PMA Success Principles 3-
The First Success Principle: Definiteness of Purpose II (PMA Success Principles 3)
The Initial Principle of Success: Definiteness of Purpose II
Definiteness of Purpose is built upon seven fundamental concepts rooted in the understanding that while we lack control over external factors such as people, climate, and nature, we can control our thoughts—a privilege bestowed upon us by our creator. However, many of us fail to exercise this right. Scientific exploration has revealed that our thoughts wield immense power over our lives. According to Dr. Napoleon Hill, lack of success can be attributed to a failure to think the right thoughts and a susceptibility to external influences shaping our thoughts.
Success, on the other hand, is marked by the conscious choice to either take responsibility for cultivating the right thoughts or allow the influence of the right individuals on our thought processes. Dr. Hill extensively interviewed highly successful individuals, including luminaries like Thomas Alva Edison, Marconi, and Andrew Carnegie, the wealthiest man of his era, and around 500 other successful men of his time. Through these interviews, he didn’t invent success principles but discovered 17 key principles that distinguish success from failure. His various books and programs are dedicated to teaching these principles, encompassing concepts like Definiteness of Purpose, Mastermind Alliance, and Positive Mental Attitude.
The core idea is that, often, without awareness, we allow negative thoughts and influences to impact our lives. Studying Hill’s work brings awareness to the harmful vibrations affecting us. Mastering the 17 success principles empowers us to harness our mental strength and navigate our lives toward desired outcomes.
PMA Success Principles 3
His 17 success principles are:
- Definiteness of Purpose
- Mastermind Alliance
- Going the Extra Mile
- Applied Faith
- A Pleasing Personality
- Personal Initiative
- Positive Mental Attitude
- Enthusiasm
- Self-Discipline
- Accurate Thinking
- Controlled Attention
- Teamwork
- Adversity and Defeat
- Creative Vision
- Health
- Budgeting Time and Money
- Habits
Seven Big Ideas in PMA Success Principles 3
Dr. Hill organized the first lesson, Definiteness of Purpose, around seven significant ideas supporting the concept.
The first big idea stresses the importance of adopting a significant purpose, highlighting eight advantages that propel us toward wealth and success.
The second big idea asserts that all individual achievements result from motives. Dr. Hill lists ten basic motives inspiring voluntary action, including the desire for self-preservation, love, sex, fear, life after death, freedom of mind and body, revenge, hate, self-expression, recognition, and material gain.
He further discussed his second Big idea, which is :
“All individual achievements are the result of a motive or a combination of motives. The following basic motives which inspire all voluntary action discussed here”.
Basic Motives
- the desire for self-preservation
- the emotion of love
- the emotion of sex
- the emotion of fear
- the desire for life after death
- the desire for freedom of mind and body
- the desire for revenge
- the emotion of hate
- the desire for self-expression and recognition
- the desire for material gain
Dr. Hill delves into these motives in-depth, exemplifying the significance of each. For instance, the desire for life after death is a primary motive behind worship and religion. Removing this motive would render prayers and religious activities inactive. Similarly, the desire for sex, ingrained in all living things, is a creator-endowed mechanism for population growth. Balancing sex with love is crucial to prevent self-destruction.
To delve into your actions, inquire consciously about the reasons behind your choices. Consider the following questions:
- What motivates me to express affection through a kiss to my child or grandchild?
- What drives me to engage in intimate moments with my spouse?
- What prompts my involvement in activities related to drugs?
- What motivates my dedication to studying, working hard, and pursuing a conventional job?
- What purpose does earning money serve in my life?
- What compels me to engage in sexual activities with my spouse?
- What drives me to seek the services of prostitutes?
- What motivates my visits to temples or participation in religious activities?
Reflecting on these questions will provide insights into the underlying motives that propel your actions.
The following future blog will focus on “THE EMOTION OF FEAR,” exploring its role in poverty, failure, and procrastination.
Whether it’s Dr. Hill or any other contemporary self-help author, the core of their message remains consistent – humans possess immense potential for leading prosperous lives. The prevailing advice underscores the importance of not allowing past conditioning to dictate our present and impede our inherent capabilities.
An illustrative example of the formidable impact of past conditioning can be observed in the treatment of elephants in Indian temples. Despite being among the strongest creatures, an elephant can be controlled by a mere stick, lash, and a rope tied around its leg. This control is effective only because the elephant, conditioned by its experiences, fails to recognize its strength.
Individuals are shaped
Similarly, individuals are shaped by diverse life experiences, and the risk lies in permitting these past influences to govern our present lives. Unfortunately, many neglects to invest even a small amount of daily time in comprehending and unlocking their potential for a successful life.
A compelling analogy can be drawn by visiting prisons in Malaysia and conversing with inmates. Those still swayed by desires for revenge and harboring hatred may express violent intentions like murder or rape. However, upon reflection, many incarcerated individuals, after spending considerable time behind bars, regret squandering their lives rather than embracing the opportunity for positive change.
The root of such conditioning varies widely. Some aspire to be gang leaders due to familial influences or cinematic inspirations. Others, driven by blinded emotions, find themselves entangled in criminal activities such as rape or drug smuggling. This destructive conditioning disproportionately affects the Malaysian Indian community, leading to significant societal repercussions.
