HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT: Timeless Guide to Success and Personal Power - Orison Swett Marden (1917)

(00:00:00) 1. SOMETHING TOUCHED HIM (00:24:58) 2. HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT (01:07:27) 3. PLAYING THE GLAD GAME (01:36:45) 4. DISCOURAGEMENT A DISEASE - HOW TO CURE IT (02:07:44) 5. THE FORCE THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS (02:48:22) 6. FAITH AND DRUGS (03:24:52) 7. HOW TO FIND ONESELF (03:55:46) 8. HOW TO ATTRACT PROSPERITY (04:30:05) 9. THINKING ALL OVER (05:09:27) 10. HEART-TO-HEART TALKS WITH YOURSELF (05:45:33) 11. OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD 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 an