Vaidya Kalpana Sukhdas, Assistant Professor (vaidyakalpana@gmail.com) Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s College of commerce, Pune

Book Review –The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David J. Schwartz is a classic self-help book that teaches how success is shaped more by mindset than by intelligence, talent, or circumstances. The central idea of the book is that thinking big—believing in your ability to succeed and aiming higher than average—leads to greater achievement in all areas of life, including career, relationships, and personal growth.
The book begins with the concept that belief creates results. It explains that when people genuinely believe they can succeed, their actions naturally align with that belief. Confidence encourages persistence, creativity, and problem-solving, while self-doubt leads to hesitation and failure. He encourages readers to build strong belief habits by replacing negative self-talk with positive, empowering thoughts and by visualizing success rather than failure.
A major section of the book focuses on eliminating excuses. It identifies common excuses such as lack of intelligence, age, poor health, or bad luck, and argues that these excuses are mental barriers rather than real limitations. He emphasizes that success does not belong only to the smartest or most talented individuals, but to those who think positively, work consistently, and refuse to limit themselves.
Another key theme is managing fear and building confidence. The author explains that fear—especially fear of failure, rejection, holds many people back. It teaches that action is the best cure for fear. By taking small but consistent steps forward, confidence grows and fear weakens. He also stresses the importance of developing a positive mental attitude, as optimism and enthusiasm influence how others respond to you.
The book highlights the importance of goal setting and visualization. It encourages readers to set clear, ambitious goals and to think beyond average expectations. Thinking big means aiming for meaningful achievements rather than settling for comfort or mediocrity. Visualization is presented as a powerful tool: when people picture themselves succeeding, they become more motivated and focused on taking action.
Leadership and success with people are also major topics. It explains that thinking big includes thinking positively about others. Successful leaders encourage, respect, and uplift the people around them rather than criticizing or belittling them. He emphasizes empathy, cooperation, and the ability to see potential in others as essential leadership qualities.
Another important lesson is the power of action. It strongly discourages procrastination and over analysis. He advises readers to act now, even if conditions are not perfect. Learning through action, making adjustments, and staying persistent are key habits of big thinkers.
Overall, The Magic of Thinking Big teaches that success is largely a product of mindset and daily habits. By believing in yourself, eliminating excuses, setting ambitious goals, maintaining a positive attitude, and taking consistent action, you can unlock greater potential and achieve a more successful and fulfilling life.

I recommend to read this book.