Lesson 9 In the Science of Getting Rich: How to use the Will
To set about getting rich in a scientific way, you do not try to apply your will power to anything outside of yourself… Wallace D. Wattles
Will Power, a phrase that we normally use in mostly negative instances showing how little control we have over certain experiences, like I have no will power when it comes to waking up early and going to the gym or I have no will power staying consistent with my routines. In this chapter, Wattles explores the concept of Will Power as a mental faculty that allows us individually to focus our efforts and thoughts on our desired goals.
In this light, will power is seen as our ability to hold with faith and purpose the image of our desired goal as we work on it. We are also warned not to exert this power on anything else outside of ourselves or to will them in order to get our desired goal. This act is wrong on all levels. The goals we have are ours and ours alone to bring to reality, so forcing other people or things to make them happen is against the natural laws of progression.
If you are still thinking but how exactly can I apply my will power in getting rich, here are a few take aways I have gotten out of the book and through personal experience as well. The first and most important thing to realise is that before anything at all you must have a very clear vision of the desired goal. You must also have the belief that you are worthy of this and can achieve it. I stand by this statement because from many sources - the bible, Napoleon Hill etc. have written that once you can conceive an idea or have an idea on your heart that means you are capable of making that a reality so believe that once a desire or idea keeps tugging at your heart you have the capacity, capability and everything inside you to make it happen. When this is all clear and implanted in you then we can start applying our will.
It’s a chicken and egg situation - Will Power = Consistency
We know consistency is what brings about success and the use of our will power fuels our ability to be consistent and when we are consistent it means we are exercising our will power. Let’s say we want to improve our lifestyle so we decide to incorporate exercising into it. We’ve seen and heard so many influential people share that this is a good characteristic and trait to have but we’ve never been the gym going type and if we have gone to the gym before we did it with others. In the use of the will we first get a clear picture of who we will become when this is a natural part of our lives, we create a plan and then we start taking action. It might look like this,
9:00pm day before, pick out gym clothes
5.00am wake up devotion and meditation
5:30am hit the gym and workout for an hour.
Sometimes, it might be difficult to keep this going but when you have a plan and constantly think of the benefits this keeps you on track. Thus you exercise will power by going to the gym as scheduled regardless and this and helps you stay consistent and as you stay consistent you develop more will power. For the longest time this has been my routine and somethings that have always kept me going and given me the motivation to keep on are knowing and remembering my why. Why do I go to the gym. For me, the health benefits outweighs my comfort of not going, I also pick routines that are fun and work for me even if they are hard to do. I focus on the benefits I gain so with or without others I still go because who I envision to become is not dependant on others being with me or slacking on myself.
Minding your own business - Taking control and ownership of your own progress
In his book Rich dad, Poor dad, Robert Kiyosaki uses the statement - Minding your own business, where he talks about taking control of our financial future rather than depending on others, institutions etc. I have come to love this and apply this in many areas not just financially. In using the will I also apply the concept of minding my own business by taking complete responsibility for my progression and focusing intently on my own goals. Avoiding “shinny objects” and diligently working towards the goals I have set. It takes discipline and a lot of will power to do so in our oversaturated and highly competitive societies. Choosing to mind my own business helps me concentrate on my why, my progress and staying focused on the path I have chosen. When I think about this phrase the element of comparison diminishes, as I remind myself this is My Business not anyone else’s.
Developing Resilience
There are so many times we will encounter setbacks in our journey but when our desires are backed by determination there’s little room for giving up. I have learnt that as I work with faith and belief in myself and my goals I have been able to easily bounce back when I have encountered setbacks or rejections. Yes, they are frustrating but I know and believe that as I put in the effort I will see the equal amount of results and that once again as I can so vividly conceive it in my mind, I can also achieve it. This keeps me going and getting back up very time I fall because I have the desire and faith to succeed.
To sum it all up, I believe there are many ways that we can explore the role our will power in achieving our goals but the key point in this chapter is that our will power is a mental force that when properly harnessed, can help each and everyone of us overcome challenges, maintain focus, and attract the circumstances necessary for achieving our goals of wealth and success. Do you agree or what are your thoughts on using the will power? I would love for you to share your thoughts in the comments.
Journal Prompt: Which area in my life do I struggle with exercising my will power and what are some or the main reason for this?