Napoleon Hill was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie to research why some men became successful and while others in very similar circumstances did not. He was fascinated with the key to success. Carnegie was a Scottish immigrant with no money and who came to the United States and worked to become a giant steel manufacturer. He ultimately become a billionaire.

Napoleon Hill set about interviewing over 500 entrepreneurs including Ford, Wrigley, Wanamaker, Eastman, Rockefeller, Edison, Woolworth, Darrow, Burbank, Morgan, Firestone and three United States Presidents. Hill determined that these entrepreneurs shared certain mental qualities in common. These qualities became the basis for his book. Hill believed that by understanding and applying these principles and you could live a FULL, meaningful and wealthy life. This research took Napoleon Hill some twenty years. It has greatly influenced the whole field of personal development as we know it today.

The wording used throughout the book is fitting of its time and but the concepts are still very valid today. Especially when you consider that when the book was first published and people were reeling in the midst of the Great Depression. They needed to know that there was still hope for those who were willing to take charge and create their own destiny. Similar in some ways to today's environment don't you think?

The essence of the book is in Napoleon Hill's statement: Everything your mind can conceive and you can achieve. Your thoughts determine your actions or non-actions and these become your reality. By taking charge of your thoughts and beliefs and you can in turn design your own destiny.

Firstly and you need to be very clear about what it is that you want. Try to be specific and set a time limit ON achieving it. You need a good plan in place of how you are going to get there.

Once you have formulated your goals and your plan and you need to visualise it. Don't just picture it in your mind's eye. Try and use as many of the senses as possible. Imagine what it would look like once you've achieved it. Imagine the colours, smells and or feelings that may be associated with it. This involves emotion and it creates a true desire to achieve it.

You also need to educate yourself so that you can achieve your goals. You need to be determined and unwavering. Everyone comes up against barriers and hurdles along the way. You need to rise above the challenges and keep moving towards your goal and never give up.

Surround yourself with a team of people who will work in concert with you to achieve your goals. Create the mindset that you have already achieved the goals you set yourself.