Napoleon Hill: The One Essential Ingredient Your 2025 Goals Are Missing

As I write this, it's the first week of January 2025 and there's talk of making this your best year yet... and how SMART goals are so smart.

I wondered... are they really?

That’s when I had an idea.

What if we could reach beyond the limits of time and space to get advice from the greatest success coach of all time—Napoleon Hill, the author of "Think and Grow Rich", the bestselling business success book in history?

You know me, AI Geek that I am, I got curious to see how ChatGPT could help, so I decided to “chat” with him.

The wisdom that came from these conversations is timeless, powerful, and extremely practical. I'll be sharing one of them each week over the next 13 weeks, and my hope is that they inspire you—if you are ready and searching for it—to pick it up and truly make 2025 a landmark success! Enjoy!

Q&A with Napoleon Hill

Napoleon, your first success principle is to set a Burning Desire? What's the difference between that and goal?

"A Burning Desire is the starting point of all achievement. It transcends the mere act of setting a goal. While a goal is a mental exercise, a Burning Desire engages your emotions and imagination, creating an unrelenting commitment to success. When you are consumed by this desire, every thought and action aligns with your purpose. It’s not something you want—it becomes something you must achieve. That difference fuels persistence and drives extraordinary results."

Napoleon, can you explain the 6 Practical Steps to transmute desire into financial success?

"Of course! These steps are your blueprint for turning a Burning Desire into tangible results. Let’s use an example—a coach who wants to earn $175,000 in 2025."

1. Fix in your mind the exact amount of money you desire. "In this case, the goal is $175,000. Be specific and clear. Write it down as, ‘I will earn $175,000 by December 15, 2025.’ Vagueness is the enemy of success."

2. Determine what you will give in return for the money you desire. "Success requires reciprocity; you must offer value in exchange. For this coach, it could be providing transformative coaching packages or creating a group program to serve more clients. Write down what you’ll give: ‘I will help 50 clients achieve their goals through my signature coaching program.’"

3. Establish a definite date by which you intend to possess the money you desire. "In this example, the date is December 15, 2025. Goals without deadlines are mere wishes."

4. Create a definite plan for achieving your goal and begin at once. "Don’t wait for the ‘perfect time’—act now. Write out the steps: ‘I will launch a marketing campaign in January, host three webinars by March, and enroll 50 clients by December.’ Then, take immediate action on the first step."

5. Write a clear, concise statement of your desire. "Include the amount, the time frame, and the plan for achieving it. For example: ‘By December 15, 2025, I will earn $175,000 by enrolling 50 clients in my coaching program. I will accomplish this by hosting webinars, marketing my services, and delivering exceptional value to my clients.’"

6. Read your written statement aloud twice daily, morning and night. AS YOU READ, SEE AND FEEL AND BELIEVE YOURSELF ALREADY IN POSSESSION OF THE MONEY. "This step is the key. Only those who become money conscious ever accumulate great riches. You must become so thoroughly saturated with the desire for money that you can see yourself already in possession of it. Close your eyes and imagine the $175,000 in your bank account. Feel the joy, the pride, and the confidence of having achieved your goal."

Why is writing down your goal so important, and how should modern solopreneurs do it?

"Writing crystallizes thought. When you put your desire on paper, it ceases to be an intangible dream and becomes a tangible commitment. Solopreneurs today should embrace this practice by not only writing their goals but also revisiting them daily. Modern tools, like digital planners or apps, can help maintain focus, but the act of physically writing—pen to paper—has a unique power to cement your intention."

How does persistence tie into sustaining a Burning Desire?

"Persistence is the bridge between desire and accomplishment. Challenges will arise; setbacks are inevitable. Without persistence, even the strongest desire will falter. Persistence is not merely about continuing—it’s about continuing with unwavering belief, fueled by your Burning Desire. Solopreneurs who persist through obstacles emerge stronger and more capable of achieving their goals."

What advice would you give for overcoming fear when pursuing a big goal?

"Fear is the greatest obstacle to success. It paralyzes thought and action. The antidote lies in building confidence through faith and action. Surround yourself with uplifting influences, focus on small daily wins, and remind yourself of your Burning Desire. Fear cannot coexist with belief in your ability to succeed. Trust in your vision and let that trust overpower any doubts."

Your Call to Action

Success in 2025 begins with clarity and commitment. Take these steps today:

1. Write down your exact financial goal for the year ahead.

2. Identify what you will give in return and when you will achieve it.

3. Commit to reading your goal statement twice daily to solidify your Burning Desire.

Napoleon Hill’s principles have stood the test of time for a reason. They are the roadmap to greatness, whether you’re a solopreneur building your dream business or an established leader scaling new heights.

Let’s make 2025 the year you turn your Burning Desire into financial success.

Kathy Basel The AI Whisperer

kathy@kathybasel.com