Napoleon Hill’s Advice – Why You MUST take responsibility for your life

I heard an interesting story in Napoleon Hill’s ‘The Law of Success’.

A homeless man stepped into Hill’s office holding a copy of his book ‘Self-Confidence Formula’.

The man explained how he was on the verge of committing suicide.

Whilst begging, he was handed a copy of Hill’s book, which he read from start to finish.

Using the last ounce of hope he had, the man promised himself to meet the author before ending his life.

The man told Hill his story.

He explained how he had taken out loans for a business venture which collapsed due to the war.

He shared how the failure led him to leave his wife and children and become homeless.

The man explained in great detail about all of the forces working against him.

Hill patiently listened, looking the man up and down.

Hill knew he couldn’t do anything for the man who he believed was too far gone.

The homeless man was shabby, unkempt and had a look of discouragement and defeat all over his face.

Finally, Hill decided to interject.

“I have listened to you with a great deal of interest, and I wish that there was something which I could do to help you, but there is absolutely nothing.”

The man looked heartbroken and ready to continue with his plan of self-annihilation.

“While there is nothing that I can do for you, there is a man in this building to whom I will introduce you, if you wish, who can help you regain your lost fortune and put you back on your feet again.” Hill said encouragingly.

The man’s demeanor changed, and for the first time during the conversation a small smile appeared on his face.

Hill led him to what looked like a door covered with a tarp.

Perhaps this was a hidden entrance to the office of the homeless man’s saviour?

He pulled the tarp to reveal a full-length mirror.

The homeless man could see himself from head to toe.

 “There stands the man to whom I promised to introduce you. There is the only man in this world who can put you back on your feet again, and unless you sit down and become acquainted with that man, as you never became acquainted with him before, you might just as well go on over and ‘punch a hole’ in Lake Michigan, because you will be of no value to yourself or to the world until you know this man better.” Hill explained.

The man fell to the floor and started weeping hysterically.

Hill showed him out of his office without holding on to hope that the message landed.  

A few days later he ran into the man again.

The man was clean-shaven and wearing a nice suit.

He had a pep in his step and looked joyous.

He let Hill know their conversation changed him.

He got a new job and was back on his feet due to the realization.

Moral of the Story

Stop waiting for someone to save you.

Your partner can’t save you.

Your parents can’t save you.

Your government can’t save you.

Your favourite guru can’t save you.

I’m trying my best, but even I can’t save you.

If you want to see a real change in your life, it starts with taking 100% responsibility for your circumstances.

This lesson isn’t just for homeless people trying to get out of a rut.

The same principle reigns true for entrepreneurs stuck in 6 figures a year who are trying to scale to 7 and 8.

Doctors who are looking to leave their draining job and start their own practice.

Athletes who are trying to attain that next level of achievement.

Executives who are looking to create better systems for their departments and teams.

Change happens when you stop looking for someone else to save you.

This takes courage.

It’s the type of work most people will never do.

But it’s crucial for high performers.

Do this and you will be one step closer to living and dying well.