David J. Schwartz’s The Magic of Thinking Big: A Deep Dive

David J. Schwartz:  

Welcome, and thank you for joining this powerful discussion on The Magic of Thinking Big. If you’re here, it means you’re ready to break free from small thinking, embrace bold ideas, and take charge of your success.

I wrote The Magic of Thinking Big because I saw one undeniable truth: success is not about intelligence, talent, or luck—it’s about mindset. The way you think shapes the way you act, and the way you act determines the results you get in life. The size of your success is determined by the size of your thinking.

In this conversation, I’m honored to be joined by some of the greatest minds in personal growth—Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins, and Earl Nightingale, with the brilliant Carol Dweck guiding our discussion. Together, we’ll explore the core principles that separate high achievers from those who remain stuck in mediocrity:

1. The Power of Thinking Big – How belief and vision create success.
2. Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt – Why fear holds people back and how to break through.
3. Taking Action to Create Success – Why action, not just ideas, leads to results.
4. Shaping Your Environment for Success – How the right people and habits fuel achievement.
5. The Long-Term Mindset for Growth – Why success is not an event, but a lifelong journey.

These are not just theories—they are proven principles that have transformed lives. The most successful people in history have applied these very ideas to achieve greatness, overcome obstacles, and build lasting success.

The question is: Are you ready to think bigger, act boldly, and step into the success you deserve?

Let’s dive in and explore the magic of thinking big.

(Note: This is an imaginary conversation, a creative exploration of an idea, and not a real speech or event.)

The Power of Thinking Big

Participants:

• Carol Dweck (Moderator) – Psychologist & Author of Mindset
• David J. Schwartz – Author of The Magic of Thinking Big
• Napoleon Hill – Author of Think and Grow Rich
• Tony Robbins – Motivational Speaker & Author of Awaken the Giant Within
• Earl Nightingale – Personal Development Pioneer & Author of The Strangest Secret

Carol Dweck:

Welcome, everyone. Today, we’re discussing the power of thinking big—how our mindset influences our success. David, your book The Magic of Thinking Big emphasizes that success is largely determined by how big we think. Could you start us off?

David J. Schwartz:

Of course, Carol. The fundamental idea is that success isn’t about intelligence or talent—it’s about belief. Most people limit themselves by thinking small, worrying about failure, or underestimating their potential. The key is to develop a mindset where you expect success, visualize it, and act as if achieving great things is natural for you.

Napoleon Hill:

I couldn’t agree more, David. In Think and Grow Rich, I studied the most successful people in history—from Henry Ford to Thomas Edison—and the common factor among them was an unwavering belief in their vision. They thought big even when circumstances seemed impossible. What we hold in our minds and repeatedly affirm becomes reality.

Tony Robbins:

Absolutely, Napoleon. And I’d add that belief is nothing without action. Thinking big is the first step, but if people don’t take massive action and push past fear, their big thoughts remain just that—thoughts. What I tell people is: train your brain to see possibilities instead of limitations.

Earl Nightingale:

That’s right, Tony. We become what we think about. That’s the central idea of The Strangest Secret. If a person constantly thinks about problems, doubts, or failures, that’s exactly what they attract. But if they focus on success, opportunities, and solutions, they start moving in that direction. The challenge is that most people let their environment dictate their thinking, rather than intentionally shaping their thoughts.

Carol Dweck:

This reminds me of what I call the fixed mindset versus the growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset think their abilities are set in stone, so they don’t take big risks. But those with a growth mindset—who believe they can learn, grow, and adapt—are more likely to dream big and achieve big.

David J. Schwartz:

Yes, Carol, and one way to develop that growth mindset is to eliminate self-limiting language. Instead of saying, I can’t do this, say I am figuring this out. Instead of thinking, I don’t have what it takes, say I am learning and growing every day. These small shifts create a huge impact over time.

Napoleon Hill:

That’s the power of autosuggestion! Repeating powerful affirmations and reprogramming your subconscious mind changes your beliefs. If you tell yourself every day, I am capable of great success, your mind will start acting in ways that make it true.

Tony Robbins:

And that’s why physiology matters too—you have to move and act like a successful person! If you sit slouched, talk with hesitation, and don’t take bold action, your brain will believe you’re weak. But if you stand tall, speak with confidence, and take decisive action, your body signals to your brain that you’re powerful and capable.

Earl Nightingale:

I’d add that people should also be very careful about who they surround themselves with. If you spend time with small thinkers, their limiting beliefs will rub off on you. But if you surround yourself with people who think big, their mindset will elevate yours.

Carol Dweck:

That’s an important point. So, to wrap up this part of our discussion, can each of you share one practical tip for those who want to start thinking bigger today?

David J. Schwartz:

Sure! Start by visualizing your success. Close your eyes and picture yourself achieving your biggest goal. Feel it, experience it, and believe it’s possible.

Napoleon Hill:

Write down a definite goal and read it aloud every morning and night. Program your subconscious to make it real.

Tony Robbins:

Take one bold action today. Don’t wait for the right moment—make a decision and act.

Earl Nightingale:

Change what you feed your mind. Read success books, listen to inspirational talks, and eliminate negativity from your life.

Carol Dweck:

Great insights! Thinking big is the first step to achieving extraordinary success. Thank you all, and let’s continue this discussion with our next topic: Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt.

Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

Carol Dweck:

Welcome back, everyone. Our next topic is overcoming fear and self-doubt—one of the biggest barriers to success. Many people think small because they’re afraid of failure, rejection, or looking foolish. David, since The Magic of Thinking Big focuses on overcoming these barriers, how do you see fear holding people back?

David J. Schwartz:

Great question, Carol. Fear is the number one reason most people never take the first step toward their dreams. They fear failure, criticism, or not being "good enough," so they choose inaction instead. But here’s the secret: fear is just a mental habit. The more you challenge it, the weaker it becomes. The key is to take action despite fear—that’s how confidence grows.

Napoleon Hill:

That’s exactly right, David. In Think and Grow Rich, I identified six major fears that hold people back:

1. Fear of poverty
2. Fear of criticism
3. Fear of ill health
4. Fear of loss of love
5. Fear of old age
6. Fear of death

And the most damaging ones? Fear of failure and fear of criticism. They stop people from even trying. But every great leader I studied understood that failure is just feedback.

Tony Robbins:

Absolutely, Napoleon. And I’d add that fear is a physiological response, not just a thought. When people feel fear, their breathing gets shallow, their shoulders slump, their voice weakens—and their brain associates that with danger. The trick is to change your physiology. Stand tall, take deep breaths, move with energy, and your brain will register confidence instead of fear.

Earl Nightingale:

That’s powerful, Tony. I’ve always said, we become what we think about. If we constantly think, I might fail, I’m not good enough, or What will people think?, those fears become reality. The mind is a goal-seeking mechanism, and whatever you feed it—whether confidence or fear—it will work to make true.

Carol Dweck:

That aligns with what I call the fixed mindset vs. growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset think failure defines them—so they avoid challenges. But with a growth mindset, they see failure as a stepping stone to improvement. David, in your book, you talk about breaking the fear habit—how can people do that?

David J. Schwartz:

One of the best ways is to act before you feel ready. Most people wait to feel confident before they act, but confidence comes from action. The moment you take that first step—whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, starting a business, or learning a new skill—you send a message to your brain: I can do this. And each success, no matter how small, builds confidence.

Napoleon Hill:

I’d add that fear thrives in indecision. The longer you hesitate, the stronger fear becomes. That’s why highly successful people make decisions quickly and adjust as needed.

Tony Robbins:

And remember, fear disappears when you face it. I’ve had people with lifelong fears—of public speaking, rejection, failure—overcome them in minutes by forcing themselves into action. You have to train yourself to feel the fear and do it anyway.

Earl Nightingale:

Exactly. And another thing that helps is changing your input. If you constantly listen to negative news, spend time with fearful people, and engage in self-doubt, you reinforce fear. But if you read inspiring books, listen to uplifting speakers, and surround yourself with big thinkers, you train your mind for confidence.

Carol Dweck:

That’s a great point. So, let’s summarize. What’s one actionable step each of you recommends for overcoming fear and self-doubt?

David J. Schwartz:

Take small actions daily. Fear shrinks when you make consistent progress, even in tiny steps.

Napoleon Hill:

Make decisions quickly. Indecision feeds fear; action kills it.

Tony Robbins:

Change your physiology. Move, breathe, and act like a confident person—your mind will follow.

Earl Nightingale:

Change what you feed your mind. Eliminate negativity and fill your mind with confidence-building ideas.

Carol Dweck:

These are fantastic takeaways. Fear and self-doubt may never completely go away, but with the right mindset, actions, and environment, anyone can rise above them.

Let’s continue with our next discussion: Taking Action to Create Success.

Taking Action to Create Success

Carol Dweck:

Now that we’ve covered thinking big and overcoming fear, let’s talk about something equally important: taking action. Many people have big dreams, but they hesitate to take the steps needed to make them real. David, in The Magic of Thinking Big, you emphasize that action is the bridge between ideas and success. What do you think stops most people from acting?

David J. Schwartz:

Great question, Carol. Most people delay action because they’re waiting for the perfect moment. They think they need more knowledge, experience, or resources before they can start. But the truth is, perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise. The most successful people start before they feel ready—because action builds confidence, momentum, and results.

Napoleon Hill:

I completely agree, David. In Think and Grow Rich, I found that successful people make decisions quickly and change them slowly, while unsuccessful people do the opposite. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to act. Decisiveness is key. The moment you set a clear goal, you must take immediate action—even if it’s small.

Tony Robbins:

Absolutely, Napoleon. I tell people: never leave the site of a decision without taking at least one small action toward it. That’s how you turn a dream into momentum. When you take action, even if it’s imperfect, your brain shifts from What if? to What’s next?—and that’s a game changer.

Earl Nightingale:

That’s right, Tony. And we also need to remember that action is more important than intelligence or talent. I’ve seen countless smart, capable people overthink and do nothing, while others with less experience take massive action and succeed. In The Strangest Secret, I said, We become what we think about most of the time—but thinking alone isn’t enough. You must think and act.

Carol Dweck:

That aligns with the growth mindset. Many people don’t act because they fear failure. But failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it. If you see mistakes as learning opportunities rather than reasons to stop, you’ll take action much more often.

David J. Schwartz:

Yes! And one way to get over the fear of failure is to focus on progress, not perfection. Instead of waiting until you have a perfect plan, just start with what you have. The first version of anything is never perfect, but action brings clarity.

Napoleon Hill:

That reminds me of something Henry Ford once said: You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. Most people wait until they have a full plan before moving forward, but real success comes from adapting along the way.

Tony Robbins:

Exactly! And that’s why motion creates emotion—if you feel stuck, just move. The simple act of doing something—making a phone call, writing down a plan, taking a class—creates a ripple effect.

Earl Nightingale:

And let’s not forget the power of habit. Taking action isn’t about huge leaps—it’s about consistent small steps. Success isn’t one big moment; it’s a series of daily actions that build up over time.

Carol Dweck:

That’s a great point, Earl. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and those who keep moving forward despite obstacles are the ones who ultimately achieve big things. Now, let’s get practical. What’s one simple action anyone can take today to start creating success?

David J. Schwartz:

Set a goal and take the first step immediately. Don’t wait until tomorrow—do something today, no matter how small.

Napoleon Hill:

Make a decision and commit to it. Success begins with a clear choice, followed by immediate action.

Tony Robbins:

Change your state. Stand up, move, and speak with confidence—your body influences your mind.

Earl Nightingale:

Replace overthinking with action. The more you think without acting, the harder it becomes. Just start.

Carol Dweck:

Fantastic insights! The key takeaway here is that success isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about starting and adapting along the way. Taking action, even imperfectly, is what separates thinkers from achievers.

Next, let’s discuss our fourth topic: Shaping Your Environment for Success.

Shaping Your Environment for Success

Carol Dweck:

Now that we’ve talked about thinking big, overcoming fear, and taking action, let’s discuss something just as important: our environment. The people we spend time with, the information we consume, and the habits we cultivate all shape our success. David, in The Magic of Thinking Big, you talk about how our surroundings influence our mindset. Can you expand on that?

David J. Schwartz:

Absolutely, Carol. Your environment either lifts you up or pulls you down. If you’re surrounded by negative, fearful, or small-minded people, their mindset will seep into yours. But if you surround yourself with ambitious, positive, and growth-oriented individuals, their mindset will elevate you.

Napoleon Hill:

That’s exactly why I wrote about the Mastermind Principle in Think and Grow Rich. The most successful people intentionally surround themselves with others who inspire, challenge, and push them to grow. No one succeeds alone—you need the right network of support and accountability.

Tony Robbins:

I couldn’t agree more, Napoleon. I always tell people: "Your life is a direct reflection of the expectations of your peer group." If your closest friends are complainers, procrastinators, or people who settle for mediocrity, guess what? You’ll eventually think and act like them. But if you surround yourself with big thinkers and action takers, you’ll naturally level up.

Earl Nightingale:

That’s why I always say, "We become what we think about." But what many people don’t realize is that our thoughts are shaped by what we expose ourselves to. If you consume negative news all day, spend time with people who complain, and fill your mind with doubts, then you’re programming yourself for failure.

Carol Dweck:

That’s an important point, Earl. And it ties into the idea of a fixed versus growth mindset. If you surround yourself with people who believe they can learn, grow, and improve, you’ll naturally adopt that mindset too. But if you spend time with people who believe "you either have it or you don’t", you’ll limit yourself without realizing it.

David J. Schwartz:

And environment isn’t just about people—it’s also about your physical space. If you want to think big and take action, create an environment that supports your goals. Keep your workspace clean and organized, surround yourself with inspiring books and quotes, and remove distractions that slow you down.

Napoleon Hill:

That’s a great point, David. And I’d add that feeding your mind with the right material is just as important as the people you associate with. Read books that expand your thinking. Listen to uplifting speeches. Constantly fill your mind with success-oriented ideas.

Tony Robbins:

And let’s not forget the power of rituals and habits. Success isn’t about one-time motivation—it’s about daily routines. If you create morning habits that set you up for success—like reading, journaling, exercising, and planning your day—you’ll naturally condition your mind for achievement.

Earl Nightingale:

Exactly! And another habit to develop is guarding your mind against negativity. Most people don’t realize how subtle negativity can be. A casual complaint from a friend, a news headline, or even an offhand remark can plant seeds of doubt. You have to be intentional about what you allow into your consciousness.

Carol Dweck:

So, to summarize, shaping our environment for success involves:

1. Choosing the right people—spend time with those who lift you up.
2. Feeding your mind positive input—books, speeches, and learning.
3. Creating a physical space that encourages focus and creativity.
4. Developing daily habits that reinforce growth and action.
5. Guarding against negativity—be mindful of what influences your thinking.

Now, let’s get practical. What’s one actionable step each of you would recommend for shaping a success-oriented environment?

David J. Schwartz:

Audit your relationships. Identify who in your life is lifting you up versus holding you back—and spend more time with the right people.

Napoleon Hill:

Create your own mastermind group. Find at least one or two people who share your ambition and hold each other accountable.

Tony Robbins:

Change what you consume. Replace negative news and gossip with inspiring books, podcasts, and mentors.

Earl Nightingale:

Start your day with intention. Spend at least 15 minutes every morning reading or listening to something positive before facing the world.

Carol Dweck:

These are great takeaways! The key is to design your environment with intention—so that success becomes natural and inevitable.

Now, let’s move to our final topic: The Long-Term Mindset for Growth.

The Long-Term Mindset for Growth

Carol Dweck:

We’ve had an amazing discussion on thinking big, overcoming fear, taking action, and shaping our environment. Now, let’s discuss something crucial—the long-term mindset for growth. Many people start strong but struggle to sustain success over time. David, in The Magic of Thinking Big, you emphasize that success is a continuous journey. Can you start us off?

David J. Schwartz:

Absolutely, Carol. Many people treat success as a one-time event, but the truth is, it’s a lifelong process. Success doesn’t come from one big breakthrough—it comes from consistent, daily efforts over time. Thinking big isn’t just about setting a goal—it’s about committing to ongoing growth and improvement.

Napoleon Hill:

That’s exactly what I found when studying the most successful people. In Think and Grow Rich, I wrote about persistence as a key factor in success. The difference between winners and those who give up is that winners keep going, even when things get tough. Most people quit when they don’t see results right away, but success comes to those who stay committed for the long haul.

Tony Robbins:

Absolutely, Napoleon. People underestimate how much small, consistent actions compound over time. They want instant results, and when they don’t get them, they lose motivation. But the secret is to focus on progress, not perfection. If you improve by just 1% every day, over a year, you’ll be 37 times better than when you started.

Earl Nightingale:

That’s why I always say, "Success is the progressive realization of a worthy goal." It’s not about one big win—it’s about continually working toward something meaningful. The most successful people never stop learning, growing, and improving.

Carol Dweck:

That’s exactly what I teach with the growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities are set in stone, so they either "have it" or they don’t. But people with a growth mindset understand that skills, intelligence, and success are developed through effort and persistence.

David J. Schwartz:

Right, Carol. And one way to develop a long-term growth mindset is to celebrate small wins. People often get discouraged because they only focus on the big goal, and if they’re not there yet, they feel like a failure. But if you track and celebrate progress, even small victories, you keep yourself motivated for the long journey.

Napoleon Hill:

That’s an important point, David. I found that definiteness of purpose is critical for sustaining success. If you have a clear vision of where you’re going and why it matters, you’ll push through obstacles instead of giving up. Without a strong "why," people get discouraged too easily.

Tony Robbins:

Exactly! And that’s why you have to make success a lifestyle, not a goal. If you say, "I’ll be happy when I reach my goal," you set yourself up for disappointment. But if you commit to daily habits that make you grow, you’ll enjoy the journey—and success will be a natural byproduct.

Earl Nightingale:

And let’s not forget the power of lifelong learning. Many people stop growing after they reach a certain level of success. But the best achievers never stop seeking knowledge, improving skills, and reinventing themselves. Learning isn’t just for beginners—it’s a lifelong process.

Carol Dweck:

That’s a great point, Earl. Growth doesn’t stop at one milestone—it’s about continuously setting new challenges for yourself. Now, let’s make this practical. What’s one key action someone can take to develop a long-term growth mindset?

David J. Schwartz:

Track your progress. Keep a journal of your goals and small wins to stay motivated and see how far you’ve come.

Napoleon Hill:

Define your purpose. Write down your definite major goal and review it daily to keep yourself focused.

Tony Robbins:

Make success a habit. Focus on daily actions, not just long-term outcomes—what you do consistently matters more than what you do occasionally.

Earl Nightingale:

Commit to lifelong learning. Read, listen, and seek new knowledge every day—success is a journey, not a destination.

Carol Dweck:

Fantastic insights! The biggest takeaway here is that success isn’t a one-time event—it’s about committing to constant growth, learning, and persistence.

That wraps up our five-part discussion on The Magic of Thinking Big! Thank you, David, Napoleon, Tony, and Earl, for sharing your wisdom on how we can think bigger, overcome fear, take action, shape our environment, and sustain success for the long run.

Summary of the Five Topics from The Magic of Thinking Big Discussion

1. The Power of Thinking Big

• Success is determined by belief, not intelligence or talent.
• Thinking big expands your possibilities, while small thinking limits you.
• Visualizing success helps bring it into reality.
• Self-talk and affirmations reprogram your mind for confidence.
• Surrounding yourself with big thinkers elevates your mindset.

Key Action Step: Visualize your biggest goal every day and act as if achieving it is inevitable.

2. Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt

• Fear is mostly imaginary—acting despite fear is the best way to build confidence.
• Indecision feeds fear—successful people make decisions quickly.
• Failure is just feedback—it teaches lessons and builds resilience.
• Your body influences your mind—stand tall, move with confidence, and fear will weaken.
• Be careful what you feed your mind—negative input reinforces fear, while positive input builds courage.

Key Action Step: Take one bold action today, even if it scares you.

3. Taking Action to Create Success

• Perfectionism is just procrastination in disguise—start before you feel ready.
• Small, consistent actions compound over time—don’t wait for motivation, create it.
• Success isn’t about what you know, but what you do.
• Motion creates emotion—if you feel stuck, move.
• Progress matters more than perfection—track your small wins.

Key Action Step: Make a decision and take immediate action toward your goal.

4. Shaping Your Environment for Success

• Your environment influences your success—choose who and what you surround yourself with.
• Your peer group determines your standards—spend time with people who inspire and push you.
• Success habits should be built into your daily routine.
• Negativity is contagious—protect your mind from toxic influences.
• Physical space matters—create a workspace that fuels focus and creativity.

Key Action Step: Audit your environment—remove distractions and add elements that support your growth.

5. The Long-Term Mindset for Growth

• Success is a journey, not a destination—commit to lifelong learning and improvement.
• Persistence separates winners from quitters—keep going when things get tough.
• Small improvements daily lead to massive transformation over time.
• Growth never stops—after reaching one goal, set the next challenge.
• Develop a habit of tracking progress to stay motivated.

Key Action Step: Define your purpose, set clear goals, and commit to lifelong learning and growth.

Short Bios:

David J. Schwartz was a renowned motivational speaker and author best known for The Magic of Thinking Big, a book that has empowered millions to expand their mindset, build confidence, and take decisive action toward success. He emphasized that success is not about intelligence or talent but about the size of one’s thinking.

Napoleon Hill was a pioneer in personal development and the author of Think and Grow Rich, one of the best-selling success books of all time. He spent decades studying the habits of the most successful people and introduced concepts like the power of definiteness of purpose, the mastermind principle, and autosuggestion.

Tony Robbins is a world-famous life strategist, entrepreneur, and author of Awaken the Giant Within and Unlimited Power. Known for his high-energy seminars and practical techniques, he has coached top leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs on peak performance, decision-making, and breaking through limitations.

Earl Nightingale was a legendary broadcaster and author of The Strangest Secret, a groundbreaking work that popularized the idea that “we become what we think about.” As a pioneer in self-improvement and motivation, he helped shape the personal development industry with his timeless wisdom on success and mindset.

Carol Dweck is a renowned psychologist and author of Mindset, known for her research on the fixed versus growth mindset. Her work has transformed how people approach learning, personal development, and success, proving that intelligence and abilities can be developed through effort and persistence.