The Strangest Secret

The Strangest Secret is a motivational speech by Earl Nightingale, delivered in 1956. It became one of the most influential personal development recordings of all time. In this speech, Nightingale shares a simple, yet profound truth that he calls "The Strangest Secret." The secret is encapsulated in a single statement: "We become what we think about."

Here’s a full explanation of the key ideas from the speech:

1. The Core of The Strangest Secret: "We Become What We Think About"

At the heart of Nightingale’s message is the idea that our thoughts shape our lives. What we focus on, whether positive or negative, determines who we become and what we achieve. This principle suggests that the thoughts we repeatedly entertain—whether we consciously realize it or not—create our reality.

Positive or Negative Focus: If we focus on positive outcomes, success, and growth, we tend to attract those things. Conversely, if we focus on fear, doubt, and negativity, those tend to dominate our lives. The key takeaway is that our inner thoughts have the power to manifest in the external world.
The Power of the Subconscious Mind: Nightingale explains that the subconscious mind works like a fertile field—it accepts any seed (thought) and works on it to bring it to fruition. Therefore, nurturing positive, goal-oriented thoughts will lead to positive results, while negative thinking can lead to failure or stagnation.

2. The Law of Attraction and Thought's Power

Although Nightingale doesn't explicitly use the term "Law of Attraction", the concept aligns with the core of his message. The Law of Attraction suggests that like attracts like: if we think positively, we attract positive circumstances, people, and opportunities.

Focus and Intentionality: Nightingale encourages listeners to focus their thoughts on specific goals or dreams. By doing so, they send a clear message to their subconscious mind and begin aligning their actions toward these goals.
Energy and Vibrations: When we think positively and act with intention, we radiate positive energy. This, according to Nightingale, not only influences our own actions but also attracts like-minded individuals and opportunities that support our success.

3. The Importance of Goal Setting

Nightingale emphasizes the need for setting specific, clear goals in life. He argues that most people live in a "drifting" state, lacking direction or a clear vision for their future. These individuals are unlikely to achieve success or happiness because they don’t have anything specific to focus their thoughts on.

Clear, Definite Goals: Successful people, according to Nightingale, have clear, well-defined goals. They know what they want and maintain a consistent mental focus on achieving it. This clarity in thought and purpose leads them to success.
Written Goals: Nightingale recommends writing down goals and making a firm commitment to them. Writing goals down helps solidify them in your mind, and it also gives you a visual reminder of your purpose, which fuels your efforts.

4. Taking Responsibility for Your Life

One of the central ideas in The Strangest Secret is personal responsibility. Nightingale asserts that we are the sum of our thoughts and actions, and therefore, we are responsible for the outcomes in our lives.

Taking Control of Your Thoughts: If you want to change your life, you must first change your thoughts. Nightingale argues that the majority of people don’t realize the incredible power they have over their own lives. By consciously choosing positive, empowering thoughts, individuals can reshape their future.
Acting on Goals: It’s not enough to just think about success or imagine achieving your goals; action is essential. Nightingale emphasizes that we must act consistently toward our goals to make them a reality.

5. The Power of Persistence and Discipline

Nightingale talks about the importance of persistence and discipline in achieving success. Success is not typically achieved overnight—it requires consistent effort and focus.

Daily Actions Toward Your Goals: By taking small, consistent steps every day, you move closer to your goals. Even when faced with obstacles, the key is persistence. Over time, the compounded effort will lead to the desired result.
Overcoming Self-Doubt: One of the biggest barriers to success is self-doubt. Many people are quick to give up on their dreams when faced with challenges. Nightingale encourages individuals to develop the mental discipline to keep going, despite setbacks.

6. The Importance of Attitude

Nightingale stresses that attitude is everything. The way we think about situations, people, and ourselves has a huge impact on our results.

Positive Thinking: Adopting a positive attitude is one of the most important factors in achieving success. A positive attitude keeps you motivated, helps you overcome challenges, and allows you to see opportunities where others see obstacles.
Gratitude: Being grateful for what you have and focusing on the positives in your life not only helps you maintain a good attitude but also attracts more positive experiences.

7. The Strangest Secret: Practical Application

Nightingale encourages listeners to take specific, practical steps to apply "The Strangest Secret" to their lives:

Write down your goals. This is the first step in turning your thoughts into reality.
Devote 30 minutes each day to thinking about your goals and what you need to do to achieve them. This focused time helps strengthen your commitment and vision.
Create a plan and take consistent action. Break down your larger goals into smaller, achievable steps and take action every day, no matter how small.
Visualize your success. Picture yourself already achieving your goals, and use that mental image to fuel your motivation.
Cultivate a positive attitude and mindset. Focus on the positive aspects of your journey and be grateful for every small achievement along the way.

8. The Power of Positive Self-Talk

Nightingale also highlights the importance of positive self-talk, affirmations, and visualization in reinforcing the belief that you are capable of achieving your dreams.

Affirmations: Regularly repeating positive statements about yourself, such as "I am successful" or "I am capable," can help align your thoughts with your goals and create a sense of self-belief.
Visualization: The act of vividly imagining the success you desire helps to make it feel more real, strengthening your commitment to achieving it.

9. Conclusion: Taking the Secret Seriously

At the end of the speech, Nightingale challenges listeners to apply The Strangest Secret to their lives. He encourages them to make a commitment to their goals, focus their thoughts, and take action. He assures them that by doing so, they will experience personal and professional success.

Summary of Key Points:

The Strangest Secret is: "We become what we think about."
Focus on positive, empowering thoughts to attract success and opportunities.
Set clear, written goals and take consistent action toward achieving them.
Take personal responsibility for your life and results.
Develop a positive attitude and cultivate a mindset of gratitude and possibility.
Persist in your efforts—success requires consistent action and overcoming obstacles.

The Strangest Secret is ultimately about the power of our thoughts and how they shape the reality we experience. By consciously focusing on our goals, thinking positively, and taking disciplined action, we can create the life we desire.

The Strangest Secret