Truthful Living

1. Success is a Personal Responsibility

“Success is up to you.”

No one else is responsible. Your success is not determined by luck, circumstances, or other people. It is solely dependent on your actions, beliefs, and efforts. This understanding is the first step toward taking control of your life and achieving your goals.

• You must believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
• You must take ownership of your life and your choices.
• You must be willing to work hard and persevere through challenges.

Internal drive is key. External factors may influence your path, but your internal drive and determination are what will ultimately determine your success. This means cultivating a positive attitude, developing self-confidence, and taking consistent action toward your goals.

• Don't rely on others to make you successful.
• Take responsibility for your own growth and development.
• Be proactive rather than reactive.

Empowerment through ownership. When you accept that your success is your responsibility, you become empowered to make the changes necessary to achieve your goals. This mindset shifts you from being a passive observer to an active participant in your own life.

• You are the master of your fate.
• You have the power to create your own reality.
• Your success is in your hands.

2. Finishing is More Important Than Starting

“One of the really worthwhile qualities which we have planned to develop in you through this course is that of FINISHING ALL THAT YOU START!”

Completion is the key. It's easy to start new projects or initiatives, but the real value lies in seeing them through to completion. Finishing what you start builds discipline, confidence, and momentum.

• Starting is easy, finishing is hard.
• The ability to finish is a key indicator of success.
• Don't let unfinished projects weigh you down.

Persistence is essential. Many people give up when faced with obstacles or challenges. However, those who are successful are those who persevere and continue to work toward their goals, even when things get tough.

• Don't let setbacks discourage you.
• Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
• Develop a "stick-to-it-iveness" attitude.

The power of momentum. Completing tasks, no matter how small, creates a sense of accomplishment and builds momentum. This momentum can propel you forward and make it easier to tackle larger, more challenging projects.

• Small wins lead to big victories.
• Build momentum by completing small tasks.
• Don't underestimate the power of finishing.

3. Thinking is the Foundation of Success

“Thought is the beginning of all the wealth and all the mechanical or physical things created by man!”

Thought precedes action. Everything that exists in the physical world was first created in the mind. Your thoughts are the starting point for all your achievements, so it's crucial to learn how to think accurately and constructively.

• Your thoughts shape your reality.
• Accurate thinking leads to effective action.
• The quality of your thoughts determines the quality of your life.

Concentration is key. To think effectively, you must be able to focus your mind on a single subject until it is mastered. This requires discipline, persistence, and the ability to block out distractions.

• Concentration is the great highway to success.
• Learn to direct your mind on one task until it is completed.
• Practice concentration in your daily routine.

Facts over information. Your mind functions with the material you supply it. It makes no effort to discriminate. What goes into your mind through your five senses and is there recorded is sure to come out again through the physical, muscular action of your body.

• Feed your mind with facts, not just information.
• Be selective about what you allow into your mind.
• Your mind will reproduce what you feed it.

4. Imagination is the Architect of Reality

“First comes thought; then organization of that thought into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.”

Imagination creates possibilities. Imagination is the ability to form mental images of things that do not yet exist. It is the foundation of all creativity, innovation, and progress.

• Imagination is the most important subject in your education.
• The great thinkers are the well-read men.
• You must be able to plan and think.

Two types of imagination. There are two types of imagination: reproductive and productive. Reproductive imagination recalls past experiences, while productive imagination combines elements of past experiences in new and novel ways.

• Reproductive imagination recalls past experiences.
• Productive imagination creates new ideas.
• Use both types of imagination to your advantage.

Imagination is a skill. Imagination is not just a gift; it is a skill that can be developed through reading, observation, and study. By exercising your mind and exposing yourself to new ideas, you can expand your creative potential.

• Read, observe, and study to develop your imagination.
• Use your memory to store and recall information.
• Fit your knowledge to the conditions of others.

5. Self-Confidence and Sincerity are Essential

“For without self-confidence you cannot hope to develop the other desirable qualities that you will need as an aid to success in any field of endeavor.”

Self-belief is paramount. Self-confidence is the belief in your own abilities and potential. It is the foundation of all success and achievement. Without self-confidence, you will be unable to take risks, overcome challenges, or pursue your goals.

• Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
• Cultivate self-confidence through action and achievement.
• Don't let self-doubt hold you back.

Sincerity builds trust. Sincerity is the quality of being genuine and honest in your thoughts, feelings, and actions. It is essential for building trust and rapport with others.

• Sincerity cannot be feigned.
• Your readers and associates will always "sense" your appeals.
• Be careful to see that every statement you send out is backed with your whole-hearted belief in what you write.

Inner feelings manifest. Your outward expression is a duplicate of your inner feelings. If you want to write a letter that will appeal to a certain person and gain his confidence, first think well of that person and give him or her your own confidence.

• Your true feelings will show in your writing.
• Your thoughts bring back their likeness to curse or bless you.
• Keep your thoughts clean and they will draw people to you.

6. Ambition is the Driving Force

“AMBITION is a contagious thing.”

Ambition fuels action. Ambition is the strong desire to achieve something great. It is the driving force that motivates you to work hard, overcome obstacles, and pursue your goals with passion and determination.

• Ambition is the mainspring of life.
• Keep your ambition wound up.
• Don't let your ambition become a selfish one.

Ambition is contagious. When you are ambitious, you inspire others to be ambitious as well. Your enthusiasm and drive can have a positive impact on those around you.

• If you give ambition to the world, the world will give it back to you.
• Keep it to yourself and you will lose it.
• Ambition finds expression in a thousand different forms.

Ambition is essential for progress. Ambition is the foundation of all invention, art, music, industry, and commerce. It is the driving force behind all progress and innovation.

• Ambition leads us to think.
• When we begin to think, the nebulous problems in the world’s evolution begin to become clarified and simplified.
• Be ambitious if nothing more. Other things will take care of themselves.

7. Adversity is a Blessing in Disguise

“Every change in one’s environment is for a purpose. That which seems like a disappointment and ill “luck” usually is a blessing in disguise.”

Challenges are opportunities. Adversity, setbacks, and failures are inevitable parts of life. However, they can also be opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery.

• Behind each cloud is a silver lining.
• Apparent failures are often blessings in disguise.
• Study cause and effect in all that you do.

Resilience is key. The ability to bounce back from adversity is essential for success. When faced with challenges, it's important to maintain a positive attitude, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving forward.

• Hang on!
• Don't let setbacks define you.
• Use adversity as a catalyst for growth.

Adversity builds character. Overcoming challenges can make you stronger, more resilient, and more determined. It can also help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your capabilities.

• Financial reverse is a rich experience.
• Accept adversity as a blessing, not a curse.
• Adversity can make you stronger, more capable, and a happier worker.

8. Time is Your Most Precious Resource

“To him, TIME was the most important thing in the world.”

Time is finite. Time is a limited resource that cannot be replenished. It's essential to use your time wisely and prioritize activities that align with your goals and values.

• Time is the most precious thing in the world.
• You are racing time.
• You only have a few years in which to win the race.

Work while others rest. The time to gain success is when others stand still. He who runs while others sit and think will win the race.

• Days of idleness for others are your opportunity.
• You can succeed in life only as you succeed in a race, by passing others.
• You can succeed most easily while the other man is sleeping.

Vacation with purpose. A vacation, reasonable in length, sane and intelligent in its use, is the most profitable part of your working year, adding years to life and efficiency to the hardworking days.

• The brain never gets tired.
• Use your vacation to use the parts of your brain that have not been working.
• Study yourself while you are working. Study others on your vacation.

9. Seven Rules for a Successful Life

“The man who believes in himself has his battle for SUCCESS nine parts won.”

Believe in yourself. Self-confidence is the foundation of all success. You must believe in your own abilities and potential to achieve your goals.

• Cultivate self-confidence.
• Believe in yourself.
• The man who believes in himself has his battle for success nine parts won.

Cultivate enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is the energy that drives you forward. It is essential for getting started and maintaining momentum.

• Enthusiasm is the electric power which runs the motor of self-confidence.
• Get out of your mind the critical, complaining, dissatisfied feelings.
• Cultivate your strength, save it, and train yourself to look enthusiastically, and hopefully at the world, and scorn its difficulties!

Practice honesty. Honesty is the foundation of all lasting success. You must be truthful in your dealings with others and with yourself.

• Real success comes only to the honest man.
• Treat other men honestly.
• Honesty is the best policy.

Practice self-denial. Self-denial is the ability to control your impulses and desires. It is essential for saving time, energy, and resources.

• Self-denial is a matter of self-education.
• Make yourself not worry about what others think of you.
• Make yourself not worry about what others think of you.

Use your will power. Will power is the ability to make decisions and stick to them. It is essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving your goals.

• What you do must be done absolutely by the exercise of your own will power.
• You must be your own most severe judge.
• You must develop those qualities, and use them.

Be unselfish. Unselfishness is the desire to serve others. It is the highest quality of all and the foundation of all true greatness.

• An unselfish desire to be of use to other men.
• A man’s first and last duty is to try to make others better off and happier.
• You must have for your inspiration an unselfish desire to be of use to other men.

Concentrate your efforts. Concentration is the ability to focus your mind on a single task until it is completed. It is essential for achieving mastery in any field.

• All kinds of success in the world depend upon it.
• Avoid darting from one thing to another, leaving each half finished!
• Hold your mind firmly upon the subject before it!

10. Define Your Chief Aim in Life

“Among the thousand and one little things which go to make up the qualifications necessary in the thoroughly efficient man is the all-important faculty of working with a definite purpose in view – with a “chief aim in life.””

Purpose is essential. Having a clear and definite purpose in life is essential for success and fulfillment. Without a chief aim, you will be like a ship without a rudder, drifting aimlessly through life.

• Work with a definite purpose in view.
• Have a "chief aim in life."
• Work with a purpose in view.

Focus your energy. When you have a clear purpose, you can focus your energy and efforts on achieving your goals. This focus will help you to be more efficient, effective, and productive.

• Get your eyes on the stick as it floats out on the breakers of life.
• Go after it.
• Don’t come back until you get it!

Opportunity is always present. Opportunity is always present, but it is up to you to recognize it and take action. Don't wait for opportunity to come to you; go out and create it.

• Opportunity is standing before you, begging you to embrace her.
• Wake up! I’m here!
• Convince her that you want her, and she’ll come in.

11. The Law of Harmonious Attraction

“If you want favors bestow favors!. . .This is in accordance with the ‘Law of Harmonious Attraction’ through the operation of which we get exactly what we give!”

Like attracts like. The Law of Harmonious Attraction states that you attract into your life that which you focus on. If you focus on positive thoughts, feelings, and actions, you will attract positive experiences and outcomes.

• The world is a great big looking glass in which we reflect that which is in our own hearts and minds!
• We get exactly what we give.
• If you want favors bestow favors!

Give to receive. The best way to attract positive things into your life is to give them to others. When you are generous, kind, and helpful, you will attract similar qualities into your own life.

• If you want trouble, “start something” and you’ll find it!
• The human race is selfish!
• We favor others because they have favored us.

Forgiveness is powerful. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for overcoming negativity and attracting positive energy. When you forgive others, you release yourself from the burden of anger and resentment.

• The greatest punishment you can mete out to a person who had done you an injury is to meet him with a smile and a glad handshake.
• Learn to love the person who has wronged you.
• To control others, you must first learn to control yourself!

12. Service is the Key to True Success

“You will never know the real joy of living until you come into a full understanding of the Principle of Service.”

Service is essential. True success is not measured by wealth or fame, but by the positive impact you have on the lives of others. When you focus on serving others, you will find greater meaning, purpose, and fulfillment in your own life.

• The greatest object over which to develop ambition is the desire to serve our fellow men.
• We cannot serve them if we are jealous of them.
• Ambition is a contagious thing.

Give more than you receive. The most successful people are those who are willing to give more than they receive. When you go above and beyond what is expected of you, you will attract opportunities and rewards.

• Your real success will be measured and determined by the QUANTITY and QUALITY of the SERVICE you render.
• You must render a good account of your stewardship.
• The world is a great ant that has little sympathy for poverty in old age.

Service leads to happiness. The greatest joy in life comes from helping others. When you focus on making a positive difference in the world, you will find greater happiness and fulfillment in your own life.

• The road to happiness leads through the field of service to humanity.
• The road will be brighter and traveling easier if you take others with you on your journey.
• The richest experience that can come to a man or a woman is that of financial reverse.

Last updated: January 14, 2025