The Magic of Thinking Big (1959) by David J Schwartz, PhD, is a self-help book on using the power of belief to achieve great things. Starting with the premise that people become what they believe they can be, the book suggests that one pursue their biggest dreams with the viewpoint that they will achieve them. The text offers pointers on overcoming fear, obtaining value from setbacks, getting along better with others, taking the initiative at work and at home, and becoming a popular and effective leader.

Schwartz was a professor of marketing at Georgia State University and a success coach and trainer. The Magic of Thinking Big has sold six million copies and has remained in print since its first publication.

This guide references the 2014 Prentice Hall Press e-book edition.

Summary

People who believe they’re successful become successful; people who have a negative view of themselves tend to fail. The secret to a life of achievement is the belief that one can and will achieve.

Many people who don’t get what they want make excuses. This “excusitis” takes four main forms: poor health, unfinished education, age, and bad luck. David Schwartz, who has diabetes, cites many examples of people with disabilities who are very successful. The smartest and best-educated people aren’t always successful, and often people of average abilities out-compete them because they have an attitude of success. Old age doesn’t stop those who see themselves as much younger, and many young people already are ready and able to lead.

Fear causes many to shrink from opportunities, and brooding about risks can stop people in their tracks. Acting decisively in the face of trouble makes fear dwindle. Acting confident—smiling, walking briskly, and speaking up—helps the mind become confident.

People often plan to do just enough. Instead, it’s more powerful to think big. A worker who focuses, not just on her job, but on helping the company grow is looking at the big picture and likely will rise higher. Sales reps should focus, not on the sale at hand, but on repeat sales. A good realtor doesn’t sell a house as mere shelter but as a lifestyle. Successful people don’t focus on trivial matters such as minor insults or inconveniences; instead, they look ahead to the big outcomes they’re working on.

Winners also ask themselves continuously how they can make things better. This results in rapid improvements in their situation. A good way to get creative problem-solving ideas is to ask others for information or advice and listen carefully to the answers.

Smart dressing is uplifting; slovenly clothes lower our own and other people’s judgment of us. Our attitudes affect those around us: Both positive and negative attitudes are infectious. A good way to start the day off is to give ourselves a pep talk, an inspiring speech about who we can and will be on that day and into the future.

Negative people pull others down and discourage them from dreaming big. It’s better to associate with those who share the desire for achievement. Instead of indulging in destructive gossip, seek out successful people and benefit from their advice.

Getting others to be enthusiastic starts when you express enthusiasm with your words and behavior. Enthusiasm builds when you dig deeply into a topic or project and learn all about it. Express good news when possible, and don’t bring up bad news. Treat people as if they’re important, and they’ll return the favor. Focus on service, and the money follows.

Success only happens with the help of other people. To win them over, be likeable, seek out friendships everywhere, accept others as they are, find likable traits in them, let the other person do most of the talking, and don’t blame others for your setbacks but learn how to improve your skills and do better next time.

People who act now get the job done; those who hesitate never get around to it. Doers don’t wait for perfect conditions but act immediately and deal with any problems that arise. They crusade, volunteer, and become leaders that people look up to.

Every setback has lessons to teach. If we study our mistakes and correct them, we move toward greater success. Every misfortune contains an advantage—a layoff that leads to a better job, for example—that should be looked for and used.

Nothing gets achieved without a goal. People without goals tend to wander uselessly; retirees without goals tend to die off quickly. The people who reach their ambitions choose goals that fill them with desire. They focus on what they want, not what others think they should want. Big projects get completed one step at a time, and achievers often make lists of actions that will move them toward their goals, checking each one off as they go. They also take classes and read books and journals to improve their knowledge base.

Sometimes a goal-oriented person needs to be a leader. The best way to lead is to be personable, humane, and thoughtful; inspire the group to continuous improvement; and each day take some alone time to think.

The secret to achievement, no matter the obstacle, is to think big.