Lessons for
Living
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Where do you get your creative ideas?
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"Whatever your
mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." Napoleon Hill told us this in his
classic book on motivation, and his statement has become an often-quoted formula for
success: Conceive, Believe, and Achieve. The first step toward success is conceiving of its possibility. Success begins with having the seed of creative idea that is nourished into a vision of what can be. Look at any new product, perhaps the latest technological marvel, and realize that it began as an idea in someone's mind. Ideas represent the possibility of accomplishment, and must be taken seriously, guarded, and protected, if they are to become a reality. The beginning of success is in being able to conceive of it. Persistent pursuit of the possibility of success is dependent upon the intensity of belief in the new idea. An idea without belief is ephemeral and quickly fades away when confronted with any adversity. It is belief or faith that makes ideas hardy enough to survive and transforms them from vague visions into detailed plans complete with priority lists and action steps. Conceiving and believing, however, will not lead to success if there is no achievement. To achieve means to attain with effort or despite difficulty. Achievement requires action. Something must be done. Thinking about and believing in a possibility will not make it a reality if there is no achievement. You must take the first steps toward your goal, and this often requires getting your hands dirty as you look away from the vision to the reality of mundane, day to day tasks. If you want to work toward your own success, remember the three steps of conceive, believe, and achieve. Open yourself to new ideas. Find one that you can put your faith in, and then diligently do the day to day work of achievement. ©2002 Daniel H. Johnston. All Rights Reserved. Give us your feedback on this article or |
