Wednesday Wisdom: Use it or Lose it!

I’m one of those people who reads several books at a time. So one of the books that I’ve been reading is called Think and Grow Rich (A Black Choice) by Dennis Kimbro and Napoleon Hill.

(Long, but important background:

Napoleon Hill (co-author of the book I mentioned above) wrote the original Think and Grow Rich -a book that I am also in the process of reading. Think and Grow Rich is a 1937 motivational personal development and self-help book  inspired by a suggestion from businessman Andrew Carnegie. While the title implies that this book deals only with how to get rich, Hill explains that the philosophy taught in the book can be used to help people succeed in all lines of work and to do or be almost anything they want. It is noted in the book, that an individual with desire, faith, and persistence can reach great heights by eliminating all negative energy and thoughts and focusing on the greater goals in hand. (Source: Wikipedia)

So Dr. Kimbro (co-author of the first book I mentioned) comes into the story because he was seeking to write a book about African Americans achieving wealth. As it turned out, Napoleon Hill had started writing a book about how African Americans could utilize his insights and develop wealth and greatness for themselves, but he died before it was finished and the manuscript sat unfinished for several years  Fast Forward through  Mr. Hill’s foundation finding out about Dr. Kimbro’s research, negotiations, and you have the book I am referencing for my Wednesday Wisdom. Hill’s book is a must read and there are several free electronic versions. I strongly suggest you read it. )

OK, so…back to Wednesday Wisdom.

I found a passage from Dr. Kimbro and Hill’s book that really changed my thinking:

“Like physical effort, thought control is entirely a matter of intelligent practice. You must use your courage or it will desert you. You must use your determination or it will leave you. You must use your power of decision or soon you will find that you have none.” (page 29)

Wow, right?!  I fully understand that concept for muscles–think astronauts and the extreme care they take to exercise their muscles so they don’t atrophy. (digression: if I don’t work out for a week, the next week, when I resume, my heart and lungs feel like I hadn’t used them in years…yuk!!)

Until I saw this passage, I hadn’t thought about courage, determination, or decisiveness in a “use or lose” kind of way. But we all know, once in a comfort zone, it’s hard to get out. Once you quit on one goal, it’s much easier to quit next time. Once you make a decision and then back out or change it several times, it’s easier to be wishy washy next time and the time after that. But the same idea is true in reverse. Once you leap and make one courageous move (even if it’s unsuccessful) it’s easier to be courageous next time, etc.

So I encourage you (and me) to do things that require courage. Not only things like sky diving and rock climbing (that’s a no for me!), but little things like wearing a non-traditional nail polish color to a conservative work place

(You’re thinking it’s a small thing– I know, but hey it’s my way of asserting myself—and it does take courage. And no judgement on the 3 nails painted, I was only testing it, but I’ll finish. )

Also, be decisive and determined on a daily basis. I know we are all about being accomodating to everyone and everything, but every now and then stick with your decision no matter who opposes.

Stay inspired and enjoy the journey,

A. Genise