Recovery Principles from Business

Recovery principles - From Business Success Principles 
Napoleon Hill “Think and Grow Rich”

In the Autumn of 1908, Andrew Carnegie turned what Napoleon Hill thought was going to be a 3 hour interview into a life-long challenge.  Carnegie directed Hll to write a philosophy of success based on the experience of the world’s greatest achievers. Carnegie did not fund the project but he introduced Hill to the likes of Edison, Einstein, Ford, JP Morgan and the results of the research was based on over 500 interviews with the leaders of the time. 

Their insights were then narrowed down into a set of principles and contribute to what Hill refers to as an overall “Philosophy of Achievement.”  However, refusing to let Think and Grow Rich be defined purely as a method or system for success, Hill stated that the goals of his book were:  To help the reader become self-aware (mindfulness). To help the reader understand how to become more effective (focus on recovery as a primary goal)..  

Below are the list of the key principles described in detail  in the book.  It is a book about business success, however the principles of success that Hill outlines in detail are of significant use in recovery: 

A burning desire - We can only accomplish our aims if we are driven by a burning desire.

Faith - Having an unwavering faith in themselves and  in God

Planning - Goal setting and detailed planning are the basis of every achievement

Direction / purpose - Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve.

Self talk - Auto-suggestion describes a way of influencing yourself by thinking very specific and purposeful thoughts or ideas.

Knowledge not book smarts - being committed to continuous learning and knowing who / where to find the information

Determination and steadfastness -The analysis of over 25,000 life stories of people who failed to achieve professional success shows that a lack of determination is the main reason for their failure.

Positive emotions – and need to be strengthened - our subconscious not only influences  our thought life but also our actions.  Hill uses the metaphor that emotions attached to thought are like yeast in a loaf of bread; they encourage action, e.g., they make the bread rise. Depending on whether the emotion is positive or negative will result in either a remarkable or disastrous loaf of bread.

Persistence and endurance - If you want persistence and endurance to take root in your habits, here are four simple yet crucial rules: 

1. You must have a concrete goal and develop a burning desire to achieve it.
2. You need a thorough and precise plan to support the implementation of your goals.
3. You may not allow yourself to be influenced by negative and disheartening opinions.
4. You need an intimate, trusting relationship to a person or a group that provides you with support and assistance.

Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear
Before you are ready to integrate the philosophy laid out in this book, Hill states that you must ensure that you aren’t being held back by any of what he refers to as “the six basic fears.” The six fears are the fear of:

1. poverty, embodied by indifference, indecision, doubt, worry, over-caution, and procrastination.
2. criticism, embodied by self-consciousness, lack of poise, an inferiority complex, extravagance, lack of initiative, and lack of ambition.
3. ill health, embodied by hypochondria, poor exercise, susceptibility, self-coddling, and intemperance.
4. loss of someone’s love (abandonment), embodied by unhealthy relationships
5. The fear of old age, embodied by slowing down and developing an inferiority complex around the age of 40, referring to oneself apologetically as “being old,” and killing off the habits of initiative, imagination, and self-reliance.
6. The fear of death, embodied by focusing on dying rather than living, lack of purpose, and lack of suitable occupation.
   
   

Hill states that all fears can be grouped into one of these headings. In 12 step programs they are described in terms of both fear and resentments relating to financial security, self esteem, sexual relations. Etc.  
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The book is focused on business success, however there are a number of worthy insights for those in recovery that are consistent with principles from trauma, inner child work and 12 step programs.  Surround yourself with others who will challenge and support you, develop both a mindset and determination that you are ‘recovering’.   Timeless principles from a book published around the same time as 'The Big Book'.  Go figure.