📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

The One Simple Quote That Has Driven This Serial Entrepreneur to Succeed The author of 'Think and Grow Rich' and the inventor of the infomercial have this strategy in common.

By Brian D. Evans

entrepreneur daily

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Shutterstock

If you've ever read Napoleon Hill's famous Think and Grow Rich, then you're familiar with the concept of setting your "chief aim." As Hill explains it, your chief aim is your intention. It's where you want to go. It's what you want to build. It's who you want to be. He underscores the importance of planting it firmly in your mind -- going so far as to write down your chief aim, and then say it out loud every morning and every night until it manifests itself in your reality.

Obviously, reciting a bunch of words from a page isn't going to turn you into a multi-millionaire overnight. That's not its purpose. The reason Hill encourages aspirational individuals to write down their chief aim and to remind themselves of it daily is to provide clarity. Clarity paired with extremely focused work ethic is the true recipe for success.

Shutterstock

Other successful people use variations of this approach

Other successful people use variations of this approach. Kevin Harrington is a serial entrepreneur and best known for inventing "the infomercial." He has sold billions in products and been a judge on Shark Tank. In a recent interview, Harrington explained that he largely attributes his success to a simple quote which inspires him to take a positive approach to life.

"I have a saying that I live by, and it goes like this," he said. "'Whatever you visibly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe and, most of all, enthusiastically act upon, it must inevitably come to pass.'"

This is a quote originally from the late Paul J. Meyer, an author and global authority on goal setting, motivation, time management and personal and professional development.

Shutterstock.com

“I visibly imagine myself being an entrepreneur"

"I visibly imagine myself being an entrepreneur -- and have been since I was 15 years old, sealing driveways for extra money," Harrington said. "I ardently desire being an entrepreneur. I sincerely believe I will be an entrepreneur. Now, a lot of people say those same things, but do you know where they fall down? They don't enthusiastically act upon becoming an entrepreneur, and that's what I did, every single day."

This speaks to a much bigger lesson about what it truly takes to manifest your reality and ultimately build whatever it is you want to build. It doesn't happen immediately -- nor should it. You first must face obstacles and learn lessons. You must embrace your challenge with persistence, focus, discipline and enthusiasm.

I want to continue approaching entrepreneurship with excitement

"I do 100 events a year," Harrington said. "And I know I don't need to do them, but I want to do them. I want to continue approaching entrepreneurship with excitement. I want to continue stretching my curiosity muscles. I want to continue improving, because that's what it's all about. It's about the process, and the love of the business."

Can I imagine my goal?

To adopt this mindset, the next time things aren't going your way, ask yourself: Can I imagine my goal?; Do I sincerely believe I can make it happen?; and, most of all, am I enthusiastically acting upon my ambitions every single day?

If you answer "yes" to all three, then be patient. Remember, "It must inevitably come to pass." If it worked for Harrington and Hill, maybe it will work for you, too.
Brian D. Evans

Serial Entrepreneur, Advisor, CEO

Brian D. Evans is the founder of BDE Ventures and Influencive. He is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, online marketer, mobile app advisor and accomplished writer. Evans has been building and advising startups for over a decade.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

Most People Have No Business Starting a Business. Here's What to Consider Before You Become an Entrepreneur

You need to find the right business opportunity at the right time and take the right steps to beat the odds.

Leadership

AI vs. Humanity — Why Humans Will Always Win in Content Creation

With the proliferation and integration of AI across organizations and business units, PR and marketing professionals may be tempted to lean into this new technology more than recommended.

Business News

Passengers Are Now Entitled to a Full Cash Refund for Canceled Flights, 'Significant' Delays

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced new rules for commercial passengers on Wednesday.

Growing a Business

Who You Hire Matters — Here's How to Form a Team That's Built to Last

Among the many challenges related to managing a small business, hiring a quality team of employees is one of the most important. Check out this list of tips and best practices to find the best people for your business.

Franchise

Franchising Is Not For Everyone. Explore These Lucrative Alternatives to Expand Your Business.

Not every business can be franchised, nor should it. While franchising can be the right growth vehicle for someone with an established brand and proven concept that's ripe for growth, there are other options available for business owners.

Management

7 Ways You Can Use AI to 10x Your Leadership Skills

While technology can boost individual efficiency and effectiveness, it's essential to balance their use with human intuition and creativity to avoid losing personal connection and to optimize workplace satisfaction.