To use the definition of Napoleon Hill author of “Think and Grow Rich, “autosuggestion is a term which applies to all suggestions and all self-administered stimuli which reach one’s mind through the five senses”. In use it facilitates communication between the conscious and subconscious mind.
Mentors and coaches have long understood the value of this process if not the mechanics involved. From sports to business, mindset through the use of suggestion is high, if not first, on the list of essentials for success.
To give a brief overview of the process, without getting bogged down with technicalities, I will paraphrase Mr. Hill as best I can.
Our conscious mind deals with dominate thoughts, both good and bad. The more a thought is dwelled upon, the more it becomes a part of our subconscious minds. This is perfectly natural and the process works whether our thoughts are good or bad.
If for some reason we want to “change our minds”, or our way of thinking, we need to make certain thoughts our dominate thoughts. These in turn will be communicated to our subconscious minds which will ultimately lead to changed behavior.
How this step is accomplished is critical to our success.
In “Think and Grow Rich”, Napoleon Hill is quick to warn of the futility of merely repeating words or a phrases without emotion. He states, “Your subconscious mind recognizes and acts upon only thoughts which have been well-mixed with emotion or feeling”.
Failure to do so, he notes, is the reason that the process doesn’t seem to work for many people. Most people also expect an overnight miracle. Mastering the technique requires patience, diligence, a correct attitude, humility, etc.
Autosuggestion is simply the name given to this process. Self-suggestion may be a simpler way to grasp the concept. By meditating on certain thoughts or conditions we send a message to our subconscious minds. These thoughts are the basis for our transformation.
These thoughts or conditions do not have to, and very likely will not, exist as reality at the present.
In effect, the subconscious has to be “tricked” into believing it as truth. The subconscious then begins to prepare for the desired results. The next step will be an opportunity for an action of some kind. This will be what we are willing to do or give in exchange for our desired results.
In much of life we may get by with just being mentally prepared. In cases where a mindset change must occur we will surely need something more.
Napoleon Hill summed up the importance of autosuggestion in this way. “You are now reading the chapter which represents the keystone to the arch of this philosophy”.
In other words everything is dependent on getting this right. So here is a summary of instruction, paraphrased again.
Find a quiet spot to be alone and repeat aloud, with emotion, your specific goal, the date you want it and what you intend to give for it. Visualize your goal. Declare yourself ready to receive your goal and give whatever is required for it. Repeat morning and night always visualizing your goal. Write it all down and commit to memory.
“Think and Grow Rich” was not written for the “rich”, but so that the masses may become rich. Napoleon Hill discovered that virtually everyone rich in his day was employing a principle or “the secret” as he called it.
For over seventy years this book has been credited with helping men and women completely change their lives philosophically and financially. It is a fascinating book that well deserves the unofficial title “mindset bible”.
My name is Gerrald Hendrix (Jerry). I am an internet entrepreneur marketing wealth creation, education and management products and services. I am one of a team of marketers teaching others how to be successful in challenging times.For more information about me and what I do, please visit my blog: GerraldHendrixBlog
