learned the most important lesson in career planning: before you start out, know where you want to go. Like a progressive corporation, plan ahead. Your talent, skills, and abilities are your "products." You want to develop them so they command the highest possible price. To set bold, inspiring goals, first visualize your future in three departments: work, home, and social. This keeps you from becoming confused and helps you look at the whole picture. Ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish with my life? What do I want to be? What does it take to satisfy me? Create a ten-year plan in writing. Your life is too important to be left to chance. Put down on paper what you want to accomplish in your work, home, and social departments. Don't be afraid to think big—people today are measured by the size of their dreams. No one accomplishes more than they set out to accomplish. Allow yourself to surrender to your desires. People who get things done in this world don't wait for the spirit to move them; they move the spirit. Energy increases when you set a desired goal and resolve to work toward it. Many people discover new energy simply by selecting a goal and giving all they've got to accomplish it. Goals cure boredom and even chronic ailments because they give you something meaningful to live for. Remember, too, that progress is made one step at a time. Every big accomplishment is a series of little accomplishments. Use the principle of the "next mile"—focus on completing the immediate task rather than becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of your ultimate goal.

Chapter 3: Overcome Obstacles With Resilience

Resilience—the ability to turn defeat into victory—separates those who achieve lasting success from those who surrender to mediocrity. When we move from skid row to the dominion of average people and then up to the uncrowded world of success, we discover one critical difference: their response to defeat. When knocked down, the failure stays down. The mediocre person gets to their knees but crawls away. But the successful person reacts differently—they bounce up, learn a lesson, forget the beating, and move upward. Success requires the ability to handle opposition, discouragement, setbacks, and personal misfortune. A management consultant who now runs a prosperous business faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles during his first seven years. He lost ten years' savings in his first six months of business, lived in his office for months because he couldn't afford an apartment, and turned down numerous "good" jobs because he wanted to make his dream work. Prospects said no a hundred times more often than they said yes. Yet during those incredibly difficult years, he never complained. When asked if the experience was taking a toll on him, he replied, "No, it's not taking something out of me; it's putting something into me instead." He viewed each setback as a learning opportunity that made him stronger and more capable. Like the Civil Aviation Administration after an airplane crash, successful people salvage something from every setback. When the CAA investigates an accident, they piece together fragments of metal, interview witnesses, and determine the cause. Then they take immediate steps to prevent similar accidents from happening again. Hundreds of safety devices on modern aircraft have resulted from these investigations. A sales executive applies this principle by devoting an entire sales meeting each month to helping his team discover why they lost important sales. The lost sale is reconstructed and carefully examined so salespeople learn how to avoid similar losses in the future. Football coaches who win more games than they lose review details of each game with their team to point out mistakes—often using game films so players can literally see their bad moves. When a setback hits you personally, don't become so emotionally upset that you fail to learn the lesson. Instead, ask yourself: "What caused this setback? What can I learn from it? How can I grow from this experience?" Avoid the trap of blaming luck for your setbacks. People who go through life explaining their mediocrity with "hard luck," "tough luck," or "bad luck" remain like children—immature and searching for sympathy. Instead, research those setbacks. If you lose, learn, and then prepare to win next time. Remember that persistence alone isn't enough—you must blend persistence with experimentation. Edison conducted thousands of experiments before inventing the electric lightbulb. He persisted in his goal but made that persistence pay off by trying different approaches. Oil companies don't dig one hole to ridiculous depths when prospecting—they try new wells when good judgment says the first won't produce. When facing obstacles, tell yourself, "There IS a way." This belief releases creative powers to help you find solutions. Whenever you tell yourself, "I'm beaten," negative thoughts rush in to convince you that you're right. But when you believe "There is a way to solve this problem," positive thoughts come to your aid.

Chapter 4: Develop a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset—the belief that you can develop your abilities through dedication and hard work—creates a love of learning and resilience essential for great accomplishment. It's about seeing everything as an opportunity to improve rather than settling for what is. The president of a brush-manufacturing company had a maxim neatly framed on his desk facing visitors: "Give me a Good Word or none at all." It was an effective reminder to be optimistic. But from his side of the desk, the frame read: "Give them a Good Word or none at all." This dual reminder reflected his understanding that positive thinking must flow in both directions. A young branch sales manager for a door-to-door sales organization explained how he trained his sales force to start each day with a growth mindset. "There's tremendous resistance to door-to-door salesmen," he commented. "It's hard, even for veteran salesmen, to make that first call in the morning. They know the odds are good they'll get rough treatment before the day is over." He trained each new salesman with a simple approach: "The only way to start is to start. Don't deliberate. Don't postpone. Just park your car. Get your sample case. Walk to the door. Ring the bell. Smile. Say 'Good morning,' and make your presentation—all mechanically, without a lot of conscious thought." By starting this way, salespeople broke the ice. By the second or third call, their minds were sharp and presentations became effective. The manager understood a key principle: people who get things done don't wait for the spirit to move them; they move the spirit. Rather than allowing negative thoughts about rejection to paralyze them, his salespeople learned to take action first and let confidence follow. This approach works for any challenging task. Instead of thinking about how unpleasant something might be, jump right in and get going without deliberation. Whether washing dishes, completing paperwork, or making difficult phone calls, the mechanical way accomplishes tasks efficiently without wasting energy on dread. For more complex mental work, use a pencil and paper to focus your thinking. A simple pencil is the greatest concentration tool money can buy. When you write a thought on paper, your full attention automatically focuses on that thought because your mind isn't designed to think one thought and write another simultaneously. Writing on paper also means you're "writing" on your mind, helping you remember ideas longer and more exactly. Another essential element of the growth mindset is the "now" principle. Tomorrow, next week, later, sometime, someday are often synonyms for the failure word "never." Many people have intentions to save money, write a book, start exercising, or pursue education, but only relatively few act on these intentions. A young couple who wanted to save money had promised themselves for years they would start "when we get a raise," "when we've caught up with our installments," or "next month." Finally, the wife took decisive action: "We've been telling ourselves for years we're going to start a savings program. We don't save because we think we can't. Now let's start thinking we can." They agreed to save 10% off the top of their income. Though finances were tight for a few months, they soon adjusted to their new budget and discovered saving could be as satisfying as spending. To develop your growth mindset, practice these principles daily: Think "I can do better" with everything you touch. There's always room for improvement—nothing in this world is being done as well as it could be. Take action immediately rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Remember that ideas have value only when acted upon. Use action to cure fear and gain confidence—do what you fear, and fear disappears. Finally, think in terms of now, not someday.

Chapter 5: Create Habits That Drive Success

Success is built on habits—those consistent, often unconscious patterns of behavior that either propel us forward or hold us back. The right habits create a foundation for achievement that makes success almost inevitable. One particularly powerful habit is thinking creatively. Contrary to popular belief, creative thinking isn't reserved for artists or scientists—it's available to everyone willing to look for new, improved ways to do anything. The rewards of all types of success hinge on finding ways to do things better. A secretary demonstrated this perfectly when assigned to handle collection correspondence for a clothing store. "When I was brought into this store as assistant credit manager," he explained, "I was assigned the job of handling all collection correspondence. The collection letters the store had been using greatly disappointed me. They were strong, insulting, and threatening." Rather than continuing with the ineffective approach, he thought creatively: "I read them and thought, 'Brother, I'd be mad as hell if somebody sent me letters like these. I never would pay.' So I just got to work and started writing the kind of letter that would move me to pay an overdue bill if I received it." The result? "It worked. By putting myself in the shoes of the overdue customer, collections climbed to a record high." By thinking differently about a routine task, he transformed results dramatically. Another essential success habit is activating yourself before waiting for motivation. A young office worker who managed to complete challenging university courses while working full-time explained his approach: "I use a 'mind force' technique. I've got deadlines to meet, and I can't wait for my spirit to move me. I've got to move my spirit." His method was brilliantly simple: "I make myself sit down at my desk. Then I pick up a pencil and go through mechanical motions of writing. I put down anything. I doodle. I get my fingers and arm in motion, and sooner or later, without my being conscious of it, my mind gets on the right track." He understood that action must precede action—nothing starts itself. The habit of putting service first also drives success. Many people have a backward approach to making money—they focus on getting instead of giving. But the seed of money is service. Put service first, and money takes care of itself. A service station attendant demonstrated this perfectly. After filling a customer's car with gasoline, checking under the hood, and cleaning the outside of the windshield, he went one step further: "Pardon me, sir. It's been a dusty day. Let me clean the inside of your windshield." This simple act of extra service made such an impression that the customer returned repeatedly over the next three months, purchasing approximately 100 gallons of gasoline. The attendant could have thought, "This guy is from out of state. Odds are twenty to one that he'll never be back. Why do more than give him the routine treatment?" Instead, by putting service first, he planted a money seed that yielded substantial returns. To cultivate habits that drive success, start by giving people more than they expect to get. Each little extra effort you make is a money seed. Volunteering to work late, giving customers exceptional service, advancing new efficiency ideas—all these plant seeds that grow into success. Next, practice enthusiasm in everything you do. Enthusiasm is contagious and multiplies your effectiveness. Dig deeper into subjects that don't initially interest you—the more you learn, the more enthusiastic you become. Put life into your voice, your smile, your handshake, even your "thank you." Finally, make a habit of broadcasting good news. Transmit positive energy to your family, colleagues, and customers. When you spread optimism and encouragement, you not only lift others but activate yourself in the process.

Chapter 6: Network Strategically for Opportunities

Networking—building meaningful connections with others—is perhaps the most overlooked secret of extraordinary success. It's not just who you know, but how you interact with them that creates opportunities beyond anything you could achieve alone. The foundation of effective networking is thinking right toward people. As one executive explained, "Success depends on the support of other people. The only hurdle between you and what you want to be is the support of others." To gain this crucial support, you must master the art of making others feel important. A department store executive demonstrated this principle perfectly. He understood that each human being wants to feel important, and he incorporated this understanding into every customer interaction. "Customers," he said, "should be treated like they are guests in my home." This simple approach transformed casual shoppers into loyal patrons who returned again and again. The same principle applies to all relationships. When you show appreciation for others—whether employees, colleagues, family members, or casual acquaintances—you win their loyalty and support. As one successful business owner put it, "I've been betting on people all my life. And the better I treat them, the more good things happen to me." Strategic networking also requires taking the initiative in building friendships. Too often, people wait for others to approach them first. They tell themselves, "Let him make the first move" or "Let them call us." This passive approach severely limits your network. Instead, be the one who reaches out, introduces yourself, and shows genuine interest in others. At parties, meetings, on airplanes, or at work, introduce yourself at every opportunity. Ensure you pronounce the other person's name correctly and that they get your name straight. Write down their name and contact information if possible. Follow up with a personal note or phone call to new friends you want to know better. These simple actions distinguish you as someone who values relationships. Another powerful networking strategy is practicing conversation generosity. For the next two days, listen to various conversations and note two things: which person does the most talking and which person is more successful. Almost without exception, the more successful person practices conversation generosity—encouraging others to talk about themselves, their views, accomplishments, families, and challenges. This approach wins friends and provides valuable insights. As we said earlier, people are what we study in our success laboratory. The more we learn about them, their thought processes, and their motivations, the better equipped we are to influence them effectively. A large New York advertising agency understands this principle so well that they require copywriters to spend one week each year behind store counters listening to what customers say about the products they promote. This firsthand exposure provides invaluable insights for creating more effective advertisements. Finally, remember to approach networking with authenticity. Don't try to buy friendship with gifts—it's not for sale. Genuine interest and sincere appreciation create lasting connections that open doors to opportunities throughout your life. To network strategically, make others feel genuinely important. Take the initiative in building relationships rather than waiting for others to approach you. Practice conversation generosity by becoming an excellent listener. And always follow through with the people you meet—this single habit distinguishes you from 95% of the population.

Chapter 7: Take Massive Action Every Day

Action is the fundamental difference between those who merely dream of success and those who achieve it. Ideas are worthless until implemented. Opportunities mean nothing until seized. Goals remain fantasies until pursued with consistent, determined effort. John Wanamaker, the great self-made merchant, often said, "Nothing comes merely by thinking about it." Everything we have in our world, from satellites to skyscrapers to smartphones, began as just an idea that someone acted upon. As you study people—both successful and average—you'll notice they fall into two categories. The successful are activationists. They take action, get things done, and follow through on ideas and plans. The mediocre are passivationists. They postpone doing things until they've proven they shouldn't or can't do them, or until it's too late. The difference shows in countless ways. Mr. Activationist plans a vacation and takes it. Mr. Passivationist plans a vacation but postpones it until "next" year. Mr. A decides to attend church regularly and does. Mr. P thinks it's a good idea too but finds excuses to postpone establishing this habit. Mr. A wants to start a business and does. Mr. P also wants to start a business but discovers "good" reasons not to. This pattern extends to all aspects of life. Mr. A gets things done and gains confidence, inner security, self-reliance, and greater income. Mr. P intends to act but doesn't, losing confidence and settling for mediocrity. A young fellow's experience perfectly illustrates how decisive action creates success. J.M. and his wife lived in a small apartment but wanted a new home. They faced the common hurdle of lacking money for a down payment. One day, while writing his monthly rent check, J.M. became disgusted with himself. He realized the rent payment was as much as monthly payments on a new home. J.M. called his wife and declared, "How would you like to buy a new home next week?" Though she reminded him they lacked funds for a down payment, J.M. was determined: "There are hundreds of thousands of couples like us who are going to buy a new home 'someday,' but only about half ever do. Something always comes up to stop them. We're going to buy a home. I don't know yet how we'll raise the down payment, but we will." The next week they found a house they liked for $1,200 down. J.M. approached the builder with an unusual proposition: a private loan arrangement for the down payment, to be repaid at $100 monthly. After initial hesitation, the builder agreed. To meet this commitment, J.M. and his wife cut expenditures by $25 monthly, but that still left $75 to find. Undeterred, J.M. approached his employer with a bold request—not for a raise, but for an opportunity to earn more by working weekends. Impressed by J.M.'s initiative and ambition, his boss arranged for him to work ten extra hours each weekend. J.M.'s resolution to take action ignited his mind to find solutions. He gained tremendous confidence from successfully tackling this challenge. Had he waited for "perfect" conditions, his family might never have owned their own home. To develop your action habit, first decide to be an activationist. Be a doer, not a don't-er. Next, don't wait for perfect conditions—they never come. Accept that future obstacles will arise and resolve to solve them when they do. Remember that ideas alone won't bring success; only ideas acted upon have value. Use action to cure fear and gain confidence. When you feel afraid of something, the best remedy is to do it immediately. Fear disappears when faced directly. Start your mental engine mechanically—don't wait to feel motivated. Begin the task without deliberation, and momentum will carry you forward. Most importantly, think in terms of now. Tomorrow, next week, later, and someday are often synonyms for never. Be an "I'm starting right now" person. Get down to business promptly without wasting time getting ready to act. Seize the initiative, be a crusader, volunteer, and show that you have both the ability and ambition to succeed.

Summary

The journey to extraordinary success begins and ends with your thinking. Throughout these chapters, we've explored how shifting your mental approach transforms results in every area of life. When you believe in yourself, set inspiring goals, build resilience, develop growth habits, and take decisive action, you unleash potential you never knew existed. Remember David Schwartz's powerful truth: "The size of your success is determined by the size of your thinking." Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success. Your mind is the control center that determines whether you'll live a mediocre existence or an exceptional life—and the wonderful news is that you alone control its programming. Your assignment starting today is beautifully simple: think bigger in everything you do. See yourself succeeding, not failing. Focus on opportunities, not obstacles. Treat people as important, and they'll help you achieve important things. Take immediate action on your best ideas instead of waiting for perfect conditions. Most importantly, remember that success isn't a destination but a continuous journey of growth—one that begins with how you choose to think right now.

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David J. Schwartz

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