Chapter 8 : Decision

This summary of Think and Grow Rich Chapter 8 : Decision introduces the concept of procrastination, the first obstacle you must overcome if you want to be successful.

Summary: Decision

Procrastination

Procrastination is the opposite of decision and an enemy every man must conquer.

Men who have accumulated fortunes beyond the $1,000,000 mark have the habit of reaching decisions promptly and changing these decisions slowly, if and where they were changed. People who fail to accumulate money make decisions slowly, and change them quickly and often. Indeed, the main idea of Chapter 8: Decision is it is better to be obstinate like Henry Ford than a procrastinator.

There is but little doubt that Mr. Ford’s habit of definiteness of decision assumes the proportion of obstinacy, but this quality is preferable to slowness in reaching decisions and quickness in changing them.

Think and Grow Rich, Chapter 8 : Decision – Napoleon Hill

People who fail are easily influenced by the opinions of others, and let them do their thinking for them. Achievers do not take in confidence but their master mind members, and especially those who are in complete harmony with them.

Many people have their self-confidence ruined because of some well-meaning but ignorant opinions of the others. That is why when asking opinions we should do it quietly, without openly disclosing our purpose.

Those who talk too much do little else. If you talk more than you listen, you not only deprive yourself of good opportunities but you disclose your purpose to people who will take delight in defeating you because they envy you.

You should place the following sentence on a big visible place: TELL THE WORLD WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO, BUT FIRST SHOW IT.

Courage

There is a special power which is a product of the following:

• desire
• decision
• faith
• persistence
• master mind
• organized planning

The secret is not a miracle. It is only the law of Nature, which is available to anyone who has the faith and the courage to use it.

By decisions made in a spirit of faith, and only by such decisions, men can solve their personal problems and win for themselves high states of material and spiritual wealth. However, after you take a decision you need the courage to undertake it.

Analysis of Chapter 8 : Decision

This summary of Think and Grow Rich Chapter 8 : Decision is not difficult to understand as the ideas it contains are very easy. Just be aware, that :

• Be quiet and listen
• Don’t listen to people who give uneducated opinions
• Stick to your plan and try even if it looks difficult

The Chapter is not exactly an explanation but a guide to the behaviour you must adopt in order to remain focus. Now that you know this, you have to learn about persistence in the next Chapter.

Go to Chapter 9 or read our 5-minute summary of the book.