The Digest Version of “The Magic of Thinking Big”
The “Magic of Thinking Big” by Dr. David Schwartz argues we must believe in ourselves and think positively big to achieve our maximum potential in life and career.
Originally published in 1959, The “Magic of Thinking Big” by Dr. David J. Schwartz has become a self-help classic on the power of aiming high and thinking positively. Schwartz was a professor at Georgia State University and pioneer in the then-new field of motivation research. The book has sold over 7 million copies worldwide.
The core message is that our attitude affects our performance, and thinking big literally expands our possibilities. By having the courage to master our mindset and think positively big, we maximize our potential for achievement.
The book examines the psychology of thinking big versus thinking small in a conversational, anecdotal style full of examples. Schwartz argues most of us are conditioned early in life to think small and set limitations on what we can accomplish. We replay past failures, compare ourselves to others, and worst of all, impose self-limiting beliefs on what we’re capable of. This fixed mindset inhibits growth.
Schwartz contends we have vast untapped potential if we simply raise our expectations of ourselves. He says think and you will be — our mental image of ourselves shapes our performance. By cultivating a big attitude of self-belief, high expectations, and fearless confidence, we activate more of our talents and abilities.
The book explores common ways people think small then offers antidotes to shift to a “think big” mindset:
- Excuse Making — Blaming everything but yourself shrinks your power. Take responsibility for your situation and have the courage to change it.
- Replaying Past Failures — Don’t let errors haunt you. View setbacks as learning experiences then move ahead confidently.
- Envying Others — Comparing yourself inhibits growth. Run your own race at your own pace. Focus only on being your best self.
- Conforming — Resist playing it safe. Take risks. Don’t follow the herd. Forge your own path.
- Downplaying Praise — Enjoy compliments. They reinforce your ability to succeed. Don’t brush them off — let praise sink in.
- Fearing Mistakes — Stop worrying about losing. Focus on learning and positive opportunity. Keep trying and failing forward.
- Worrying About Things Out of Your Control — Control your inner world only. Let go of external factors you can’t influence.
- Hesitating to Ask for Help — Seek guidance from those with experience. Ask big — people enjoy helping.
- Compromising Your Values — Stay true to your principles. Don’t sacrifice ethics just to fit in or please others.
In Part 2, Schwartz offers advice on developing a think big attitude. He says we contain amazing potential talent, intelligence and creativity within. But our level of success is ultimately linked to the size of our thinking. People who think big earn more, innovate more, influence more people and make a bigger difference. It starts with reprogramming your self-concept to remove limits on what you believe you can be.
Specific tips include:
- Dream Big — Create an inspiring vision for your life. Ask — if I could be or do anything, what would it be? Expand your dreams.
- Have Courage — It takes bravery and persistence to reach high goals. Muster your willpower to overcome challenges, take risks and act.
- Develop Initiative — Go beyond your job description. Bring solutions, not just problems. Step up, take charge and assume responsibility.
- Grow Wisdom — Study regularly to expand your knowledge. Wisdom comes from continually educating yourself. Read, take classes, listen to podcasts.
- Practice Optimism — See the good in every situation. Approach life with enthusiasm and seek the valuable lesson in any difficulty.
- Reject Rejection — Don’t view “No” as failure, just someone’s opinion. Persist until you succeed. Limit self-rejection by silencing your inner critic.
-Make Peak Use of Your Strengths — Identify your talents and find roles maximizing them. Delegate in areas where you’re less skilled.
The book also covers communication, leadership, salesmanship, goal achievement and activating your full 100% potential. Schwartz argues most use less than 50% of their talents. By banishing fears and limitations, we unlock abilities we didn’t know we had.
The core skill is building an empowering self-image and belief in your abilities. Schwartz says “Believe it can be done” then your mind finds the ways. He advocates self-talk techniques — replacing every small thought with a big one. Celebrate your strengths, stop apologizing and start asserting. Soon this mental programming installs a more uplifted way of thinking.
The “Magic of Thinking Big” pioneered the notion that how we think about ourselves shapes our lives. While parts seem overly simplistic today, much aligns with modern psychology on mindsets and potential. The book’s warm, conversational tone makes it easily digestible for a broad audience.
Some criticize Schwartz for overpromising — implying any dream is achievable if you just believe. However, he balances this by saying gains require work. The book advocates amping up your dreams then backing them with courage, preparation and effort. Still, the hyper-positive tone can feel unrealistic for some.
While techniques require updating for the digital age, the core idea remains powerful — our self-beliefs dictate our behaviors, what goals we pursue and how big we imagine our possibilities. If thinking small causes failures, think big expands our potential. We achieve in alignment with the size of our attitude. For this pioneering exploration on the psychology of achievement, “The Magic of Thinking Big” remains a transformational classic.
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