Developing Persistence (and success!)

I’ve been reading a book that was originally written in 1937.  I’ve heard about it many times over the years, but I am only now getting around to reading it.  It’s called Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill.

Is it irony, personal experience or just that I’ve tapped into a timeless truth?  I’m confident it’s all of the above.  When I read the following suggestions below, I chuckled aloud while recalling all the times I’ve recently made similar suggestions during presentations & workshops, in my career articles and to my clients during our one-on-one sessions.

Hill’s 4 steps to developing persistence:

1. A definite purpose backed by burning desire for it’s fulfillment.
2. A definite plan, expressed in continuous action.
3. A mind closed tightly against all negative suggestions of relatives, friends and acquaintances.
4. A friendly alliance with one or more persons who will encourage one to follow through with both plan and purpose.