Book Summary "Magic Of Thinking Big" by David Schwartz

An Introduction to the Author

David J. Schwartz, Ph.D., was a motivational writer, coach, and professor of marketing at Georgia State University. Often regarded as one of the foremost experts on motivation and self-belief in the 20th century, Schwartz built a reputation for bridging the gap between academic psychology and practical life change. His writing style is clear, conversational, and disarmingly optimistic, anchored in real-world applications rather than abstract theory. Schwartz’s work doesn’t just promote positive thinking it constructs a practical framework for behavioral transformation rooted in belief, confidence, and action. His approach to “healing” is psychological and emotional, empowering readers to dismantle internal limitations through mindset shifts rather than medicine or mysticism.

The Story of the Book

Though not narrative in a traditional sense, The Magic of Thinking Big unfolds in a deliberately structured, linear format—each chapter building upon the last like steps on a staircase toward personal success. The book is not a memoir, but it brims with case studies, anecdotes, and real-life stories drawn from Schwartz’s extensive experience as a consultant and professor. These stories act as parables—short, digestible, and memorable—illustrating his principles in action. The “question that heals” here isn’t a single query but a recurring challenge to the reader: Are you thinking big enough? That question echoes throughout the book, urging self-examination and expansive thinking as a path to self-liberation.

A Summary of the Book

At its core, The Magic of Thinking Big is a call to radical self-belief. Schwartz argues that success is not reserved for the most talented or intelligent—it belongs to those who believe they can achieve it. His thesis is simple but powerful: "Belief triggers the power to do."

Key themes include:

• The Power of Belief:
• Thinking confidently leads to acting confidently. Doubt sabotages action.
• Excusitis – the Failure Disease:
• Schwartz identifies common excuses (“I’m not smart enough,” “I’m too old”) as mental poisons that must be rooted out.
• Envisioning Success:
• Visualization and positive mental rehearsal are essential to making big goals real.
• Action Over Analysis:
• Momentum matters more than perfection; acting now is better than waiting until everything feels “ready.”
• Environment and Association:
• Who you spend time with directly influences how big you think.
• Leadership and Initiative:
• Taking responsibility and setting high standards builds respect and self-worth.

Rather than providing fleeting inspiration, the book offers a set of habits—mental and behavioral to train oneself to think, feel, and act like a successful person.

Detailed Summary of The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz

Overview

First published in 1959, The Magic of Thinking Big is a classic of personal development literature. Schwartz teaches that the size of our success is limited only by the size of our thinking. The book emphasizes belief, confidence, vision, and action making the case that thinking big leads to bigger results in career, relationships, and life. The tone is positive and instructional, with dozens of stories, examples, and action plans.

Chapter 1: Believe You Can Succeed and You Will

The foundation of success is belief. Schwartz stresses that belief creates the power to act. He differentiates between wishful thinking and true belief: wishing is passive, but belief demands commitment and initiative.

Key message: Don’t wait for proof or permission. First, believe results will follow.

Chapter 2: Cure Yourself of Excusitis, the Failure Disease

Here, Schwartz diagnoses "excusitis," a mindset disease where people justify failure by blaming age, health, intelligence, or bad luck. He argues that success isn’t tied to innate talent, but to the refusal to make excuses.

Action tip: Identify your personal excuses and reframe them into strengths or opportunities.

Chapter 3: Build Confidence and Destroy Fear

Fear thrives on indecision. Schwartz gives readers a step-by-step guide to building confidence by taking action, seeking out positive associations, and controlling your internal dialogue.

Tools shared:

• Isolate your fear.
• Take action action cures fear.
• Surround yourself with confident people.

Chapter 4: How to Think Big

Thinking big means refusing to let your present circumstances dictate your future. Schwartz encourages the reader to:

• Avoid petty thinking.
• Use big, optimistic language.
• Envision abundance, not limitations.

Key idea: Expand your vocabulary and your goals; this stretches your mental boundaries.

Chapter 5: How to Think and Dream Creatively

Success depends on creative solutions, not just hard work. Schwartz advises readers to ask more questions, be open to new ideas, and break routine thinking patterns.

Practice tip: Use “Let’s try it” instead of “It won’t work.” Creativity is a choice.

Chapter 6: You Are What You Think You Are

Your self-image dictates your behavior. Think of yourself as important, capable, and respected, and your actions will align with that vision.

Visualization exercise: See yourself as successful in your mind’s eye—then act the part.

Chapter 7: Manage Your Environment: Go First Class

The people around you influence your thinking more than you realize. Schwartz urges you to choose a positive environment—at home, at work, and socially.

Main point: Upgrade your circle, your clothes, your ambitions. "Go first class" in mindset and standards.

Chapter 8: Make Your Attitudes Your Allies

Attitude affects everything. A positive, enthusiastic attitude inspires trust and opportunity.

Tips offered:

• Smile more.
• Be genuinely interested in others.
• Look for the good side of every situation.

Chapter 9: Think Right Toward People

Relationships are key to success. Schwartz emphasizes genuine respect, empathy, and encouragement as leadership tools.

Golden rule extension: Treat people not just how you’d like to be treated, but how they need to be treated to succeed.

Chapter 10: Get the Action Habit

Thinking big means doing big. Schwartz insists that action defeats fear, procrastination, and stagnation.

Key habits:

• Act now.
• Don’t wait for perfect conditions—they’ll never come.
• Take calculated risks.

Chapter 11: How to Turn Defeat Into Victory

Every failure is a chance to learn. Schwartz teaches mental resilience, arguing that the most successful people bounce back quickly.

Suggested steps:

• Study setbacks calmly.
• Extract the lesson.
• Move forward with a stronger plan.

Chapter 12: Use Goals to Help You Grow

Clear, written goals give life direction. Schwartz teaches how to set meaningful goals and track progress.

Advice includes:

• Set daily, weekly, monthly goals.
• Think about where you want to be in 10 years.
• Visualize reaching these goals often.

Chapter 13: How to Think Like a Leader

The final chapter focuses on leadership. Leadership, Schwartz argues, is less about authority and more about mindset:

• Think improvement—constantly upgrade systems and people.
• Think service—add value wherever you go.
• Think “we,” not “I.”

Final message: Leadership starts with personal mastery. Think big to lift others up with you.

Core Ideas Across the Book

• Belief is the root of all success.
• Excuses are mental traps—identify and eliminate them.
• Confidence grows through small, decisive actions.
• Surround yourself with people and environments that support your growth.
• You become the size of your thinking—aim higher.

Practical Takeaways

• Start each day with a "big thinking" intention.
• Replace negative self-talk with positive, actionable affirmations.
• Ask, "What would a confident person do right now?"
• Write and review your goals weekly.
• Upgrade your self-image and act like the person you aspire to be.

The Objectives of the Book

David Schwartz’s mission is unambiguous: to help ordinary people achieve extraordinary success by changing the way they think. He wants readers to stop underestimating themselves, to let go of limiting beliefs, and to adopt a mindset of possibility. The transformation he advocates is internal—healing the inner voice that says “you can’t” and replacing it with one that says “why not you?”

His goal is not just financial or professional success, but emotional empowerment. The book encourages people to feel more capable, respected, and energized in every area of life. It’s a manual for personal revolution.

The Target Audience

This book is for anyone who feels stuck, underestimated, or overlooked—whether by society or by themselves. It resonates with:

• Early-career professionals looking to break out of self-doubt.
• Entrepreneurs and leaders seeking a mindset edge.
• Individuals facing transitions, uncertainty, or impostor syndrome.
• Readers of Norman Vincent Peale, Zig Ziglar, or Tony Robbins—those drawn to practical self-help with a spiritual undertone.

It also speaks to anyone battling internal narratives that keep them small—this is the book that hands them a megaphone for their dreams.

Excerpts from the Book

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it.”“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it.”

This quote is the heartbeat of the book. It insists that belief precedes achievement, and that belief must be total, not tentative.

“You are what you think you are. Think more of yourself and there is more of you.”“You are what you think you are. Think more of yourself and there is more of you.”

Here, Schwartz encapsulates the idea that identity is elastic. Self-perception shapes outcomes.

A paraphrased gem from his chapter on action:

Waiting until everything is perfect is a recipe for nothing. Act now—the conditions will never be ideal.Waiting until everything is perfect is a recipe for nothing. Act now—the conditions will never be ideal.

Each line is designed not just to motivate but to shift perspective.

Your Perspective on the Book

The Magic of Thinking Big is not revolutionary in concept, but it is revolutionary in impact. It strips away fluff and delivers clarity. It doesn’t rely on complex philosophy or esoteric spirituality—it speaks plainly to the human desire for meaning and momentum. The book is helpful, especially for those who are ready to stop settling but don’t know where to start.

That said, readers looking for nuanced psychology or modern mental health strategies may find it dated. Schwartz’s mid-century tone can lean simplistic, and the advice, while evergreen, occasionally lacks the depth that modern readers crave.

Still, its value lies in its power to awaken dormant belief. It’s a practical pep talk with the longevity of a classic.

Who will love it: Aspiring leaders, new graduates, entrepreneurs, and anyone rebuilding their confidence.

Who might not: Readers looking for data-driven or trauma-informed guidance.