“Autosuggestion is a term which applies to all suggestions and all self-administered stimuli which reach one’s mind through the five senses. Stated in another way, autosuggestion is self-suggestion. It is the agency of communication between that part of the mind where conscious thought takes place, and that which serves as the seat of action for the subconscious mind.”

“Through the dominating thoughts which one permits to remain in the conscious mind, the principle of autosuggestion voluntarily reaches the subconscious mind and influences it with these thoughts. Nature has so built man that he has absolute control over the material which reaches his subconscious mind.”

Chapter 2 - Desire, described the importance of a written statement, and the need to see and feel yourself already in possession of the money. The more senses through which you entice the mind the more acutely it is aroused. Hence, reading aloud the statement is not enough, “the mere reading of the words is of no consequence – unless you mix emotion, or feeling with your words. Your subconscious mind recognizes and acts only upon thoughts which have been well-mixed with emotion or feeling,” and repeated fervently. “The price of ability to influence your subconscious mind is everlasting persistence.” “You cannot develop the desired ability for a lower price.” “You, and you alone, must decide whether or not the reward for which you are striving, is worth the price you must pay for it in effort.”

“Your ability to use the principle of autosuggestion will depend, very largely, upon your capacity to concentrate upon a given desire until that desire becomes a burning obsession.” As you fix your mind on the amount of money you desire, hold your thoughts on that amount until you can actually see the physical appearance of the money. Developing your concentration is doing for your conscious what weight lifting does for the body. Just like working our muscles builds strength and a corresponding physical influence, likewise, concentration builds focus and increases the conscious mind’s mental influence over the subconscious. Focus your thoughts and then hand them over to your imagination. “See what your imagination can, or will do, to create practical plans.” However, “Do not wait for a definite plan … but begin at once to see yourself in possession of the money, demanding and expecting meanwhile, that your subconscious mind will hand over the plan, or plans you need.” “Be on the alert for these plans, and when they appear, put them into action immediately. When the plans appear, they will probably ‘flash’ into your mind through the sixth sense, in the form of an ‘inspriation.’ Treat it with respect, and act upon it as soon as you receive it.” Then incorporate these plans into your auto-suggestion. “when visualizing the money …, see yourself rendering the service, or delivering the merchandise you intend to give in return for this money!”

“Many philosophers have made the statement that man is the master of his own earthly destiny. The reason that man may be the master of his own earthly status, and especially his financial status, is [through control of his own mind]. Man may become the master of himself, and of his environment, because he has the power to influence his own subconscious mind.

This page is a summary of instruction given by Napoleon Hill in Think & Grow Rich, with comments by Justin Hoopes. To continue to Chapter 5 - Specialized Knowledge, Click Here.