As almost any successful person in business and in life would tell you, self-confidence is absolutely essential. Most people, if they were able to look back on all their failures and regrets, and if they were able to do so objectively, they would find that one of their greatest weaknesses is that they did not develop self-confidence.

Fortunately, for those of us who lack self confidence, there is a way to develop it. And no matter how long you have lacked confidence (whether or not it's been your entire life), you can still actually train yourself to be self-confident.

And it really is as simple as a formula.

And in Napoleon Hill's book, "Think and Grow Rich", he gives us the five step formula for truly gaining self-confidence. Using the principle of autosuggestion, all you need to do is simply quote this self-confidence formula on a regular basis. And over time, you will find that these words will gradually seep into your subconscious mind, and start to transform you into a much more confident person.

Here is that formula:

"First. I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my definite purpose in life, therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action towards attainment, and I here and now promised to render such action.

Second. I realize the dominating thoughts in my mind will eventually reproduce themselves in outward, physical action, and gradually transform themselves into physical reality, therefore, I will concentrate my thoughts for 30 minutes daily upon the task of thinking of the person I intend to become, thereby creating in my mind a clear mental picture of that person.

Third. I know through the principle of autosuggestion any desire that I persistently hold in my mind will eventually seek expression through some practical means of obtaining the object back of it, therefore, I will devote 10 minutes daily to demanding of myself the development of self confidence.

Fourth. I have clearly written down a description of my definite chief aim in life, and I will never stop trying until I shall have developed sufficient self-confidence for its attainment.

Fifth. I fully realize that no wealth or position can long endure unless built upon truth and justice, therefore, I will engage in no transaction which does not benefit all whom it affects. I will succeed by attracting to myself the forces I wish to use, and the cooperation of other people. I will induce others to serve me, because of my willingness to serve others. I will eliminate hatred, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and cynicism, by developing love for all humanity, because I know that a negative attitude towards others can never bring the success. I will cause others to believe in me, because I will believe in them, and in myself.
I will sign my name to this formula, committed to memory, and repeat it aloud once a day, with full faith that it will gradually influence my thoughts and actions so that I will become self-reliant and successful person." (chapter 3, page 60).

Napoleon Hill and his works (especially "Think and Grow Rich") have had a very positive impact in my life. Like many, I have had to overcome years of negative mental conditioning. I have had to be willing to commit to the process of reprogramming my subconscious mind, and as a result develop more self-confidence. If you don't have it already, I would encourage you to go out and pick up a copy of think and grow Rich. And I would also encourage you to download the audio book, and listen to it over and over again.

Here's to your success!