Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude
Preface & Introduction
This book is not a miracle, but it contains principles that can truly change your life. Og Mandino, a famous speaker, shared that this book helped him overcome the darkest period of his life and achieve great success. W. Clement Stone emphasized that the ideas in this book stem from Napoleon Hill’s historic interview with Andrew Carnegie, the great steel magnate.
Part I: The Starting Point of the Road to Success
Chapter 1: Meet the Most Important Person
This chapter introduces the “invisible talisman” with two sides: PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) and NMA (Negative Mental Attitude). The story of S.B. Fuller, a Black man who rose above poverty through positive thinking, is a prime example.
Key points:
The most important person is you: Success or failure depends on how you use the invisible talisman.
Success comes from desire: Focus on what you want and eliminate negative thoughts.
Every adversity contains opportunity: The story of disabled athlete Tom Dempsey illustrates this.
Attitude shapes the future: Master your mindset to attract good things.
Chapter 2: You Can Change the World!
Positive attitude is a catalyst for success. The chapter introduces 17 success principles and the story of Robert Christopher, who traveled the world with only $80 thanks to creative thinking and determination.
Key points:
Positive attitude is the key: Combine it with 16 other success principles.
The world changes when you change: Start with yourself and make a difference.
Build a successful image: Learn from successful people and create a positive self-image.
Clear purpose is the starting point: Define your goals and pursue them with positivity.
Chapter 3: Remove the “Cobwebs” from Your Thinking
Mental cobwebs like negative emotions, bad habits, and false beliefs can block success. This chapter guides you to think accurately, balance emotions and reason, and eliminate harmful thoughts.
Key points:
Control your attitude: Remove mental cobwebs proactively.
Balance emotion and reason: Don’t rely solely on logic.
Be objective with yourself: Don’t just see flaws in others.
Words have power: Be mindful of what and how you speak.
Don’t let pressure lead to poor choices: Ethical standards are the foundation of success.
Chapter 4: Are You Ready to Discover Your Mental Power?
You possess hidden powers yet to be unlocked. This chapter helps you tap into your subconscious, self-motivate, and use the brain—the most powerful machine.
Key points:
Your body is a perfect machine: Maximize your brain and nervous system.
The subconscious has great power: Learn how to harness it.
Autosuggestion is the key: Repetition of positive affirmations reshapes thinking.
Story of Bill McCall: From failure to millionaire through self-suggestion.
Act when under pressure: Story of Ralph Weppner as a testament.
Chapter 5: … And Then Some!
To succeed, you need something more: creativity, vision, and the ability to turn the impossible into possible. This chapter introduces additional principles and tells the story of Robert Christopher again.
Key points:
Key difference lies in going beyond: Seek out the unexplored.
The world will change—embrace it: Choose your direction and goals.
Inner strength overcomes adversity: Believe in yourself and seize the moment.
Success formula: Whatever you can imagine and believe in, you can achieve with a positive attitude.
William Danforth’s story: Strong will can transform lives.
Part II: Five Mental Bombs to Break Barriers
Chapter 6: Got Problems? Good!
Every difficulty is a sign of growth and advancement. This chapter shares how to face challenges positively, learn from failures, and turn obstacles into success.
Key points:
Every victory is a step: View problems as opportunities.
Direct thoughts and control emotions: Choose positive attitudes.
Problem-solving formula: Think, analyze, question, and find solutions.
Charlie Ward’s story: Overcoming hardship to become helpful.
Chapter 7: Learn to See
You must learn to “see” the opportunities around you. This chapter explores the power of awareness, building success models, and the importance of clear purpose.
Key points:
Mental vision is more important than physical vision.
Build success models: Learn from those you admire.
Clear goals are the compass: Use positivity to achieve them.
Edward Bok’s story: Seizing every opportunity.
Chapter 8: The Secret to Achieving Goals
The real secret is action. This chapter introduces the mantra: DO IT NOW!, helping you overcome procrastination and achieve your goals.
Key points:
Action is the key: Start immediately.
“Do it now!”: Make this a habit and natural reflex.
Don’t let one careless moment ruin everything.
Story of William Danforth: One inspiring phrase can change a life.
Chapter 9: Motivate Yourself
Motivation is essential for action. This chapter explores ten core drivers of human behavior and the magical formula: hope.
Key points:
Understand your motivations: Know what drives you.
Hope is the magic formula: Believe in the possibility.
What you think, you become: Always think positively.
Bill McCall’s story: Self-motivation turned failure into success.
Chapter 10: Motivate Others
To succeed, inspire those around you. This chapter covers effective ways to influence others through example and inspirational books.
Key points:
Plant belief: Help others believe in themselves.
Lead by example: Positive actions inspire.
Share knowledge: Gift great books to those you care about.
Positive attitude is contagious: Live positively and create a positive environment.
Part III: The Key to the Fortress of Wealth
Chapter 11: Is There a Shortcut to Wealth?
Yes, and it’s through positive thinking. Apply the 17 success principles and you’ll find the fastest path to wealth.
Key points:
Positive thinking is the shortcut: Shift your mindset to find opportunity.
Clear goals are your lighthouse: Focus all efforts.
Always strive for more: Keep improving.
Manage time and money wisely: Use all resources effectively.
Chapter 12: Don’t Repel Wealth—Attract It
To succeed, attract wealth instead of pushing it away. This chapter explores secrets like using OPM (Other People’s Money) and developing a positive attitude.
Key points:
OPM is a key: Use borrowed capital wisely.
Integrity is the foundation: Build trust and reputation.
Accept help: Seek advice from experts.
Learn from the wealthy: Study how they built success.
Positive mindset attracts wealth.
Chapter 13: No Money? Use OPM!
OPM is a powerful tool to realize dreams. This chapter explains how to use borrowed capital smartly, build good relationships with bankers, and manage risks.
Key points:
Credit is leverage: Use others’ money to build your venture.
Banks are allies: They can help realize your dream.
Prepare a solid business plan: Convince investors with feasibility.
Keep learning and persevering.
Chapter 14: Find Joy in Your Work
Satisfaction at work is vital to a fulfilling life. This chapter explores how to enjoy your job, control your mental attitude, and turn dissatisfaction into motivation.
Key points:
Positive attitude makes a difference.
Keep learning: Sharpen your skills to excel.
Help others: Make others happy, and you will be too.
Jerry Asam’s story: Motivating employees with enthusiasm.
Chapter 15: Positive Obsession
Develop a “positive obsession”—a burning desire to help others and make the world better. This chapter shares touching stories and lessons about compassion.
Key points:
Giving is eternal: Share what you have.
Love conquers all: Show care and love.
Happiness comes from giving.
Stories of Andrew Carnegie & Michael Benedum: Living a legacy of contribution.
Part IV: Ready for Success!
Chapter 16: Boost Your Vital Energy
Success requires abundant energy. This chapter shows how to boost physical and mental energy and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Key points:
Mental strength is more important than physical.
Train both mind and body.
Recharge when needed: Rest and sleep.
Roger Bannister’s story: Breaking records through total preparation.
Chapter 17: Be Healthier and Live Longer
Positive attitude plays a role in health and longevity. This chapter teaches how to live healthily and avoid bad habits.
Key points:
Optimism is good medicine.
Live moderately, avoid harmful habits.
Act early when something feels wrong.
John D. Rockefeller’s story: Health is wealth.
Chapter 18: Can You Attract Happiness?
Yes—you can attract happiness by changing your attitude and living meaningfully. This chapter covers building good relationships and practicing gratitude.
Key points:
Happiness comes from within.
Helping others brings joy.
Appreciate what you have.
Helen Keller’s story: Overcoming adversity with joy.
Chapter 19: Let Go of Guilt
Guilt is a positive emotion that urges you to improve. This chapter helps you face guilt, learn from it, and live a better life.
Key points:
Guilt is your conscience speaking.
Don’t let guilt control you—transform it.
Make amends and live virtuously.
Jim Vaus’s story: Redemption through change.
Part V: Time to Take Action!
Chapter 20: Measure Your Own Success Index
It’s time to assess yourself. The Success Quotient Analysis helps identify strengths and weaknesses and motivates improvement.
Key points:
Check your success score with the test.
Scores aren’t everything: Use them for guidance.
Keep learning: Books, courses, and experiences.
Take action now!
Chapter 21: Awaken the Sleeping Giant in You
You have extraordinary potential. This chapter inspires you to awaken that giant and use your subconscious to make dreams real.
Key points:
You are the most important person.
Tap into your inner giant.
Positive attitude is magic.
Act and never give up.
Chapter 22: The Magical Power of Books
Books are an endless source of inspiration and change. This chapter lists must-read books to help you grow and succeed.
Key points:
Books are great teachers: Choose wisely.
Read actively: Reflect and apply.
Share great books: Inspire others.
The journey has just begun: Keep growing.