The entrepreneurial spirit has been around for years.  In fact one of the leading books on creating success was written in 1910 by Wallace D Wattles.  

‘The Science of Getting Rich’ has a fantastic title which makes you want to delve right in and what is hidden inside is more than just tips to create wealth – it is a manifesto by which you can live your life to achieve anything you desire.

It can be a tough read, since it was written at the turn of the previous century, but there are some golden ideas that, once implemented in your daily routine, can change your life forever!

Here are eleven key principles that Wallace D Wattles suggests are ways of thinking and acting in your life to achieve success:

1. To grow rich is to fulfill your potential

We all have our hang ups about money in some way, but creating wealth in your life does not have to come from a place of greed.  Success is about becoming what you want to be and to allow yourself to do that, money plays a part. Creating wealth and abundance in your life allows you to fully embrace your potential.

“The very best thing you can do for the whole world is to make the most of yourself.” – Wallace D. Wattles

2. Opportunity is infinite

Allowing yourself to see that anything is possible will enable you to be open to opportunities outside of your current scope and reality. Think big about what you can achieve. Then think bigger.

3. Thought and action create success

If you think about the things you want to be, do and have in your life then the mere notion of this will allow you to see the opportunities available to make it happen. To then act upon those opportunities is what is required to achieve your success. You need to be specific about what you want, have a purpose for those things and above all be determined in your mind that you will achieve your desires.

4. Create, not compete

There is enough in this world for everyone. There is no need to compete for anything as there are abundant riches in the world available to you. You have the ability to create what you want through thought and action, there is no need to take those things from another person, nor do you need to cheat or take advantage of anyone in the process. Become a creator not a competitor.

5. Give value

Always give more value to someone than what you receive in exchange for it. This is known as over delivering.  You will create business from operating this way as this will be what you are known for and people will want to work with you or buy from you as people will go where they are ‘given increase’.

6. Gratitude

Being grateful for the things you already have, allows your mind to also expand into being grateful for the thing you are yet to receive. The law of physics states that every action has a reaction – equal and opposite. So the gratitude you express for the things you desire brings them closer to you for accepting.

7. Guard your thoughts from negativity

The energies of thought create the very thing that you think.  Therefore it is important to be aware of any doubts, disbelief or negativity that enters your thoughts.  Positive thinking is essential to achieving your desires.  That’s not to say you brush the negativity under the carpet, but be aware, address and release any doubts you may have about achieving what you want. Also guard what you say – Never speak of yourself, your affairs, or of anything else in a discouraging way.

8. Act to your fullest ability in all things

This is about showing up for the work. Not just about your work, but any tasks that you do should be done to the best of your ability, no holds barred. Each day do as much as you can achieve, and do it efficiently.

“You can advance only by being larger than your present place; and no man is larger than his present place who leaves undone any of the work pertaining to that place.” – Wallace D Wattles

9. No haste needed

There is no need to hurry. If you are operating in the creative sphere and not the competitive, no one is going to beat you to the thing you want to do.Take your time. Mistakes come from acting in a hurry, or from a place of doubt or fear.  If you find yourself rushing, slow down and remember to keep in mind what you desire whilst expressing gratitude that you are to receive it. This very act strengthens your faith and renews your purpose.

10. Do not worry about how you will overcome obstacles

As you go about your business it is inevitable that you will come upon obstacles to your goals. These might be obstacles of your own imagining or real ones. However, if you think and act in the ways above, you will find as you venture on your path a way will appear. Do not trouble yourself with thoughts of how you will do something. Think back to the gratitude of having already what you desire.

11. Failure is only apparent

Never feel disappointed that something hasn’t worked out as planned.  You may perceive it as failure but hold to your faith and you will see failure is only apparent. Something better is on it’s way to you which will make that apparent failure a true success.

How are you thinking and acting in your life to achieve success? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below!