The Magic of Thinking Big Reviews

• Best of its kind. Very effective simplicity. Napoleon who?

  
  By on 2002-10-20
  It is always shady when you see someone using the usual cliché "This book has changed my life!". While I usually don't
  take those comments seriously (too much money wasted in 'life-changing' books, I guess) I have to admit that sometimes
  a particular book hits you with more impact than usual and after a couple of years some self-examination might leave you
  with the impression that perhaps the author has indeed influenced your choice of paths more than you would have expected.

  This was the case with me and Dr. Schwartz's "Magic". I am not an intense fan of self-help and motivational literature,
  but do read a title or two now and then. I have read many of the classics like Dale Carnegie's books (almost all), Napoleon Hill's "Think and grow rich", Covey's "The 7 habits of highly successful people" and others like "How to be a start at work",
  "The power of positive thinking",Psychocybernetics" and many more that have sold millions, are mentioned everywhere and everybody seems to love.

  Maltz, Hill, the list goes on. The fact it that so far no book of this kind has proven to be as effective with me as this one. I
  even felt I have wasted too much money. Not the case with this particular book. This is the kind of title where you read things you already know, you are after all mostly just looking for motivation. That extra push to get you going in particular moments when things aren't flowing as easily as you'd wish. And for that use, my preference goes to books that have an honest simplicity. This title isn't verbose, it isn't very technical or full or scholarship, perhaps even some of its examples are fully fictional. The truth is that I don't care about that, because it has proven very effective.

  If you are looking for something to motivate you (in any area), I suggest you try this title first. The effect with you might be quite different.
  Perhaps Napoleon Hill's style suits you better (I truly disliked his books) or maybe some other author. But to many of us, Schwart'z approach is perfect. I first read this over a year ago, and can now look back and see certain aspects that were definitely made easier because if it. Overall, the only thing I regret is not having found this title much sooner in my life (I'm 27), but it will no doubt still prove useful for many years.

  As a side recommendation, I suggest you combine this with the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, or the more accessible "The Art of Virtue" also based on Franklin's words, Dale Carnegie and as much wisdom and self-examination as you can come up with. The results won't be magic, but I'm pretty sure the improvement will be easy to notice.
  
  

• A PROACTIVE SUCCESS classic.

  
  By A3799GRVHRPEAT on 2001-04-23
  David Schwartz's classic success book "The Magic of Thinking Big" is one of the top ten all time best proactive success books. After you have read it you will begin to refer to the earlier part of your life as "before I read the book." Even before you finish reading it the first time, you will be a changed person - it's that incredible. I say first time because you will want to read it again and again. My copy is well read, well read, and well marked. It has been a treasured part of my library and I've recommended it to others countless times.

  I consider David Schwartz to be one of the earliest "proactive thinkers" in the world. If you haven't read this book before, get ready for profound wisdom. Schwartz makes it easy to understand that our thoughts are things and have God given powers, far beyond what is commonly taught by others. I can tell you from my own astonishing situations and experiences that, "your success really is most definitely determined by what and how you think."

  Schwartz covers all of the proactive bases: smart thinking, system thinking, futuristic thinking, and positive thinking. If you are truly seeking the kind of success and abundance that makes your life 100% livable - you must read this book. Many of his ideas are found in SUCCESS BOUND, another book built on learning how to live a proactively life that is God centered and fulfilling.

  You will find that this exciting book becomes a part of you. Don't hold back - let it happen. In fact, you should spend 10 to 15 minutes every morning focusing your thoughts on the truths of this book, thereby allowing them to seep deep into your subconscious mind. If you do this I guarantee this wisdom will most assuredly bring you the success and abundance you deserve.

  Enjoy the book and your new proactive success life!
  
  

• This is a super book!

  
  By on 1999-06-19
  Actually, one of two great books that has poitively affected my life, this great book by Dr. Schwartz is a must for anyone and everyone who wants more out of life; relationships, fn, business, career growth and of course--more money. The other book that affected my life isMore Wealth without Risk by Charles Givens. This will do for your financial life what Magic of Thinking Big does for personal growth. Both are must reads.
  
  

• A Fantastic book!

  
  By A1Q0BX9CEKIY1I on 1999-08-03
  The Magic of Thinking Big is a fantasticbook and must reading for anyone who wants optimum success. The 30-second commercial made a major impact on my life, although it seemed ridiculous in the beginning. I have Dr Schwartz's other books, but this is the best. I also suggest "SuperSelf" by Charles J. Givens, probably one of the most under rated self help books out there and a must read. Great books---great results!
  
  

• THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FOREVER!!!!

  
  By A1W6O6S41EVPG6 on 1998-06-11
  The Magic of Thinking Big was one of two positive mind books that I bought back in 1977 (the other being THINK & GROW RICH by Napolean Hill), I not only own two copies of the book, I also own the cassette version which I play repeatedly. This book along with "THINK & GROW RICH" gave me new found belief in myself. I was able to go from a $4 per hr job (in 1977) to a $2,000 per month income within two months time. I also turned a failing Health Spa around into a profitable business my using Dr Schwartz's techniques.I recommend this book to anyone seeking Peak Achievement
  
  
• Still producing for me after 21 years
  By A83PCAKWEJG8Z on 2001-03-05
  I first read the magic of thinking big over 21 years ago when I was invloved in a home based business. At the time, I was struggling, after reading Magic of Thinking Big, my business exploded.Writing my own 30 second commercial was one of the most powerful strategies that I got from this book.I also recommend Business Buy The Bible and Don't Set Goals (The Old Way) to add to your educational library.
  
  
• Without a doubt, one of the best books ever.
  By A1SM9GF9L03PL1 on 2002-07-30
  Magic of Thinking Big and Magic of Believing are two of the best books ever for personal development.By using the 30 second commercial in Magic of Thinking Big and the Mirror Technique in Magic of Believing, I was able to make rapid changes and increase self confidence.These books are super books and all-time classics.
  
  
• A Manual for Success
  By A3C0R7GY25W14E on 2002-07-21
  Simple actionable advice for self-improvement. Basically, we are what we think, so think big.

  1) Build confidence in yourself. Action reduces fear, so act.
  Take small steps at first: Sit in the front everywhere you go, practice eye contact, walk 25% faster, practice speaking up, smile big, use positve words.

  2) Think and dream creatively. Believe that it can be done and then the mind finds a way to get it done. Be open to new ideas and be progressive. Stimulate yourself with diverse ideas from diverse people. Capacity is a state of mind.

  3) You are what you think. "The price tag you put on yourself, is probably the same price tag that the world will put on you." (pg 75) Dress up. Think your work is important. Think enthusiastically. Ask yourself if you are the type of manager that a subordinate would respect and follow?

  4) Manage your environment because it is food for your mind.
  People who tell you that it cannot be done are usually unsuccessful people.

  5) Make your attitudes your allies. Live it up. Broadcast good news. Do better work that others expect. Remember people's names. Take initiative to build friendships. Talk less. Listen.

  6) Get the action habit. Nothing happens just by thinking. Do not worry about problems. You can handle them as they come. Successful people handle problems as they arise. You cannot buy insurance on all problems. Start now.

  7) Turn defeat into victory. Defeat is a state of mind. Be constructively self-critical; do not just look for another reason that you are a loser. Think that there IS A WAY. If it does not work, then back off and start afresh. Get mentally refreshed.

  8) Use goals to help you grow. Goal is a dream acted upon. "The important thing is not where you were or where you are but where you want to get." (pg 195) Know where you want to go. Visualize your future.

  9) How to think like a leader. Achieving success requires the help of others. Trade minds with the people you want to influence. "What would I think if I were that person?" Be human, and put people first.

  The last words of the book, sum up its meaning:
  "A wise man will be master of His Mind. A Fool will be Its Slave."
  
  

• The magic of thinking big
  By A3RGES60KG8R2V on 2005-09-14
  (short and sweet) I read lots of self help books, this was by far the best book, I've ever read. "Two thumbs way up!"
  
  
• THINK BIG AND SUCCEED
  By AEL1O1O68LVA6 on 2001-07-23
  This book should probably be read every two or three years. It's a wonderful, effective motivational tool. It stresses finding success, happiness and peace of mind at the level you believe that you can achieve. Although THE MAGIC OF THINKING BIG has been deemed a management tool, it could also be a personal development and life skills textbook because it works on the mind, not just the business.

  According to the author, the differences between the successful people and others include confidence and positive thinking and reinforcement.

  You actually feel empowered and worthy after you've read this. These are powerful concepts. I highly recommend this book
  
  

• Open this book to any page, and you will benefit!
  By on 1999-07-25
  This has got to be the best self-help book ever written! No pie-in-the-sky sweet talk here...just good common sense advice on hundreds of common "thought traps" that people of all ages fall into. Pick the book up and open to ANY page and start reading...you will find yourself nodding your head in agreement with the author, and saying to yourself,"Why didn't I ever think of things this way?" This book cleared out the cobwebs in my own head over ten years ago, and once you pick it up, you won't be able to put it down! You'll also want to share it with any of your friends who aren't thinking "big enough" in their lives. Unlike most of the other self-help, positive thinking books out there, this book uses "real world" types of examples, not lofty hypothetical discussions that the reader personally can't relate to. It changed my entire thought process with regards to what I expect out of life, and it will do it for you, too!
  
  
• The Book that Changed Everything For Me
  By AQPH71BC0XHUO on 2003-09-26
  I have to admit, I have read this book about 8 times. I make it a goal to read this book every six months because of the powerful influences that come from Dr. Schwartz. I read this book initially in 1999 and was taken aback by how powerful the thinking process is. As a result of applying the book, I was able to get a better job, attain certifications in my field (Computers), buy a house and feel much better about myself. If you find yourself in need of a change, look no further than this book.

  I recommend this book for family and friends. While the book was written some 30+ years ago, the concepts are still relevant, and the stories hold true today.

  Put this book at the top of your must read list!!!
  
  

• I'll jump on that 5-star bandwagon!
  By A1U869WOK3TRMQ on 2004-07-02
  I could repeat everyone else's comments, or I could just give a quick overview of why I think you should read this book.

  This book is a must-read for any person serious about improving themselves as a manager, a husband or wife, a friend, or a person in general. There are a lot of mediocre self-help books out there, and its refreshing to go back and re-read The Magic of Thinking Big, which is one of the few that sets the standard. I would classify this at the same level as Think and Grow Rich and How to win Friends and Influence People. This is one of those rare books thats actually flawless, and thats why it gets 5 stars.
  
  

• This book is not enough! You've known it all!
  By A9FQN0K5RCJ8R on 2006-05-05
  Most of what the author said is easier said than done. We all know this kind of saying: "If you think you can, you will. If you think you can't, you're right", but what matters most is how to take action.
  David Schwartz give us many great facts about thinking big. Unfortunately, his suggestions are rather short and not very well effective. To think big, one needs much more motivation and inspiration, which can be found in much greater and more complicated books like "Your best life now" and "NLP". These books challenge us more and give us better solutions.
  At the end of the book, David Schwartz talked about "Setting Goals". Hey there, setting goals is the single most important and difficult task of one person's life. A big book may not have helped us enough with this, not to mention just a few pages.
  I'm not saying that this book is not worth reading. It's just that it's not enough. You may like this book if you're new to the concept of thinking big, but you'd need more and better books to really grasp the concept.
  (to the reader who prefers this book to Think and grow rich by Napoleon Hill and those who haven't read TnGR: Napoleon Hill is one of the greatest teachers to us all. If one really wants to challenge your mind and transform your life, TnGR is THE book. Great books are never too easy to comprehend. We need to really THINK, PONDER!
  
  
  
• La Magia Si Exsiste!
  By A16ING3AIJNXV8 on 2000-07-18
  Para todos que estan buscando una manera de mejorar su vida y tener exito, este libro es definitivamente necesario. Fue el primer libro para mi que me ha hecho pensar que la magia del exito realmente se encuentra dentro de mi, que yo tengo control de mis circunstancias. Este libro ha ayudado tener mucho exito a muchos de mis amigos, y estoy hablando de muuuuucho dinero y estilos de vida que unos suenan en tener (por eso lo lei!) Schwartz explica como usar lo que tenemos cada uno, y como utilizarlo para nuestro propio exito......Les deseo muchas felicidades en tomar la decision mejorar su vida y leer un libro que les va ayudar por muchos anos.......
  
  
• it's ok, but there's better
  By on 2003-05-17
  I probably would've rated this book higher, but after reading "think and grow rich" by napolean hill, and "how to win friends and influence people" by dale carnegie, I have'nt found more sound advice in any other book since. Think and grow rich has all the advice in this book and waaaaaaaaaaaaay more. I have done my best to tell everyone I know about it. The reviews on that book tell it all. Get that book first, then read this one if you don't believe me.
  
  
• Author not always credible
  By A313H6238N589 on 2003-11-08
  The author is a PHd...but in what? The book never says. I doubt if the author has a PHD in any scientific fields because his thinking is less than scientific. Most of his superfluous advice is based on personal observation and examples, not on scientific research and verifiable facts. Sometimes he gets a little judgemental. For example, the author chastises a financially successful 40 year old man for breaking up his engagement. Yet, I highly doubt the author knows enough about that man or the relationship to judge fairly. In summary, he says a lot of good things based on hot air, personal observations, and judgements.
  
  
• Eliminate those success blind spots
  By AWJWAGCGVIPBB on 2004-08-25
  Chapter 3 changed my life - got to start with this book while you are planning to climb the ladder of success in life. The best priviledge I have is lending out this book to people (as I have done it so many times) and see their lives starting to change for good! Catch the word in the title 'THINKING' and you have mastered the best success principle in life.
  
  
• sets the standard
  By A2NFA5NNGE3M6X on 2003-09-29
  "Sow a thought and you reap an action. Sow an act and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny."

  The Magic of Thinking Big sets the standard by which all other 'self-help' books should be measured. This classic will help you break through the excuses that have held you back from personal success. You will learn how to build your confidence, destroy fear through action, and overcome obstacles to turn defeat into victory. The dollar figures and some of the words in this book are dated, but the principles are timeless.

  This book is a self-administered training program. Although wordy at times, the last twelve chapters have summaries that help you condense and apply each lesson to your life right away. Each of the 13 chapters deserves to be read, re-read, digested and applied over time. One chapter per week will allow you to read it four times per year. Extreme? Perhaps, but if any book is worth such an exercise, this is one. Try it and see.

  Start to sow big thoughts...and reap a big destiny.

  Larry Hehn, author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory
  
  

• This book shouldn't be sold, it should be issued!
  By A2M9I5NDF68GWW on 2000-03-13
  In life, you encounter many situations where, with a little guidance, you could have succeeded and excelled, but without it you apparently floundered, blundered and failed. Well, the good news in this book is that with the right attitude, you never fail, you just learn. In fact, if you follow the advice in this book, you find there are only two things you can possibly be doing at any given time - succeeding or preparing to succeed!

  I have been trained in management, leadership and motivation by some of the best management training organisations in the world, yet I am sure that most of what they taught me is already in this book.

  Take my advice, spend more time succeeding and less time learning. Read this book cover to cover then LIVE the messages it contains. You cannot help but succeed if you do.
  
  

• Complete personality developement program...............
  By A3H5QICN9CATW9 on 2004-05-17
  David Schwartz is amazing.He raelly sets standard for his readers.This book is so wonderful,it will show its power only after reading 10 pages.Can you imagine what after reading complete book?

  This book not only for MLM leaders but everyone of all ages should read it.

  Author shows us how powerful our belief is,Then how to stop giving excuses,What is thinking big & how to think.How to use the power of words by speaking positive.

  Our thoughts create our world.Change thoughts change your world.

  This book will uncover the leader in you.Just follow your dreams & instructions given in this book.You & people around you will feel the different you in 1 month.

  It worked for me, it will work for you too.
  
  

• A "Must Have" for Your Library
  By A1I6F3UABKMUIV on 2006-02-05
  This is a classic. If you have any real interest in taking charge of your life and moving beyond your current comfort zone, this is an absolute must read. At the same time, like any classic, it has draw-backs associated with age.
  
  Schwartz published this in 1959, and it has stood the test of time. These are the core principles of any personal development program. You can read newer books by Tony Robbins, John Maxwell, Marianne Williamson or anyone else you prefer, but you'll quickly see that they have built on the foundation laid down by pioneers like Schwartz. When in doubt, go back to the source.
  
  A personal word, if you will permit me. I got my copy of The Magic of Thinking Big from one of my mentors, Don Baker, in 1980. I started reading it but decided it was "old." The language was old, the examples were old, and the goal of making $10,000 a year was hopelessly out of date! As much as I trusted Don, I figured he'd dumped one of his old books on me, and I decided to buy a newer, "better" book. I have no idea what I bought, but it's long gone and long forgotten. When I finally read Schwartz sometime later, I knew I'd found the real thing, the "mother lode" and I've read it many times over the years since.
  
  This is one you simply must have. I suppose there are 10,000 "good" self-help books on the market, and any one of them might be the key you're looking for on a particular day, but there are a very small number of absolute "must have's" and this is one of them. Buy it and plan to read it at least once a year. Your life will be transformed as a result!
  
  
  
• "I c-... I c-t... I ca-t... I c-nt... I cann-nuhnuhnnuh-! "
  By on 1999-03-09
  OK! I CAN! I CAN! What the heck was that other word I was trying to say?! Add me to the list of people whose lives have changed because of this book! Thanks DOC! The word "can't", if I put an "I" in front of it, just disappears from my vocabulary! OK, so a book isn't going to change your life, make you rich, get you married, make you happy... or is it? It's up to you. I challenge you to read this book and not take any of it's ideas with you into the rest of your life. We're not stupid, but there are things going on around us and in our minds that actually prevent us from allowing ourselves to succeed! Take a gander... Send me a poke in the eye if don't find yourself saying "Hmmmmm!" m :)
  
  
• This books title lives up to its name.
  By A3TY689UW9FUYZ on 2003-03-05
  I wish I would have read this book in High School,but everything happens for a reason,so maybe this time in my life was perfect for reading it. I read alot of books on self help and motivation but this book takes the cake. I was getting energy surges with every chapter I read. I would take quotes and use them at work,and my co-workers would look at me with astonishment an say "what the heck has gotten into you?" If I could go beyond 5 stars it would get it. This book is on my list of reading every six months to get the drive and pump back. Thanks Mr. Schwartz.
  
  
• Inspirational and Informative Book
  By A1TKYAYESYHIA2 on 2007-01-29
  
  This is an inspirational and informative book on how you can use your thinking to achieve remarkable success, wealth, confidence, peace and joy in your life by thinking big. The author explains that your success in life does not depend on the size of your brain but rather by the size of your thinking. By the use of numerous and enlightening stories, David Schwartz shows the reader the magic of thinking big and why it is very important to our careers, our relationships and our destiny.
  
  This insightful book explains how you can build a strong belief, confidence and how to get into the action habit in an easy to follow and understand format which makes the book useful to a wide readership. The book pragmatically examines why many people achieve mediocrity or are failures and what it takes to be a winner in a big way. The author methodically explains how you can think and dream creatively, turn defeat into victory and think like a leader.
  
  This is a self-help book, a how-to book on how to achieve exceptional results. I treat reading the book as a process of continuous learning about my personal vision, leadership, management and human relations both at work and in my family. I use it as my guide for dealing with people and in integrating the different responsibilities in my life, encompassing my professional, family and personal responsibilities.
  
  I found the book inspiring, stimulating, thought provoking and very interesting. I refer to the book often to energize my spirit and to keep me thinking big and avoiding being bogged down by trivialities.
  
  This is an exceptional book for those that wish to live a happy, healthy, meaningful and successful life and to increase productivity in both business and personal basis.
  
  
  
• It tells us the importance of positive thinking
  By AT0RTWWWNDZCL on 2000-06-03
  John Milton in his `Paradise Lost' wrote: "The mind is its own place and in itself can make a heaven of hell or hell of heaven." Lord Buddha also said that "mind is behind all our action" over 2,500 years ago! Now Dr David J Schwartz gives a similar message in his motivational book. However, there is a difference. Dr Schwartz's book presents us with a carefully designed program for getting most out of all aspects of our lives: job, marriage, family and the community. It tells us the importance of positive thinking and how we can turn a defeat into a victory and many more including achieving financial security. He guides us to reach all these goals through our own will.

  No wonder why more than 4 million copies of this book have been sold! I'm sure that there are few of us who haven't read the book would consider extracting some wisdom from this wonderful book.
  
  

• Powerful Book!
  By A2KZFUBGZU3XFO on 2005-12-28
  Read this book and reach allof your dreams. It works!
  
  
• Positive Programming! Well Done.
  By A1WXZUGFMZZRAG on 2000-04-07
  Mr. Schwartz has clearly written a well book here to prepare a person to look into the positive side of things and think BIG. As I have read by all the successful people over and over, it's the key to success. If we think big and also have belief in ourselves, then we will succeed.

  The book is filled with examples (with co-workers and business partners). In fact I found it to contain a bit too much of examples. I was looking more into conceptual ideas. And there were a few of his ideas that I was strongly against. But the other 95% of his ideas are excellent. We are human and can not be expected to agree with anyone 100%.

  Over all a very well and encouraging book. Well done!

  Thank You, Steve.
  
  

• Truly a Classic
  By A3KPD3WLML2Q4E on 2006-05-30
  I am not sure I would have used the word "Magic" in the title. Actually there is no magic in thinking big. But the results of following the advice given by Dr. Schwartz might seem like magic.
  
  The simple truth is that most people have very self-limiting beliefs. And as a result, think in terms of small achievements. Change your way of thinking and you change your life. As Schwartz points out, success is achieved "by following conscientiously and continuously a plan for self-development and growth." And he gives you a plan.
  
  The book is well written, full of interesting stories and great advice. If you implement just a few of the ideas he puts forward, you will make considerable improvement in your life.
  
  Some of the more notable bits of wisdom:
  
  "We learn nothing from telling. But there is no limit to what we can learn by asking and listening."
  
  "Others see in us what we see in ourselves."
  
  "People who tell you it cannot be done almost always are unsuccessful people ..."
  
  "Before you start out, know where you want to go."
  
  The book contains a wealth of great information and wisdom. However like any great advice, it is useless unless and until the reader takes action. For the words to benefit you, you must take action. A great blueprint for taking action, but taking action is up to the reader.
  
  
  
  
• Great Book -- Good Tape
  By on 1998-02-25
  Having read the book many times and resently purchasing the book on tape I preferred the book. The tape is only a small part of the book. I will grant that it covers two of the best parts, but a tape covering the whole book would have been better.
  
  

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