What is your biggest dream?

Hey there! What’s your biggest dream? The one that keeps you tossing and turning at night? We all have that “thing” that we want more than anything else.

Let me tell you a story about a guy named Edwin C. Barnes. He wasn’t famous or wealthy, but he had a burning desire to become the business partner of an inventor named Thomas Edison. The problem was, Barnes had no money, no education, and no influence. He felt like he had nothing at all to offer Edison.

But he didn’t let that stop him. Barnes had the audacity to travel by freight train to meet Edison face-to-face and ask to be his partner. Even though Edison initially turned him down, Barnes didn’t give up. He accepted a job as a sweeper and kept his eyes open for an opportunity to prove himself.

That opportunity came when Edison’s sales team struggled to sell one of his inventions. Barnes created a plan to sell it and it was a huge success! Edison recognized Barnes’ value and together they formed the company ‘Edwin C. Barnes and Bros’.

This story, along with many others, is told in detail in my favorite book, ‘Think & Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill. It’s a must-read if you haven’t already!

So, what can we learn from this inspiring story?

First, you need to get really clear about your goal. Barnes wouldn’t have achieved his dream if he hadn’t known exactly what he wanted. So, be specific about your dream!

But remember to stay flexible with your path. Barnes thought he could become Edison’s partner right away, but he had to start as a sweeper. He stayed determined and eventually got his chance. Keep your eyes on the goal, but be open to changes in the plan.

Next, embrace your naivety. Sometimes, not knowing how hard something will be can push us to try things we wouldn’t attempt otherwise. Let your naivety drive you!

But also, temper your naivety with grit. Understand that the road ahead will be tough. Barnes showed his true character by accepting his sweeper job and working hard until he got his chance.

I’ve read ‘Think & Grow Rich’ countless times and each time I find new insights. If you want to think and grow rich, I highly recommend diving into Napoleon Hill’s work.

Keep dreaming big and never give up on your goals!

Russell Brunson