Think and Grow Rich and Success Classics

Breni's Think and Grow Rich path teaches three classic success books and checks their claims. There are 3 courses: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, As a Man Thinketh by James Allen, and The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz. Hill gives a goal and plan method, Allen links thought to character, and Schwartz shows how belief turns into action. Learners finish with one written goal, a plan and a first step.

  • 3 courses
  • 38 learning objectives
  • Level: beginner
  • Language: English
  • Price: Subscription, free trial

What you will be able to do

  • Write one definite goal with a deadline and a plan
  • Explain the main steps in Think and Grow Rich
  • Spot where Hill's story is not backed by evidence
  • Link your daily thoughts to your habits and character
  • Pick one fear and a first action that answers it

Full curriculum

Part 1 · The goal and the plan

1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: Turn a Goal Into a Plan

Turn one definite goal into a written plan, and see where Hill's claims fall short. Units, in order: Desire: start with one definite goal; Faith and autosuggestion; Organised planning and decision; Persistence; The Master Mind group; What Hill's story leaves out.

  • — Desire and Definite Goals
    Define your main goal with a burning desire.
    • Setting a Definite Goal
    • The Power of Desire
  • — Faith and Autosuggestion
    Build belief using repeated positive self talk.
    • Developing Faith
    • Using Autosuggestion
  • — Organised Planning and Decision
    Create actionable plans and make fast firm decisions.
    • Organized Planning
    • Making Decisions
  • — Persistence in Action
    Overcome temporary defeat without quitting your path.
    • The Need for Persistence
    • Beating Fear
  • — The Master Mind Group
    Collaborate with supportive people for shared success.
    • Mastermind Principle
  • — What Hill's Story Leaves Out
    Examine historical inaccuracies and missing evidence in claims.
    • Historical Accuracy
    • Evaluating Claims

Part 2 · Thought and action

2. As a Man Thinketh by James Allen: Shape Your Character Through Thought

See how habits of thought shape character, circumstances and purpose. Units, in order: Thought and character; How thought shapes circumstances; Thought, health and the body; Thought and purpose; Serenity.

  • — Thought and Character
    Learn how character is the complete sum of your thoughts.
    • Character is total thought
    • Acts spring from thoughts
    • Self made man and destiny
  • — How Thought Shapes Circumstances
    See how outer conditions of life connect with your inner mental state.
    • Mind as a garden
    • Circumstances relate to inner state
    • Changing thoughts changes circumstances
  • — Thought Health and the Body
    Understand how your thoughts affect physical health and body condition.
    • Body as mind servant
    • Disease rooted in thought
    • Pure thoughts bring health
  • — Thought and Purpose
    Discover why linking thought with purpose leads to true accomplishment.
    • Need for central purpose
    • Focus on legitimate purpose
    • Conquering doubt and fear
  • — Serenity
    Learn how calmness of mind brings success and spiritual strength.
    • Calmness of mind
    • Understanding thought laws
    • Power of self control

3. The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz: Build Confidence and Act

Replace fear and small thinking with belief and a first action. Units, in order: Believe you can succeed; Action cures fear; Measuring the size of your thinking; Adding value to things, people and yourself; Belief and what research says about self-efficacy.

  • — Believe You Can Succeed
    Learn how a positive belief builds your power and skill.
    • Power of Belief
    • Surpassing Leaders
  • — Action Cures Fear
    Overcome doubt and fear by taking direct action.
    • Building Confidence
    • Isolating Fear
  • — Measuring Your Thinking
    Compare petty thinking with big thinking across daily choices.
    • Expense and Conversation
    • Goals and Progress
  • — Adding Value
    Practice adding value to things, people, and yourself.
    • Adding Value to Things
    • Developing People
    • Improving Yourself
  • — Self-Efficacy Science
    Explore what psychological research says about belief and action.
    • Understanding Self-Efficacy
    • Sources of Belief
    • Human Function

Sample: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: Turn a Goal Into a Plan

The opening tier, (Desire and Definite Goals). Define your main goal with a burning desire.

Setting a Definite Goal

Write down your exact goal and a clear deadline.

The Power of Desire

Turn a simple wish into an all consuming obsession.

Questions about Think and Grow Rich and Success Classics

What are the main ideas of Think and Grow Rich?

Hill lists steps such as desire, faith, autosuggestion, organised planning, decision, persistence and the Master Mind group. The course turns them into one written goal and plan.

Is Think and Grow Rich still worth reading?

Its goal setting advice is still useful, but historians doubt parts of Hill's story, such as his meetings with Andrew Carnegie. The course teaches the useful parts and flags the doubtful ones.

What does "action cures fear" mean?

David J. Schwartz advises pinning down exactly what you are afraid of, then taking a matching action, because confidence grows from doing rather than waiting.

Is Breni affiliated with the authors?

No. Breni is not affiliated with the estates of Napoleon Hill, James Allen or David J. Schwartz or their publishers.

Do I get a certificate?

Yes, finishing all 3 courses earns a Breni certificate of completion.

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