In 1938, the book “Outwitting the Devil” was banned from being published. They said it was “Too controversial.” But after the author Napoleon Hill died… It was published anyway in 2011. Here’s why they were trying to keep it a secret:
For context: The book is written as an interview between: Napoleon Hill (Mr Earthbound) & the devil (our inner dark self). The “devil” puts our society into 2 groups: Drifters & Non-Drifters. It says “99% of the population is a Drifter”... But what does that mean?
It's someone who lives a life with no direction. They are simply drifting through life. Hill’s goal with this book goal was to expose the truth behind how people limit their success. & how the “devil” achieves his manipulation. Here are my 7 main takeaways:
1. How to Define the Devil When you think of the devil… You think of any negative force that can hold you back from achieving success & happiness. These forces can include: • Fear • Doubt • Negativity • Procrastination Understand that these do not define you.
2. The Power of Persistence. Everyone seems to believe that anyone who’s achieved success knows something that they do not… This is not true. It’s not what they know… But it's what they do. Those who remain persistent & refuse to give up are more likely to succeed.
3. Understanding your Purpose. Society is often distracted with finding their purpose. We’re caught up in superficial & short-term gratifications that have no true meaning in life. Look deep into what ACTUALLY matters to do. This is where you find your purpose.
4. Master Fear Fear is the #1 thing that holds people back from success. “What if I fail?” With this mindset you already have. However, taking action is the ONLY way to see a glimpse of success. When in doubt, keep moving forward.
5. Understanding the Subconscious Mind From a young age, our brains are constantly being programmed. Whether it’s at: • Home • School • On social media What people say to us can impact our behaviour & outcomes in life. Changing this can be simply practicing affirmations.
6. The Importance of Faith The “devil” can ruin your faith by amplifying: • Self-criticism • Comparison to others • External validation-seeking behaviors Losing confidence is when you stop believing in yourself. When people doubt you, remember: All you have is YOUR faith.
7. Avoid Procrastination Every day we are tempted with: • Excuses • Distractions • Rationalizations These simply justify delaying action. Instead: Break your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps & take action now. Little progressions are better than none at all.
In the end: This book symbolizes the negative influences & internal obstacles that can hinder someone from their true potential. By recognizing & outwitting these negative forces… You’ll have the ability to take full control over your life. To summarize:
If you no longer want to drift through life: • Define the devil • Have persistence • Understand your purpose • Master fear • Understand the subconscious mind • Have faith • Avoid Procrastination
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