David J. Schwartz’s timeless classic The Magic of Thinking Big is not just about motivation—it’s a full-on blueprint for changing your mindset and, in turn, your entire life. Schwartz insists that you don’t need to be super intelligent, have an elite education, or immense talent to succeed—but you do need to believe in yourself and think big. Big thinking cultivates big results, both in your career and personal life. It all starts with your attitude, your habits, and the way you handle fear and setbacks.
This book is packed with actionable ideas and real-life examples to show how ordinary people have achieved extraordinary results by developing a mindset of possibility, positivity, and persistence.
🧠 Core Principles & Key Concepts
1. Believe You Can Succeed and You Will
Your belief system is the foundation of your success. If you believe something is possible, your mind will find ways to make it happen. Belief triggers the power to achieve.
“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it.”
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Replace disbelief with thoughts of confidence.
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Think about how it can be done, not why it can’t.
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Build confidence through small wins, visualization, and positive self-talk.
2. Cure Yourself of Excusitis: The Failure Disease
Successful people don't make excuses. Schwartz lists the four common types of excusitis:
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Health excusitis (“I’m not healthy enough.”)
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Intelligence excusitis (“I’m not smart enough.”)
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Age excusitis (“I’m too old/too young.”)
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Luck excusitis (“I’m just not lucky.”)
“The more successful the individual, the less inclined he is to make excuses.”
Cure it by focusing on what you can do, not on your limitations.
3. Build Confidence and Destroy Fear
Fear is a habit—so is confidence. You build confidence by taking action. Schwartz provides this three-step method:
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Isolate your fear. What exactly are you afraid of?
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Take action. Fear disappears when you confront it.
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Gain experience. Confidence grows with repeated effort and exposure.
“Action cures fear.”
4. Think Big to Live Big
Thinking small leads to small results. Big thinkers see possibilities, not limitations. They dream big, plan big, and execute big.
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Think about how you can help more people.
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Set goals that push you out of your comfort zone.
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Avoid petty thinking, gossip, and envy.
“You are what you think you are.”
If you want to lead, act like a leader. Start seeing yourself as someone capable of great things.
5. You Are What You Think You Are
Self-perception shapes your actions and results. Dress well, carry yourself with confidence, speak with energy. These small actions reinforce a successful self-image.
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Think: “I’m important. My work is important.”
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Speak positively about yourself and your goals.
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Use uplifting body language.
“Look important—it helps you think important.”
6. Manage Your Environment: Go First Class
Your environment shapes your thinking. That includes your friends, workplace, reading materials, and habits. Surround yourself with positive, forward-thinking people.
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Don’t let negative thinkers steal your dreams.
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Choose influences that uplift and encourage growth.
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Go “first class” in your habits, appearance, and goals.
“Your mind is a product of your environment.”
7. Make Your Attitudes Your Allies
A positive attitude attracts success. Your attitude toward yourself, others, and your work affects everything.
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Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, respect, and curiosity.
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Avoid blaming others or playing the victim.
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Treat every person you meet like they matter—because they do.
“Grow the 'I'm activated' attitude.”
8. Think Right Toward People
Successful people like people. They treat others well, listen attentively, and encourage growth in others.
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Don’t be a know-it-all or a critic.
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Practice empathy and appreciation.
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Win with friendliness, not force.
“Success depends on the support of other people.”
9. Get the Action Habit
Thinking big is important, but action is what brings ideas to life. The more you act, the more confident you become.
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Don’t wait for the perfect time—start now.
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Break big tasks into small, daily actions.
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Create momentum by taking the first step.
“Ideas alone won’t bring success. Ideas must be acted on.”
10. Turn Defeat into Victory
Everyone experiences setbacks. The difference is how you respond. Schwartz emphasizes resilience and learning from failure.
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Study your defeat. What can you learn?
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Don’t wallow—plan your next move.
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Use setbacks as a springboard for growth.
“Failure is only a state of mind.”
11. Use Goals to Help You Grow
Set clear, ambitious, and meaningful goals. Goals give direction, energy, and purpose to your life.
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Write down long-term and short-term goals.
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Review them regularly.
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Visualize achieving them. Break them down into actionable steps.
“A goal is more than a dream; it’s a dream being acted upon.”
12. Think Like a Leader
Leadership is about influence. Schwartz argues that anyone—regardless of title—can lead if they:
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Take initiative and responsibility.
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Show respect for others.
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Develop courage and calmness under pressure.
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Make decisions and stand by them.
“The person who does more than he is paid for will soon be paid for more than he does.”
🛠️ Tools and Habits for Big Thinking
Here are practical habits that reinforce Schwartz’s message:
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Practice daily affirmations: Tell yourself what you want to believe until it becomes second nature.
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Read motivational books and biographies.
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Hang out with ambitious people.
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Keep a “victory list”: Record small wins to build momentum.
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Speak with purpose and enthusiasm.
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Write goals where you can see them daily.
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Celebrate effort, not just results.
💡 Final Takeaways
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Mindset is everything. Your thoughts shape your success.
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Excuses are lies. Eliminate them to unleash your potential.
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Confidence grows with action. Start now—even if you're not ready.
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People matter. Treat others with respect and kindness.
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Dreams are fuel. Think big, act bold, and aim high.
🏁 Conclusion: Dare to Dream Bigger
The Magic of Thinking Big is not just a motivational read—it’s a manual for building a life of purpose, leadership, and success. Schwartz’s central idea is simple yet powerful: Your results are directly linked to the size of your thinking.
When you think small, you attract small outcomes. But when you dare to think big—really big—you unlock new levels of energy, creativity, and achievement. Success is not reserved for the gifted or lucky. It’s for anyone willing to think differently, act boldly, and believe deeply.
📚 If you found these insights helpful, the full book is filled with stories, exercises, and wisdom to help you build the life you’ve always wanted. Read it, apply it, and dare to think big.
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