‍“Remember, too, that all who succeed in life get off to a bad start, and pass through many heartbreaking struggles before they 'arrive'. The turning point in the lives of those who succeed usually comes at some moment of crisis, through which they are introduced to their 'other selves'." — Napoleon Hill

This is a quote from Napoleon Hill's book, Think And Grow Rich, that I have been reading over the past few days. It’s a piece of work has been recommended in various blogs and podcasts over and over again.

Don’t get turned off by its cheesy title, though!

The book has some valuable advice for anybody who wants to go beyond their current potential and commit to growth, in whatever form that may be. Hence, the 'warning' in the introduction: Be ready, this book will change your life.

In essence, it's a book about how to be successful at getting what you want. And for Hill, success always starts with a strong desire (and a little bit of faith that the universe will always have our backs).

But there are other key elements that will increase our chances to succeed, too.

Like assembling a group of “Master Minds” that will complement our own knowledge and skills. Having a definite plan in place on how to get where we want to be (and keep adjusting it when it’s not working). Acquiring good leadership skills. Staying committed and never (ever!) quit.

Perhaps most importantly, be ready to seize the opportunities in the moments when they show up.

As it happens, opportunities (to grow) usually arrive at seemingly inappropriate or difficult times. Too often, we keep convincing ourselves that we are not ready, that we don’t have the knowledge or good-enough skills, that we don’t know the right people.

Sometimes, because of this self-conviction, we’re not able to recognize the opportunities at all!

And so they pass by, innocently and quietly, all these great opportunities that could help us break free, or lift us up to live the dreams that seem completely unimaginable in our trapped worlds.

The timing, though, will never be “just right,” Hill writes. In fact, this is one thing that so many of us get wrong all the time. We should start by simply trusting that we will figure it out along the way.  

“Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” — Napoleon Hill

Start where you stand. There is no better timing nor place than that.

Kindly,

Neva.