Take Your Persistence Inventory

Napoleon Hill, a true inspiration leader, wrote this in his highly acclaimed book THINK AND GROW RICH originally published in the 30’s.  Millions and millions and millions of readers (and book sales) keep it on the shelves today.  Go NOW to your local bookstore and heed these wise words.  Hey, the language may be a bit dated, but you’ll get the drift…

HERE are the real enemies that stand between you and noteworthy achievement.  You will find not only the “symptoms” indicating weakness of persistence, but also the deeply seated subconscious causes.  Study the list carefully and face yourself squarely if you really wish to know who you are and what you are capable of doing.

These are the weaknesses which MUST be MASTERED by all who accumulate success and in turn, wealth and happiness.

1.  Failure to recognize and to define clearly exactly what you want.

2.  Procrastination, with or without cause. (Usually backed up with a formidable array of alibis and excuses.)

3.  Lack of interest in acquiring specialized knowledge.

4.  Indecision, the habit of “passing the buck” on all occasions, instead of facing issues squarely. (Also backed by alibis.)

5.  The habit of relying upon alibis instead of creating definite pans for the solution of problems.

6.  Self-satisfaction  There is but little remedy for this affliction, and no hope for those who suffer from it.

7.  Indifference, usually reflected in one’s readiness to compromise on all occasions, rather than meet opposition and fight it.

8.  The habit of blaming others for one’s mistakes, an accepting unfavorable circumstances as being unavoidable.

9.  Weakness of desire, due to neglect in the choice of motives that impel action.

10.  Willingness, even eagerness, to quit at the first sign of defeat. (Based upon fear.)

11.  Lack of organized plans, placed in writing where they may be analyzed.

12.  The habit of neglecting to move on ideas, or to grasp opportunity when it presents itself.

13.  Wishing instead of willing.

14.  The habit of compromising with poverty instead of aiming at riches.  General absence of ambition to be, to do, to own. (Lisa adds “insert self described starving artists here.”)

15.  Searching for all the short-cuts to riches, trying to get without giving a fair equivalent, usually reflected in the habit of gambling.  (Lisa adds “waiting for the big break.”)

16.  Fear of criticism, failure to create plans and to put them into action, because of what other people will think, do, or say.  This enemy belongs at the top of the list, because it generally exists in one’s subconscious mind, where its presence is not recognized.

…People refuse to take chances in this business, because they fear the criticism which may follow if they fail.  The fear of criticism in such cases is stronger than the desire for success.

Sooooooo, I hope you got the drift here.  If you identified with any of the above, there’s some internal work for you to do.  And there is no shortage of ways and means to do it.  Start by reading Think and Grow Rich, or participate in my adapted seminar based on Napoleon Hill’s teachings – Think and Grow Rich Acting.

To Your Success, Lisa