HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT: A Timeless Guide to Success and Personal Power - by Orison Swett Marden (1917) - HQ Full Book. 

Orison Swett Marden is often considered one of the founding fathers of modern self-help and success literature. His influence can be seen in the works of many later authors, including Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich), Norman Vincent Peale (The Power of Positive Thinking), Dale Carnegie (How to Win Friends and Influence People), and even contemporary figures like Tony Robbins. Marden's emphasis on positive thinking, self-reliance, and the power of desire laid the groundwork for the entire genre. He introduced the idea that success wasn't just for the privileged—it was available to anyone willing to develop character, set goals, and persist through obstacles. His belief in the connection between spirituality and success also influenced later motivational teachings that blend personal growth with faith or universal principles. Through his writings and as the founder of Success Magazine, Marden helped shape the tone and structure of motivational literature: uplifting stories, actionable steps, and the central idea that you can change your life by changing your thoughts.


How to Get What You Want by Orison Swett Marden is a powerful self-help book that offers timeless wisdom on how individuals can shape their lives through desire, faith, persistence, and self-discipline. Marden, founder of Success Magazine and one of the pioneers of the modern self-improvement movement, presents a compelling philosophy: that our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes create the conditions of our lives. This book isn't just about material success—though Marden certainly encourages abundance and prosperity—it’s about attaining your highest potential, mastering your inner world, and developing the spiritual and mental tools to achieve a fulfilling, purpose-driven life. 

Here’s a breakdown of each chapter, offering insight into the core lessons Marden shares:  

Chapter I – Something Touched Him
This opening chapter tells the story of personal awakening. Marden describes the moment when someone feels the stirrings of a greater destiny—the "touch" that signals they are meant for more than mediocrity. It’s about recognizing the desire for change and realizing that life doesn't have to be confined by past limitations. That inner spark, once lit, becomes the driving force for transformation. Marden emphasizes that every great achievement starts with this subtle inner prompting. 

Chapter II – How to Get What You Want
Here, Marden lays out his foundational principle: knowing what you want and going after it with all your might. He insists that success requires clarity of purpose, an unwavering belief in one’s goal, and the courage to act. Wanting something vaguely isn't enough—one must really want it, focus on it, and be willing to pay the price in effort and discipline. He also addresses common mental blocks and doubts that keep people from taking action. 

Chapter III – Playing the Glad Game
Borrowed from the philosophy of Pollyanna, the “Glad Game” is about choosing optimism in every circumstance. Marden explains how maintaining a positive attitude, even in hardship, builds resilience and attracts good outcomes. He urges readers to train themselves to see the silver lining, because attitude shapes not just mood, but opportunity. This chapter is a lesson in mental discipline and the power of perspective. 

Chapter IV – Discouragement a Disease—How to Cure It
Discouragement, Marden says, is like a spiritual and emotional disease that infects ambition. In this chapter, he explores its causes—fear, failure, comparison, fatigue—and offers ways to overcome it. He encourages mental hygiene: feeding the mind with uplifting thoughts, surrounding oneself with positive influences, and never allowing a temporary setback to define your self-worth. The cure lies in faith, persistence, and rekindling your purpose. 

Chapter V – The Force That Moves Mountains
This chapter delves into the incredible power of belief and willpower. Marden likens faith—especially self-faith—to a force of nature capable of moving mountains of doubt, fear, and limitation. Drawing from real-life examples, he shows how individuals with strong inner conviction often achieve what seems impossible. The key, he says, is to act as if success is inevitable and to persist with courage even when there's no visible evidence of progress. 

Chapter VI – Fear and Dreads
Fear is the great paralyzer, and Marden treats it as a thief that steals opportunity and joy. This chapter is a deep dive into the psychology of fear—how it's often irrational, how it distorts perception, and how it shrinks one’s life. Marden offers techniques for conquering fear, including exposure, visualization, prayer, and affirmations. Letting go of fear, he insists, frees energy and creativity needed to reach your goals. 

Chapter VII – How to Find Oneself
Many people drift through life without a strong sense of who they are. In this chapter, Marden discusses the importance of self-discovery and authenticity. Finding oneself means identifying your passions, talents, values, and unique contributions to the world. He urges readers to silence external noise and tune into the inner voice that knows what they are meant to do. This self-awareness is the foundation of both happiness and achievement. 

Chapter VIII – How to Attract Prosperity
Prosperity, according to Marden, is not merely financial—it’s a state of being that includes health, relationships, opportunity, and peace of mind. He outlines the spiritual and practical principles that attract abundance: gratitude, generosity, focus, and expectation. Marden stresses that prosperity follows those who feel deserving of it and who prepare their minds and environments for its arrival. 

Chapter IX – Thinking It Over
This reflective chapter emphasizes the power of introspection. Marden advocates for regularly taking time to evaluate your progress, realign your goals, and adjust your mindset. "Thinking it over" helps clarify purpose, prevent burnout, and ensure you’re on the right track. He encourages journaling, solitude, and quiet thinking as tools for deep personal growth. 

Chapter X – Heart-to-Heart Talks with Yourself
In this personal and candid chapter, Marden suggests having honest conversations with yourself as a method for self-guidance and encouragement. He describes this as a kind of self-coaching—a way to boost confidence, reframe challenges, and motivate action. These “heart-to-heart talks” are moments of truth where you confront doubts, celebrate progress, and recommit to your path. 

Chapter XI – Our Partnership with God
The final chapter ties Marden’s philosophy together with a spiritual foundation. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing a higher power as a partner in your journey. Whether one’s concept of God is religious or more universal, Marden urges readers to develop trust in divine support, to pray or meditate for guidance, and to live with integrity and purpose. Success, he suggests, is not just a personal pursuit—it’s a spiritual calling.

Conclusion:
How to Get What You Want is more than a guide to personal success—it's a roadmap for inner mastery and purposeful living. Orison Swett Marden blends motivational insight with deep spiritual wisdom, making this book as relevant today as it was when first published. Each chapter builds on the last, offering readers not just inspiration, but a clear, actionable path toward becoming the best version of themselves. Whether you're seeking clarity, confidence, prosperity, or peace, Marden’s timeless advice serves as a compass to help you navigate life’s challenges and realize your full potential.  

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