How To Get What You Want - 2. HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT - Orison Swett Marden (1917) - HQ Full Book.

In the second chapter of How to Get What You Want, titled “How to Get What You Want,” Orison Swett Marden delves into the foundational principles that govern success and personal fulfillment. As a pioneering voice in the New Thought movement and a staunch advocate for self-reliance, Marden presents a compelling argument for the power of desire, determination, and disciplined thought as the cornerstones of achievement. This chapter serves as both an inspiring call to action and a practical manual for anyone seeking to improve their circumstances and realize their dreams.  
Marden begins by asserting that the power to get what one wants lies within the individual. He emphasizes that success is not a matter of luck, external conditions, or mere chance. Rather, it is the natural outcome of focused effort and unwavering belief. According to Marden, every individual is endowed with an inner force—a creative energy—that, when directed with purpose and conviction, can reshape their destiny. He likens the mind to a magnet that attracts the conditions it habitually dwells upon. If a person consistently thinks about success, prosperity, and growth, those very things are drawn to them. Conversely, negative thinking repels opportunity and success.  

A central theme of this chapter is the clarity of desire. Marden insists that to get what you want, you must first know what you want. Vague wishes or half-hearted ambitions are not enough. The individual must have a definite, specific goal, a burning desire that becomes the central focus of their thoughts and actions. Without this clarity, the mind is scattered and powerless. He argues that most people fail not because they lack ability, but because they never fully commit to a single aim. They drift through life, reacting to circumstances instead of shaping them.  

Once a definite goal is established, Marden emphasizes the necessity of faith. Faith, in this context, is not merely religious—it is an unshakable belief in one’s ability to attain what one desires. This belief must be so strong that it excludes all doubt. Marden quotes various successful figures to reinforce this idea, highlighting how their belief in themselves and in the rightness of their purpose allowed them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Faith acts as a driving force; it keeps the individual going when external encouragement is absent and energizes them in the face of setbacks.  

In addition to desire and faith, action plays a vital role in Marden’s formula for getting what you want. He warns against the trap of mere wishful thinking, a passive state in which one dreams of success without taking the necessary steps to achieve it. The universe, he says, responds to action. Even the strongest desire and deepest faith are futile if not followed by persistent, intelligent effort. Marden encourages readers to start where they are, use what they have, and keep moving forward. Action breeds momentum, and momentum attracts opportunity. A particularly striking part of the chapter is Marden’s discussion of persistence. He points out that most people give up too soon. They encounter difficulty, meet with initial failure, or face discouragement, and they abandon their goal. Marden sees this as a tragic waste of potential. True success, he argues, often lies just beyond the point where most people quit. Persistence is what separates those who merely wish for success from those who attain it. He tells readers that if their desire is strong enough and their purpose is clear, no failure is final—only quitting is.  

Another essential idea in this chapter is the importance of self-discipline. Marden explains that to achieve a great goal, one must often sacrifice immediate pleasure for long-term gain. This involves controlling impulses, eliminating distractions, and maintaining focus. Discipline allows individuals to align their daily habits with their overarching goal, ensuring that their energy is not wasted on trivialities. Marden likens discipline to the rudder of a ship: without it, even the most powerful vessel will drift aimlessly.  

Throughout the chapter, Marden also underscores the role of imagination. He believes that the mind’s creative power is one of the most overlooked keys to success. By vividly imagining the life they want to live, individuals create a mental blueprint that guides their subconscious mind and inspires action. Imagination, when combined with belief and effort, becomes a potent tool for transformation. Marden advises readers to frequently picture themselves as already in possession of what they desire—to see it, feel it, and act as if it is already theirs. This mental rehearsal, he explains, conditions the mind to recognize and seize real-world opportunities that align with the envisioned goal.  

In closing, Marden reiterates that getting what you want is not a mysterious or magical process—it is a practical and accessible path for anyone willing to discipline their mind, focus their desire, believe in their ability, and take persistent action. He leaves the reader with a sense of empowerment, urging them to break free from limitation and to realize that their potential is boundless. Marden’s message is timeless: we are the architects of our own lives, and with clarity, belief, and effort, we can build anything we truly want.  

In summary, Chapter 2 of How to Get What You Want serves as a powerful blueprint for personal development and achievement. It distills profound truths into accessible guidance, offering readers a step-by-step approach to claiming their desires and forging their own path. Whether one is striving for financial success, personal growth, or the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, Marden’s wisdom remains relevant and inspiring, more than a century after it was first penned. His unwavering optimism and belief in human potential continue to light the way for those determined to get what they want out of life.    

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