The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz is a guide to achieving success through the power of belief and positive thinking. The book emphasizes that thinking big leads to big achievements. It provides practical techniques to build confidence, set goals, overcome fear, and develop leadership skills. This summary highlights the book’s core lessons and key takeaways.
Thinking big is not just about ambition; it is about reshaping one’s mindset to see possibilities rather than limitations. People who think big believe in themselves and their ideas, leading them to greater success and fulfillment. The following sections break down the fundamental principles of thinking big and how they can be applied to everyday life.
1. Believe You Can Succeed and You Will
Success starts with belief. When you truly believe in yourself, your mind finds ways to make things happen. Thinking big conditions you for success.
Belief influences actions and decisions. Those who believe in their potential put in the effort needed to succeed. Doubt and negativity, on the other hand, create limitations. By training the mind to focus on possibilities, people open doors to greater opportunities.
| Concept | Explanation |
| Power of Belief | Strong belief creates positive outcomes. |
| Self-Fulfilling Prophecy | What you expect influences results. |
| Big Goals = Big Achievements | Thinking big leads to greater success. |
| Visualization | Seeing success in your mind makes it real. |
| Mental Conditioning | Repeated belief strengthens confidence. |
2. Cure Yourself of Excusitis, the Failure Disease
Excusitis is making excuses for not succeeding. Successful people refuse to let excuses hold them back.
Excuses act as self-imposed barriers that prevent growth and success. Many individuals fall into the trap of blaming circumstances, intelligence, age, or luck. However, those who rise above excuses take ownership of their actions and focus on what they can do rather than what they cannot.
| Type of Excusitis | How It Holds You Back | Solution |
| Health Excusitis | “I’m too sick to succeed.” | Focus on what you can do. |
| Intelligence Excusitis | “I’m not smart enough.” | Use creativity over IQ. |
| Age Excusitis | “I’m too young/old.” | Age is just a mindset. |
| Luck Excusitis | “Others are luckier.” | Success is about effort. |
3. Build Confidence and Destroy Fear
Fear holds people back from taking action. Confidence is built through practice and positive thinking.
Most fears are irrational and exaggerated by the mind. By taking small steps toward overcoming fear, individuals build resilience and self-assurance. Fear diminishes when people take action despite feeling uncomfortable. True confidence comes from doing, rather than waiting for the perfect moment.
| Fear Type | How It Limits You | Confidence Booster |
| Fear of Failure | Stops progress | Learn from mistakes. |
| Fear of Rejection | Avoids challenges | Accept “No” as part of growth. |
| Fear of Criticism | Lowers self-esteem | Focus on your own vision. |
| Fear of Change | Prevents success | Embrace new opportunities. |
4. How to Think Big
Thinking big expands possibilities. Small thinking leads to small achievements.
Many people limit themselves by setting small goals and doubting their potential. Those who dare to think big open themselves to greater opportunities and achievements. Expanding one’s vision and expectations naturally leads to increased motivation and resourcefulness.
| Small Thinking | Big Thinking |
| Focus on problems | Focus on solutions |
| Limited career goals | Ambitious career goals |
| Fear of taking risks | Embraces calculated risks |
| Negative self-talk | Encouraging self-talk |
5. How to Think and Dream Creatively
Creativity is a key to success. It helps solve problems and discover new opportunities.
| Technique | Benefit |
| Brainstorming | Generates new ideas. |
| Asking “What If?” | Expands possibilities. |
| Changing Perspective | Leads to fresh solutions. |
| Learning from Others | Inspires innovation. |
6. You Are What You Think You Are
Your self-image determines your success. Think of yourself as capable and important.
| Negative Self-Image | Positive Self-Image |
| “I’m not good enough.” | “I have unique value.” |
| “I don’t deserve success.” | “I’m worthy of success.” |
| “I’m stuck in my past.” | “I create my future.” |
| “I can’t make a difference.” | “My actions matter.” |
7. Manage Your Environment: Go First Class
Your surroundings influence your thinking. Associate with successful and positive people.
| Toxic Environment | Empowering Environment |
| Negative, pessimistic people | Positive, goal-oriented people |
| Stagnant mindset | Growth-focused mindset |
| No motivation | Encouragement & inspiration |
8. Make Your Attitudes Your Allies
Your attitude shapes your actions. A positive mindset attracts opportunities and success.
| Negative Attitude | Positive Attitude |
| Complaining | Finding solutions |
| Blaming others | Taking responsibility |
| Doubt and fear | Confidence and courage |
| Avoiding effort | Taking initiative |
9. Think Right Toward People
How you think about others impacts relationships and success.
| Bad Thinking About People | Good Thinking About People |
| Distrust and suspicion | Trust and collaboration |
| Criticism and negativity | Encouragement and support |
| Envy and resentment | Appreciation and gratitude |
| Self-centered mindset | Service-oriented mindset |
10. Get the Action Habit
Success comes from action, not just ideas. Start now.
| Obstacle to Action | Solution |
| Overthinking | Take the first step. |
| Waiting for perfection | Start where you are. |
| Fear of failure | Learn and adjust. |
| Lack of motivation | Set small goals. |
11. How to Turn Defeat into Victory
Failure is a stepping stone to success. Learn from setbacks and keep moving forward.
| Defeat Mindset | Victory Mindset |
| “I give up.” | “I will try again.” |
| “I’m not good enough.” | “I can improve.” |
| “I failed.” | “I learned.” |
| “It’s hopeless.” | “There’s a solution.” |
12. Use Goals to Help You Grow
Setting clear goals creates direction and motivation.
| Weak Goals | Strong Goals |
| Vague dreams | Specific action plans |
| No deadlines | Clear timelines |
| Passive wishes | Active pursuit |
| No commitment | Daily discipline |
13. How to Think Like a Leader
Great leaders think big, take responsibility, and inspire others.
| Poor Leadership Thinking | Effective Leadership Thinking |
| Blaming others | Taking responsibility |
| Avoiding challenges | Facing challenges boldly |
| Seeking control | Empowering others |
| Playing small | Thinking big |
Conclusion
The Magic of Thinking Big teaches that success is a mindset. By believing in yourself, setting big goals, taking action, and surrounding yourself with the right influences, you can achieve great things. The key is to think big, stay positive, and never stop growing. Applying these principles daily will lead to a fulfilling and successful life.
Success is not about luck or intelligence—it is about adopting the right mindset. Those who learn to eliminate excuses, overcome fear, and develop confidence will find themselves achieving far more than they once thought possible. Thinking big is a skill that anyone can learn, and once mastered, it can transform lives in profound ways.
