Think and Grow Rich - Chapter 8

Principle 1: Decision 

Firstly, it is stated as a fact that lack of decision can lead to disastrous results. Napoleon associates lack of decision with procrastination. Appropriately, in order to attain that which you wish, assuming it is a goal that is difficult to achieve, you must undertake immense action and therefore, procrastination stands in the way of that action. 

One of the most common reasons for lack of decision is the individual is too concerned with the opinion of others. Since we have previously cited Gary Vaynerchuk, it is key to cite him again in this Chapter as one of his most fundamental principles is ignoring other people's opinions. That is not to mean that you should not receive feedback, advice or constructive criticism, but the notion that you must not allow others to dictate your life because eventually you will come to regret the decision that you did not live on your own terms.

In light of this, it is critical that you take objective decisions and conclusions and not decisions based on the opinion or logic of others. By objective decisions this author means knowing the relevant facts prior to making the decision or conclusion. 

An interesting passage appears when Napoleon emphasises that one must not do too much talking. Those who talk too much, he says, do little else. As Robert Kiyosaki asserted (author of another best-selling book 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad') there is a reason why we have 2 ears but only one mouth. Similarly, the Dalai Lama once recognised, 'When you talk, you are only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.' Additionally, the ancient Greek Socrates observed that 'Intelligent people know that they can learn from everyone and everything, whereas stupid people already have all the answers.' Consequently, it is vital that you avoid spending too much time talking about how you are going to do this or that and actually showing with actions what you are going to do or have done. 

Lastly, when making a gigantic decision, courage is necessary. Especially when that gigantic decision has the power to change the life of millions or even humanity. Napoleon cites examples of Abraham Lincoln, the Independence of the USA in 1776, among others. There have been similar decisions that required courage since then, as well. For instance, Winston Churchill refused to surrender to the Nazi German Forces in World War II and decided courageously, against a lot of backlash by Parliament, to fight until the end. The rest is history.