Unlocking Success: Lessons from The Magic of Thinking BIG

In part 2 of this book review, I wanted to highlight 3 other takeaways that stood out.  While this book was written 50+ years ago, I think these ring true now more than ever.  We live in a fast paced world were our attention is pulled in every direction, our time demands go beyond the traditional “9 to. 5” and we’re all guilty of spending more time in our phones than connecting with other people.

Those additional 3 key reads are as follows:

• Great leaders spend time in solitude

• Making people feel important is key to influence

• Planting seeds today leads to financial success

  

1. Great Leaders Spend Time in Solitude

In today’s world, many people associate leadership with constant action—endless meetings, networking, and decision-making. However, Schwartz highlights that true leaders understand the value of solitude.

Spending time alone allows you to reflect, plan, and develop a clear vision. Some of the greatest minds in history—Einstein, Lincoln, and Warren Buffett—prioritized solitude as a way to gain clarity and make better decisions. When you’re always reacting to the demands of others, you’re not thinking strategically.

Here’s how to incorporate solitude into your life:

• Schedule breaks from your phone.  I know, sounds impossible. That text, tweet or LinkedIn post can wait 30 minutes, 1 hour or even one day.

• Schedule quiet time daily, even if it’s just 15 minutes.

• Use solitude to think creatively and solve problems.

• Write down ideas and reflect on your goals without distractions.

• Journal.  Some of the most successful people on the planet use alone time to collect their thoughts on paper.

By making time for deep thinking, you cultivate wisdom and make better choices, setting yourself apart as a leader.

2. Make People Feel Important

One of the most powerful lessons from The Magic of Thinking BIG is that success isn’t just about intelligence or hard work—it’s about how you make others feel. People naturally gravitate toward those who uplift and recognize them.

Schwartz emphasizes that if you want to lead, sell, or inspire, you must develop the habit of making people feel valued. This doesn’t mean flattery or manipulation; it means genuinely recognizing the worth of others.

Ways to make people feel important:

• Use their name frequently in conversation.

• Give sincere compliments and acknowledge their contributions.

• Listen attentively without interrupting.

• If this book was written in the 2020’s, it would also say that when you’re in a meeting, grabbing coffee or lunch, to put your phone down and focus on the person you’re with.

When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to support you, trust you, and go the extra mile. This principle is especially valuable in leadership and business, where relationships determine long-term success.

3. Planting Seeds to Make Money

Success doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of consistently planting the right seeds. Schwartz compares success to farming: you must sow seeds before you can reap a harvest.

This means taking action today that will generate income in the future. Whether it’s investing, building a business, or acquiring new skills, every effort compounds over time.

Here’s how to plant seeds for success:

• Invest in self-education—skills pay the bills.

• Start side projects that can grow into businesses.

• Build relationships—opportunities come from people you know.

By thinking long-term and taking consistent action, you set yourself up for lasting financial success.

Final Thoughts

The principles from The Magic of Thinking BIG can transform your life. Spend time in solitude to think strategically, make people feel important to build influence, and plant seeds today to create wealth for the future. Success isn’t about luck—it’s about thinking big and taking the right actions daily.

Success doesn’t happen on accident.  Start planning now and incorporate some of these key takeaways.