Burning Desire
The Starting Point of All Achievement
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve." This is perhaps the most famous quote from Napoleon Hill's "Think and Grow Rich," and it encapsulates the essence of the first principle: Desire.
Understanding Burning Desire
A burning desire is not just a wish or a hope. It's an obsession—a definite purpose backed by an all-consuming obsession to attain it. Hill discovered that all achievement begins with an intense, burning desire for something definite.
"The starting point of all achievement is DESIRE. Keep this constantly in mind. Weak desire brings weak results, just as a small fire makes a small amount of heat."
The Six Steps to Transform Desire into Gold
Napoleon Hill outlined six definite, practical steps to transform desire into its financial equivalent:
- Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. Be definite about the amount.
- Determine exactly what you intend to give in return for the money you desire. There is no such reality as "something for nothing."
- Establish a definite date when you intend to possess the money you desire.
- Create a definite plan for carrying out your desire, and begin at once. Whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action.
- Write out a clear, concise statement of the amount of money you intend to acquire. Name the time limit for its acquisition, state what you intend to give in return for the money, and describe clearly the plan through which you intend to accumulate it.
- Read your written statement aloud, twice daily. Once just before retiring at night, and once after arising in the morning. As you read, see and feel and believe yourself already in possession of the money.
The Psychology Behind Burning Desire
Hill's principle of Desire is rooted in the psychology of focused intention. When you develop a burning desire for something specific:
- Your subconscious mind begins to work on ways to achieve it
- You become more alert to opportunities related to your desire
- You naturally prioritize actions that move you toward your goal
- You develop resilience to overcome obstacles in your path
Modern neuroscience confirms that focused intention activates the reticular activating system (RAS) in your brain, which filters information and brings relevant opportunities to your attention.
Training Exercises
Apply the principle of Desire through these practical exercises designed to develop your skills and mindset.
Following Hill's methodology, define your burning desire with absolute clarity and specificity. Answer the following questions in detail:
- 1. What is the exact outcome you want to achieve? (Be specific and measurable)
- 2. By what specific date do you intend to achieve this outcome?
- 3. What are you willing to give in exchange for achieving this outcome?
- 4. What is your initial plan to achieve this outcome?
Following steps 5 and 6 of Hill's method, create a clear, concise statement of your desire that you will read aloud twice daily. Your statement should include:
- • The exact amount of money or specific outcome
- • The deadline for achievement
- • What you'll give in return
- • Your plan for achievement
- • A statement of faith that you will achieve this outcome
Develop a detailed 30-day action plan with specific, measurable steps you will take to begin moving toward your desire. Include:
- • Daily actions you will take
- • Weekly milestones to achieve
- • Resources you need to acquire
- • Skills you need to develop
- • People you need to connect with
- • Obstacles you anticipate and how you'll overcome them
Our professional coaches are available to provide guidance and feedback on your exercises.
Ready to Continue Your Training?
Complete all exercises to proceed to the next module: Faith - The Second Principle of Think and Grow Rich.