“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
~ John Wayne
What a perfect sunrise, and time to use my favorite of all quotes, to conclude our first reading of Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich. Let’s “Shine the Spotlight on Fear”.
I will start by saying that reading this chapter for yourself is a must. In order to move forward, you are going to have to take an exceptionally honest inventory of yourself.
In his final chapter on fear, Hill gives an absolutely brilliant snapshot of the 6 most basic fears:
The fear of poverty.
The fear of criticism.
The fear of ill health.
The fear of loss of love of someone.
The fear of old age.
The fear of death.
By way of introducing each of these fears, Napoleon Hill postulates how the fear originated in humans. Most of these fears are as old as Adam and Eve. A very sobering list, and descriptive symptoms are also provided for each of these fears.
I cannot do this work for you. I do not know your deeply rooted fears. Maybe even you don’t. Only through reading, and re-reading this chapter will you begin to uncover that which is stopping you.
There is also a 7th, and insidious state of mind. It is worry. Worry is a state of mind based upon fear. Worry is a form of sustained fear caused by indecision.
Indecision is the seedling of fear. Indecision crystallizes into doubt; the two blend and become fear. Through indecision, the six basic fears become translated into a state of worry.
Kill off the habit of worry, in all its forms by reaching a blanket general decision that nothing life has to offer is worth the price of worry. If only I could impress this statement upon my mother 😉
With this decision will come poise, peace of mind, and calmness of thought, which will bring happiness.
Relieve yourself forever of the fear of death by reaching a decision to accept death as an inescapable event.
Eliminate the fear of old age by reaching a decision to accept it not as a handicap, but as a great blessing that carries with it wisdom, self-control, and understanding.
Master the fear of loss of love by reaching a decision to get along without love, if that is necessary.
Defeat the fear of criticism by reaching a decision not to worry about what other people think, do or say. If you care about what other people think, you will always be their prisoner.
Overcome the fear of ill health by the decision to forget symptoms. Most are untrue, and planted there by needless worry and negative thought.
And whip the fear of poverty by reaching a decision to be grateful and get along with whatever wealth you can accumulate without worry.
And above all, keep a positive mental attitude. Close off your mind to negative influences, and anyone why tends to encourage this type of thinking. This can be a real challenge, as these people often reside within our own circle of friends and family.
My yoga teacher has an energy routine that helps block off other’s negative energy, and zips in my own positive state of being. I use this routine right as I get out of the shower, anytime I leave the house. I emotionally disengage from conversations regarding ill health, death, old age, and “constructive” criticism. Do you ever wonder why children run from the room of some aging grandparents?? It outright has a negative vibe! Vow right now never to be one of those types of people.
“Mind control is the result of self-discipline and habit. You either control your mind, or it controls you.”
“Your mind is your spiritual estate. Protect and use it with the care to which divine royalty is entitled. You were given your willpower for this purpose!”
Vow today to let go of your pet alibis. It is you who created them. It is the figment of your imagination. It is human nature to defend your brainchild. Vow today to replace your excuses with empowering action.
“Life is a checkerboard, and the player opposite you is time. If you hesitate before moving, or neglecting to move promptly, your men will be wiped off the board by Time. You are playing against a very skilled partner who will not tolerate indecision!”
Through this book, we have been given a Master Key to success. A key which has the capacity to unlock the door to all of life’s riches.
This key stands as my personal logo. Conquer your self, and your fears, and demand that life pay you for your effort.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for reaching this conclusion with me.
For to quote Napoleon Hill’s final sentence:
“If we are related,” said the immortal Emerson, “we shall meet.” Says Hill: “If we are related, we have met, through these pages”.
I see the shining light that is in you, that is in me. Namaste.
And with that, Spencer, my dear friend and mastermind partner, I bid you safe travels, and all the time in the world on those slopes to contemplate thinking and growing rich. Take the key and open the door. Your time is now.
