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Thought-Force in Business and Everyday Life

Thought-Force in Business and Everyday Life

Being a Series of Lessons in Personal Magnetism, Psychic Influence, Thought-Force, Concentration, Will Power, and Practical Mental Science
by William Walker Atkinson 1996 104 pages
4.08
26 ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Thought is a Dynamic, Vibratory Force

"Thoughts are Things."

Thoughts are real. Personal Magnetism is not literal magnetism but a subtle current of thought-waves or vibrations projected from the human mind. Every thought, whether weak or strong, good or bad, sends out these vibratory waves, influencing both ourselves and others within their radius. These waves expand in widening circles, much like ripples on a pond, carrying the impetus imparted at their creation.

Self-shaping power. Our thoughts profoundly affect us, not just temporarily but permanently, shaping our character and even our physical appearance. The biblical truth, "as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he," is literally correct; we are creatures of our own mental making. Repeated thoughts along a certain line manifest in action, demonstrating that vigorous thinking naturally leads to corresponding deeds.

The greatest force. Thought is the most potent force in the world, capable of transforming "I can't" into "I can and I will." Understanding this power allows us to master it and turn it into an instrument for success. This foundational principle underpins all other forms of personal influence and self-development discussed in the book.

2. Recognize and Assert Your "I Am" (Will)

The real Ego, or "l," is as much higher than Mind, as Mind is higher than the body; and both body and mind are subordinate to it.

The true self. To effectively use Volic Force, one must understand the true nature of the will, which stems from recognizing the "real man" – the Ego, or "I am." This "I am" is superior to both mind and body, serving as their master and source of power. Cultivating this recognition awakens hitherto unknown powers and imparts a profound sense of inner strength.

Willpower's secret. The will itself is inherently strong and does not need "developing"; rather, the mind needs to be trained to recognize and be controlled by it. This is akin to raising a trolley pole to connect with a powerful current. Active Mentation, driven by the will, produces stronger and more forceful thoughts than passive, instinctive thinking, giving a significant advantage to those who understand this law.

Unlocking potential. By consciously connecting with the "I am," individuals can exert what is commonly known as "will power" to further their plans and desires. This recognition, even if faint at first, grows with encouragement and practice, guiding the mind toward further development and unlocking immense personal influence. It is the ultimate source of inner strength and control.

3. Cultivate a Positive Mental Attitude

Don't think Fear thoughts.

Root out negativity. Fear and its offspring, Worry, are the primary causes of misery, unhappiness, and failure, breeding a host of other detrimental thoughts like doubt, timidity, jealousy, and hate. These "vile weeds" spoil the mental garden and hinder all progress. The first crucial step in mental control is to tear out Fear and Hate by their roots.

Attract positivity. Just as negative thoughts attract more negativity, bright, cheerful, and confident thoughts attract similar vibrations, strengthening and stimulating you. Thinking "I can and I will" sends out inspiring waves that attract the world towards you, fostering cooperation from strong individuals and drawing weaker ones to your aid. This positive feedback loop reinforces success.

Transformative power. By consciously choosing to replace fear and hate with bright, cheerful, and happy thoughts, one can transform their entire life experience. This shift in mental attitude not only improves personal well-being but also creates an attractive aura that draws favorable circumstances and assistance from unexpected quarters. It's a selfishly beneficial practice that yields profound results.

4. Influence Others Through Direct Suggestion

Never take "No” for an answer.

The dual mind. Human minds operate with two general functions: the Active (voluntary, volitional, critical) and the Passive (instinctive, automatic, suggestible). To influence others in a personal interview, the goal is to elude the watchful Active partner and deliver suggestions to the more receptive Passive brother. This requires understanding their respective traits and weaknesses.

Tactics for influence. Successful influence involves a combination of direct suggestion (voice, manner, appearance, eye), conscious thought waves, and the adductive quality of thought. Key strategies include:

  • Conversation: Listen attentively, talk about their interests, but don't be swayed.
  • Appearance: Be neat, clean, and avoid extremes.
  • Manner: Project pleasantness, cheerfulness, reserve, self-control, fearlessness, and self-respect.
  • Handshake: Cultivate a firm, honest grip.
  • Voice: Maintain an agreeable, modulated tone, matching pitch (unless they shout).

Persistence and confidence. Suggestions gain force through repetition. If a proposition is initially rejected, persistent, confident re-presentation can lead to acceptance. The "Active partner" can be coaxed, flattered, or tired out, allowing access to the "Passive brother." Confidence in your ability to influence is paramount, as it empowers your suggestions and actions.

5. Master the Magnetic Gaze

The eye is one of the most potent means of influencing others.

A powerful weapon. The human eye, when trained, becomes a potent tool for influence, capable of holding attention, impressing will, and conveying strong mental vibrations. A firm, steady "magnetic gaze" can attract, fascinate, and even spellbind the "Active partner" of another's mind, creating an opening to influence their "Passive brother."

Strategic application. In personal interviews, initiate with a firm, steady gaze, indicative of strong will and concentration. While conversing, vary your gaze, but for propositions or statements you wish to impress strongly, direct a firm, magnetic gaze straight into their eyes. If they avoid your gaze, strategically look away then quickly re-engage when they glance back, seizing the "psychological moment" to drive in a suggestion.

Developing the gaze. Acquiring the magnetic gaze involves specific exercises:

  • Spot gazing: Stare at a black spot on a wall, gradually increasing duration without winking.
  • Mirror gazing: Practice gazing into your own eyes to build confidence and observe expression.
  • Eye muscle exercises: Roll eyes while fixed on a spot, or rapidly shift gaze to strengthen nerves and muscles.
  • Live practice: Experiment on friends or animals to gain confidence and observe effects.
    Discreet use and maintaining secrecy about your practice are crucial to avoid suspicion and maximize effectiveness.

6. Project Your Will Through Telepathic Volation

There is a way to project thought vibrations toward another person, in a straight line, and thereby attract his attention to you.

Directed thought. Telepathic Volation is the conscious, willed projection of thought vibrations toward a specific person, even at a distance. Unlike undirected thought waves that spread broadly, Volation focuses energy like a rifle ball, ensuring the message is received more clearly and with greater impact. This power, though often guarded by masters, can be learned for practical, everyday use.

Establishing rapport. To prepare for an interview or attract someone from afar, establish mental rapport through telepathic volation. Find a quiet place, relax completely, and calm your mind, shutting out all fear thoughts. Then, calmly and intently focus on the other person, forming a clear mental image. Dwell on your wishes for them, imagining them acting as you desire, which shapes the thought waves directed towards them.

The psychic tube. The most effective results are achieved when you gain the impression of looking through a "psychic tube" directly connecting you to the other person. This signifies perfect rapport and the successful exclusion of outside impressions. This mental connection makes subsequent personal interactions smoother, as the person will already feel a heightened interest or familiarity with you, making them more receptive to your influence.

7. Leverage the Adductive Quality of Thought

Thoughts attract like thoughts; the good thoughts attracts other good thoughts; the bad thoughts, the bad; thoughts of strength, likewise; thoughts of discouragement and doubt follow the rule, and so on through the entire gamut of thoughts.

Like attracts like. The "Adductive Quality of Thought" is a fundamental psychic phenomenon where thoughts attract other thoughts of a similar nature. This means that if you harbor fear or worry, you draw more of these negative vibrations to yourself, creating a heavier burden. Conversely, bright, cheerful, and confident thoughts attract similar positive energies, enhancing your well-being and strengthening your resolve.

The boomerang effect. Your thoughts, once projected, maintain a connection with you and return with amplified force, much like "curses, like chickens, come home to roost." Sending out hate or jealousy will bring back more of the same, creating a hostile environment. Conversely, kind thoughts return with compound interest, fostering a supportive and helpful world around you.

Success by right thinking. Achieving success hinges on cultivating an "overpowering Desire," a "strong belief" in your ability, and an "invincible Determination." These qualities, when consistently held, mold your character and generate thought waves that attract aid and opportunities. Thinking "I can and I will" draws strong, cooperative individuals and necessary resources, proving that "your own will come to you" if you truly believe and act.

8. Rebuild Your Character by Mental Control

Man can so mould his mind by the power of the will that he can make of himself practically what he will.

Self-transformation. Character is largely a result of ingrained thought habits, but man possesses the power to "make over" himself by consciously molding his mind. This means that qualities essential for success—such as energy, ambition, courage, and perseverance—are not fixed traits but can be acquired and strengthened through deliberate mental control.

Four methods of change. To break old thought habits and form new ones, several approaches can be used:

  • Sheer force of will: A difficult, heroic remedy, often leading to discouragement for many.
  • Hypnotic suggestion: Effective when administered by a skilled, ethical operator.
  • Auto-suggestion: Repeatedly affirming desired traits to your Passive mind, which eventually accepts them as truth.
  • Thought absorption: Placing yourself in a passive state and vividly imagining yourself possessing the desired qualities.

The ideal approach. The most effective method combines auto-suggestion with thought absorption. By consistently repeating affirmations like "I am Fearless" and mentally picturing yourself embodying these traits, you impress the Passive mind, making the imagined reality manifest. This process, akin to "dripping water on a stone," gradually but surely transforms your character, making the desired qualities second nature.

9. Master the Art of Concentering

The man who can concenter has at his hand a sure remedy for the "blues."

Focused power. Concentering, or "bringing to a common center," is the art of focusing your entire attention, thought, and energy on a single thought or action, inhibiting all distractions. This skill is paramount for doing your best work, achieving optimal results, and ensuring that every action contributes to your objectives. It transforms scattered effort into potent, directed force.

Practical benefits. Concentering is not just for grand tasks; it elevates even the simplest daily activities, infusing them with "brains" and interest. It is the secret behind every successful individual, enabling them to:

  • Maximize output: Do better work and receive proper rewards.
  • Overcome discouragement: Shift focus from unpleasant thoughts to brighter subjects.
  • Achieve mental rest: By focusing on new thoughts, tired brain cells are relieved and refreshed.

Training the mind and body. Developing concentering involves rigorous exercises:

  • Muscular control: Practice sitting perfectly still, holding limbs steady, and eliminating nervous habits like tapping or fidgeting.
  • Voluntary movement control: Perform trivial, monotonous actions (e.g., slowly extending fingers, twirling thumbs) while keeping attention firmly fixed on the movement.
  • Object focus: Select an uninteresting object (like a pencil) and devote your entire attention to it, exploring every aspect, to train your attention to resist wandering.
    These exercises, though tedious, build the mental discipline necessary to direct your will and thought forces effectively in all aspects of life.

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Review Summary

4.08 out of 5
Average of 26 ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Thought Force In Business and Everyday Life receives an overall rating of 4.08 out of 5 stars from 26 reviews. Readers praise its enlightening information on increasing personal magnetism, with one reviewer planning to use it for motivational speaking. However, some note the content feels dated, with concentration exercises being particularly valuable but the material being more accessible in modern works. One reviewer humorously suggests it may have influenced Star Wars, highlighting its focus on mental power and thought force exercises for business applications.

Your rating:
4.36
6 ratings

About the Author

William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932) was an American attorney, publisher, and pioneering New Thought movement author who wrote over 100 books under his own name and numerous pseudonyms including Theron Q. Dumont and Yogi Ramacharaka. After experiencing a breakdown, he discovered New Thought principles which he credited for his recovery. Moving to Chicago, he became a prominent editor of New Thought magazines and founded the Atkinson School of Mental Science. His first book, Thought-Force in Business and Everyday Life, appeared in 1900. Despite his prolific output and past recognition, his extensive use of pseudonyms contributed to him being largely forgotten today.

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