CHAPTER ONE SUMMARY
The Man Who "Thought" His Way into - Partnership with Thomas A. Edison
Truly, "thoughts are things," and powerful things at that, when mixed with purpose, persistence and a burning desire for their translation into riches or other material objects. - Edwin C. Barnes
One of the chief characteristics of Barnes' desire was that it was definite. He wanted to work with Edison, not for him. Observe, carefully, the description of how he went about translating his desire into reality,
could not have been the young man's appearance that got him his start in the Edison office, for that was definitely against him. It was what he thought the idea.
Months went by. Apparently nothing happened to bring the coveted goal, which Barnes had set up in his mind as his definite major purpose. But something important was happening in Barnes' mind. He was constantly intensifying his desire to become the business associate of Edison.
Barnes was ready for a business association with Edison; moreover, he was determined to remain ready until he got that which he was secking. He did not say to himself, "Ah well, what's the use? I guess I'll change my mind and try for a salesman's job." But he did say, "I came here to go into business with Edison, and I'll accomplish this end if it takes the remainder of my life." He meant it!
What Psychologists have correctly said, "When one is truly ready for a thing, it puts in its appearance."
Barnes literally thought himself into a partnership with the great Edison! He thought himself into a fortune. He had nothing to start with, except the capacity to know what he wanted, and the determination to stand by that desire until he realized it.
He had no money to begin with. He had but little education. He had no influence. But he did have initiative, faith and the will to win.
One of the most common causes of failure is the habit of quitting when one is overtaken by temporary defeat.
Before success comes to most people, they are sure to meet with much temporary defeat, and perhaps some failure. When faced with defeat the easiest and most logical thing to do is to quit. That is exactly what the majority of people do.
More than 500 of the most successful people America has ever known told the author their greatest success came just one step beyond the point at which defeat had overtaken them.
One of the main weaknesses of mankind is the average person's familiarity with the word "impossible." He knows all the rules that will not work. He knows all the things that cannot be done.
“ The first thing I did was turn to the word "impossible," and neatly clip it out of the book. That would not be an unwise thing for you to do.”
success comes to those who become success conscious.
Failure comes to those who indifferently allow themselves to become failure conscious.
These principles were gathered from the life experiences of more than 500 men who actually accumulated riches in huge amounts; men who began in poverty, with little education or influence. The principles worked for these men. And you can put them to work for your own enduring benefit.