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David J. Schwartz’s classic self-help book, The Magic of Thinking Big, has inspired millions since its publication in 1959. Its timeless wisdom continues to be profoundly relevant in today’s world of ambition, distraction, and constant change. Rather than focusing solely on technical skill or raw intelligence, Schwartz argues that success comes from mindset—specifically, the ability to think big.
Schwartz’s core message is simple yet powerful: believe in yourself, act with purpose, and set your mental sights high. This article will explore in detail the key concepts, lessons, and actionable strategies from The Magic of Thinking Big to help you elevate your thinking, expand your possibilities, and ultimately achieve more than you ever imagined.
1. Believe You Can Succeed and You Will
At the heart of Schwartz’s philosophy lies the idea that belief is the foundation of achievement. The author contends that successful people are not necessarily smarter or more talented than others—they simply believe they can succeed. That belief influences their actions, decisions, and ultimately their results.
Schwartz writes:
“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, your mind will find the ways to do it.”
Belief empowers you to overcome obstacles, develop creative solutions, and persevere through setbacks. When you doubt yourself, your mind works against you. But when you believe, you unlock internal resources you didn’t know you had.
Actionable Advice:
- Replace negative self-talk with affirming beliefs. Say: “I will find a solution” instead of “This is impossible.”
- Visualize your goals as already accomplished.
- Surround yourself with people who believe in your potential.
2. Cure Yourself of Excusitis—The Failure Disease
Schwartz introduces the concept of “excusitis,” which he calls the disease of the unsuccessful. Whether it’s poor health, lack of education, age, or bad luck, unsuccessful people find excuses for why they cannot succeed. In contrast, successful people overcome these same obstacles by focusing on what they can do.
He categorizes excusitis into four common forms:
- Health excusitis (“I don’t have the energy.”)
- Intelligence excusitis (“I’m not smart enough.”)
- Age excusitis (“I’m too young/old.”)
- Luck excusitis (“Others are just lucky.”)
Schwartz stresses that everyone has limitations—but it’s your attitude toward those limitations that determines your outcome.
Actionable Advice:
- Acknowledge but do not dwell on limitations.
- Shift focus from excuses to effort.
- Read about successful people who overcame disadvantages.
3. Build Confidence and Destroy Fear
Fear is one of the greatest obstacles to thinking big. Schwartz explains that fear often stems from indecision or lack of action. The antidote? Action. He writes:
“Action cures fear. Indecision, postponement, on the other hand, fertilize fear.”
By taking even small steps forward, we reduce uncertainty and begin to feel more in control. Confidence is not a trait we are born with, but a skill we can develop through deliberate action and positive self-talk.
Techniques to Build Confidence:
- Practice speaking up in meetings or social settings.
- Dress well to feel good about your appearance.
- Walk faster and with purpose—posture affects mindset.
- Smile more—project confidence and attract positivity.
Confidence is a muscle. The more you use it, the stronger it becomes.
4. Think Big: Enlarge Your Vision
Perhaps the most transformative idea in Schwartz’s book is the call to think big. Thinking big means setting ambitious goals, envisioning your best life, and refusing to limit your dreams to what others deem “realistic.” Schwartz argues that most people aim too low not because they lack ability, but because they are afraid to think bigger.
Thinking big has a ripple effect:
- It elevates your self-image.
- It attracts bigger opportunities.
- It challenges you to grow.
Schwartz warns that small thinking leads to small living. Big thinkers are optimistic, solution-focused, and future-oriented.
Actionable Advice:
- Replace questions like “Can I do this?” with “How can I do this?”
- Set 10X goals—goals ten times greater than your current targets.
- Visualize not just surviving, but thriving.
5. You Are What You Think You Are
Your self-image—how you view yourself—directly affects your success. Schwartz emphasizes the importance of thinking like a successful person. That doesn’t mean arrogance, but it does mean carrying yourself with dignity, dressing professionally, and treating yourself as someone of value.
People tend to reflect back to us the way we present ourselves. If you act like someone who is important, competent, and worthy, others will treat you accordingly.
Key Behaviors to Elevate Self-Perception:
- Stand tall and speak clearly.
- Use affirmations such as, “I am a capable and valuable person.”
- Avoid gossip and negative talk—it diminishes your character.
6. Manage Your Environment: Go First Class
The people and ideas you surround yourself with shape your beliefs, habits, and expectations. Schwartz encourages readers to upgrade their environment, which includes relationships, workplace culture, home setting, and even the content they consume.
His mantra:
“Go first class in everything you do.”
This doesn’t mean spending beyond your means, but rather choosing quality—of thought, association, and action.
Actionable Strategies:
- Associate with positive, successful people.
- Read books and articles that inspire growth.
- Limit exposure to negativity, cynicism, and fear-based media.
Upgrade your environment, and you’ll naturally elevate your thinking and performance.
7. Make Your Attitudes Your Allies
Attitude is everything. Schwartz breaks down several powerful attitudes that support success:
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is contagious. It boosts morale, energizes people around you, and opens doors.
Empathy
Understanding others builds trust and strengthens relationships.
Service-Mindedness
Focusing on how you can help others leads to respect, loyalty, and mutual success.
When you deliberately cultivate the right attitudes, they become your internal allies, helping you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities.
8. Think Right Toward People
Success depends on your ability to work with others. Schwartz emphasizes that how you think about people determines how you treat them—and how they respond to you.
Principles for Positive People Thinking:
- Think “We,” not “Me.”
- Don’t underestimate others’ intelligence or value.
- Be genuinely interested in people’s stories and dreams.
- Show appreciation, recognition, and kindness.
Whether you’re a manager, employee, entrepreneur, or friend, treating people with respect and high regard pays off exponentially.
9. Get the Action Habit
Planning is important, but nothing happens without action. Schwartz emphasizes that successful people aren’t just dreamers—they’re doers. They cultivate the habit of taking action even when the timing isn’t perfect or fear is present.
He writes:
“Ideas are worthless unless we act on them.”
Steps to Cultivate the Action Habit:
- Start now—procrastination is the enemy of progress.
- Do it afraid—courage grows through action.
- Make decisions—don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis.
- Break big goals into smaller actions—then complete them daily.
Momentum creates motivation. The more action you take, the more confident and competent you become.
10. Turn Defeat into Victory
Setbacks are inevitable, but your response to them determines your trajectory. Schwartz encourages a mindset that sees failure as temporary and instructional, not as a sign of inadequacy.
He introduces the idea of “fail forward”—using each setback as a stepping stone for growth. Don’t dwell on mistakes. Learn the lesson, adjust your approach, and keep moving.
Mental Shifts to Reframe Failure:
- Ask, “What can I learn from this?”
- Remember that every success story includes failure chapters.
- Normalize mistakes—they’re part of mastery.
Persistence, not perfection, leads to excellence.
11. Use Goals to Help You Grow
Goal-setting is a theme throughout the book. Schwartz emphasizes that goals:
- Provide direction.
- Fuel motivation.
- Focus your efforts.
- Act as measuring sticks for progress.
He outlines a step-by-step method to set meaningful, stretch-oriented goals:
- Define what you want.
- Break it into achievable steps.
- Assign deadlines.
- Review progress regularly.
- Celebrate milestones.
Importantly, Schwartz argues that goals should stretch you. Don’t set goals based only on what seems likely—set them based on what you want.
12. Think Like a Leader
You don’t need a formal title to think and act like a leader. Leadership, according to Schwartz, is a mindset rooted in vision, decisiveness, and responsibility. The world needs more people who act with purpose and inspire others to rise with them.
Leadership Habits:
- Think ahead—anticipate problems and plan solutions.
- Take responsibility—don’t pass the blame.
- Encourage others—build confidence and morale.
- Be decisive—avoid over-analysis.
Lead first in your own life, and leadership opportunities will follow.
13. Live with Purpose and Vision
Schwartz warns against drifting—moving through life passively, without goals or a sense of mission. Big thinkers live intentionally. They wake up with a purpose, pursue goals that matter, and maintain a compelling vision for their future.
Purpose brings energy, resilience, and focus. Without it, even small obstacles can feel overwhelming.
How to Clarify Your Purpose:
- Reflect on your passions and strengths.
- Ask: “What impact do I want to make?”
- Set long-term goals that excite you.
- Visualize the future you’re building.
14. Final Words: The Real Magic Is Mindset
The Magic of Thinking Big is not about fantasy—it’s about a mindset shift that transforms your reality. By believing in yourself, setting big goals, acting with confidence, and serving others, you unlock more potential than you thought possible.
Key Takeaways to Remember:
- Think big thoughts to achieve big results.
- Actively build confidence and destroy fear.
- Set goals that stretch you beyond comfort.
- Treat people like VIPs—they’ll reflect that energy.
- Take action, even before you feel fully ready.
- Lead with vision and integrity.
This book reminds us that success is not about luck or innate talent—it’s about how we think, believe, and act. Big thinkers live bigger lives not by chance, but by choice.
Final Reflection: Are You Thinking Big Enough?
Let David Schwartz’s challenge echo in your mind:
“Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success.”
If your goals don’t scare you a little, you’re probably not thinking big enough.
Whether you want to build a business, write a book, change careers, improve your relationships, or simply live a fuller life, it starts with believing it’s possible—and acting as if it were inevitable.
The magic, as Schwartz proves again and again, is in your mind. Train it. Stretch it. Believe bigger. And let your future unfold with new possibilities you never dared to imagine.
Maintenance, projects, and engineering professionals with more than 15 years experience working on power plants, oil and gas drilling, renewable energy, manufacturing, and chemical process plants industries.
